Music
Press
Chicago-based rap star R.P.M., Called the 'Kanye West of Latin Hip-Hop,' Lands Title Track in Major Hollywood Film and Readies Album for Summer 2009
Puerto Rican/Mexican Chicago native R.P.M. is out to carve his own niche in the rap game. The artist and entrepreneur has been a key player in the Latin hip-hop movement since the beginning of the millennium. N
R.P.M. began using music as an escape from the violent reality in his community. At an early age, R.P.M. decided that he wanted to take a different path and not become entrenched in gangs and violence like many of his family and friends. At the age of 17, R.P.M. was shaken by the death of his cousin and decided that, despite steering clear of trouble, he needed a way out.
R.P.M., whose real name is Enrique Ruiz, has partnered with entrepreneur and businessman Jim Finkl to start the Chicago-based music company, Starr E Music. The label serves as a positive symbol that goals can be reached through hard work and an optimistic message.
"Latin hip-hop is the new urban culture," said P. Miller (formerly Master P). "I fully support R.P.M. He owns his own company and has that '1999 Ice Cream Man Hustle.' His music is hot, it has meaning, and crosses cultural divides. With the economy in a slump, he's finding new and creative ways to be heard while retaining his independence. He's truly the king of Latin hip-hop."
Latin hip-hop first surfaced in the mainstream with the crossover genre Reggaeton. The mixture of rapping in both English and Spanish layered among R&B and reggae beats proved wildly popular and has given way to a new style of Latin hip-hop made popular by R.P.M, Daddy Yankee, and Pitbull.
R.P.M. recently scored a key placement with the title track in the upcoming film "Little Mailman" starring Tony Cox. Additionally, R.P.M. landed an endorsement deal with PeopleFirstCard.com to promote their line of prepaid card products. R.P.M. also supports the brave men and women of the armed forces and will be donating a portion of sales to a special fund for them and their families.
Following a national tour, R.P.M.'s debut album, "Time 4 Change," will be released in summer 2009 on Starr E Music.
For more information:
http://www.starremusic.com
- Master P aka Percy Miller blog
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Before Race Day On Race Day
Jennifer Jo Cobb Amy Johnson
a.johnson_pr@sbcglobal.net
Cobb, Cope Unite to Race for Chicago Business and Entertainment Entities
In ARCA Chicagoland 200
Joliet, ILL (September 2, 2008) – Jennifer Jo Cobb and Amber Cope will compete for Derrike Cope, Inc., under the direction of Rick Markle Racing in this Saturday’s ARCA Re/Max Series event at the Chicagoland Speedway. The drivers will be jointly sponsored by business interests of Chicago businessman, Jim Finkl.
Cobb, who also competes in select NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events and will attempt to qualify for the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at the Kansas Speedway later this month, garnered a tenth place finish at the ARCA Re/Max Series event at Chicagoland Speedway in 2004.
“This track suits my driving style and I am looking forward to being back in the ARCA Re/Max Series and particularly back at the Chicagoland Speedway,” said Cobb. “My crew chief (Rick Markle) and I have been discussing the fact that a win is within reach so we have been focused on finishing up front and representing our sponsors well in their hometown.”
Cobb’s primary sponsor is Better Black TV(BBTV), a family friendly network geared toward African - and multi-ethnic - Americans. The network is headed up by Percy Miller (aka “Master P”) and is a collaboration of many notables in the entertainment community. “Advertising in auto racing with female drivers allows us a unique marketing vehicle and an opportunity to reach a new and diverse audience,” said Finkl. “We’re always looking to do the ‘next right thing’ and I am excited for what the future holds for Jennifer and for BBTV.”
Cope’s primary sponsor is Starr E Music, and up and coming artist, Enrique Ruiz, aka RPM, whose debut album “Respect, Power and Music” is set to be released this month. Finkl and Ruiz are partners in Starr E Music and sponsored Cobb and twin sisters, Amber and Angela Cope in the Kentucky Speedway race events July 18-19, 2008. “I’m excited about continuing our involvement with Starr E and RPM,” added Cope. “We’ve been working hard for this event and since this is Jim [Finkl] and RPM’s hometown, there is some extra pressure, but we are feeling positive about our chances for a great finish.”
