RNR

Brooklyn rapper RNR is on a mission: to re-establish the legacy started by the late great Big Pun. Yet, despite comparisons to his predecessor, this Latino MC is destined to become a legend in his own right and of his own merit. Raised in the middle class neighborhood of Park Slope, RNR's story is only slightly different from that of other Brooklyn rappers. What brought him to the developing affluence of Park Slope was a single mother determined not to lose her son to the streets. Yet while his mother pulled extra shifts working retail to make ends meet, RNR dreamed of living the lifestyle of Hip-Hop superstars like Jay-Z, Biggie Smallz, Nas and DMX. While patterning his budding talent as an artist behind those same men, he turned to the streets to speed up his path to the lifestyle he saw portrayed in the videos. By the age of 14, RNR was leaving his neighborhood for rougher Brooklyn streets, following in the footsteps of the older drug dealers who had accepted him as one of their own. Four years later, he began taking out of town trips to counter the financial effects of the level of competition. By 22, he was a convicted felon, serving two years in a Connecticut jail on armed robbery charges. But the stint in jail wasn't enough to dissuade the hustler's mentality RNR had adapted. Eight months after his release in 2000, the youngster found himself back in prison, this time on drug and firearm charges.

Though he is not proud of his past, RNR recognizes the mistakes he made as a young man as the catalyst to discovering his true calling. During his last four-year bid, he honed his skills, determined never again to fall victim to the streets or the system. Upon his release on parole in 2004, RNR started laying the foundation for an illustrious career. With his debt to society completely paid as of 2008, he is now ready to present the world with his brand of Hip-Hop. He is currently putting the finishing touches on a new mixtape project, hosted by DJ Rob-E-Rob. The project features two new songs which are a testament to the hard work RNR has put in since his release: “Over” featuring Kool G Rap and “Royalty” featuring Kimani Marley; both artists who understand the meaning and importance of legacy. Drawing from his heritage and the lessons learned through his life experience, RNR is rapidly becoming the new voice of N.Y.C.