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. with 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 and Later,” whose body bouncing beat has it primed to be an instant club hit. “Now and 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, Time 4 Change, which also includes the single “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 Mailman, 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.