Other sponsors on Cobb and Cope’s Dodge Chargers will be Finkl Enterprises and Overtown Youth Center, a Miami, Florida facility focused on empowering and enriching the lives of youth in the inner city.
- ARCA Racing
Discography
Debut album, Time 4 Change. available on ITunes
Singles: "HOPE" featuring (Konvict Music) - Now playing on Chicago's 92.3 FM (Power 92), 96.3 FM (B96), 103.5 FM (Kiss), and 107.5 FM (WGCI)
"NOW AND LATER" featuring Romeo (New No-Limit) and Detail (Konvict Muzik) - Now playing on Chicago's 92.3 FM (Power 92), 96.3 FM (B96), 103.5 FM (Kiss), and 107.5 FM (WGCI). An additional singles is "Soilders" ( tribute to U.S. troops) and its being played in several Chicago clubs including but not limited to Buzz, Stone Lotus, Y Bar, Onclave, Crenshendo, Excalibur, Zentra, Transit.
Photos
Bio
R.P.M. (a/k/a Enrique Ruiz) has all of the makings to be the next hip-hop superstar: silky flow, savvy entrepreneur, strong hustle, cool swagger and high reverence for those who have come before him. As Starr E Entertainment’s premiere artist, The Puerto Rican/Mexican Chicago native is looking to carve his own niche in the rap game. Citing Tupac Shakur, Eminem and Twista as his musical influences, R.P.M. first realized that he had a future as an MC during a seventh grade creative writing class. His assignment was to create a poem. The hip-hop crazy pre-teen asked if he could turn his poem into a rap. After putting pen to paper, the resulting rap received praise from his teacher and fellow classmates. In fact, he was asked to perform it in front of the entire school and that initial performance lit the fire that continues to burn today.
R.P.M. began using his music as an escape from the violent reality in his community. At an early age, R.P.M. decided that he wanted to take a different path and not become entrenched in gangs and violence like many of his family and friends. At the age of 17, R.P.M. was shaken by the death of his cousin and decided that despite steering clear of trouble, he needed a way out. So, with the help of a friend he started his own door-to-door business selling newspaper subscriptions. Over the course of five years R.P.M. was able to capitalize on his successful newspaper business by building a “crew” of 20 individuals. This income provided R.P.M. his own home and created the seed financing for Starr E.
Starr E became R.P.M.’s primary focus. He used it as a tool to advance his musical career and promote Chicago area artists. In 2004, R.P.M. met business entrepreneur Jim Finkl after a performance at a Latino festival in Chicago’s Humboldt Park. The two formed a strong friendship and decided to partner together to build upon Starr E’s foundation. Together, they focused on creating a record label that would serve as a positive symbol that goals can be reached through hard work and an optimistic message.
Currently, R.P.M. has released his newest single, “Now ‘n Later,” whose body bouncing beat has it primed to be an instant club hit. “Now ‘n Later” has received considerable airplay on some of Chicago’s most popular radio stations including WBBM-FM (B96), WPWX-FM (Power 92.3) and WGCI-FM (107.5). R.P.M.’s debut album, R.espect, P.ower & M.usic, which also includes “Hope,” featuring Konvict Muzik, will be released in the upcoming months. In addition to collaborating with Konvict Muzik, R.P.M. has also worked with Percy Miller (formerly known as Master P), Romeo, Detail and Boo Bay. Additionally, R.P.M. has expanded his resume with contributions to two upcoming motion picture soundtracks, The Pig People and Little Mail Man, which are both produced by Miller and Finkl. The films will be released via Vault Load Films.
Beyond business, R.P.M. has a four-year-old daughter named Arieanna, who is his musical motivation. Other business interests for R.P.M. and Starr E include sponsorship of Jennifer Jo Cobb, a NASCAR Craftsman Truck, NASCAR Nationwide and ARCA Re/Max Series driver.
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