CHICAGO, IL -- (Marketwire) -- 01/06/09 -- 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. News site Latin MediaOne covers Latin entertainment and is currently featuring R.P.M.

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

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