BIG MATO

Half lyrical flow, half melodic flavor, Big Mato (Rolphy Ramirez and Leonardo Vasquez) are a rare and intoxicating mix of Latin hip-hop, R&B/merengue-infused hooks and reggaet�n rhythms. Coming up on the same streets of Lefrak City, Queens as some of hip-hop's founding emcees, such as the Beatnuts and Kool G. Rap, Big Mato offer a uniquely New York-styled, yet internationally appealing music.

In 2004, the Dominican rapper and singer gave the world a taste of their "best of both worlds" talent on the ultimate collaboration, Oye Mi Canto, headlined by N.O.R.E. and produced by the pair's longtime neighborhood friend and N.O.R.E.'s in-house beat-smith, SPK.

Monopolizing the airwaves and undeniably creating the first reggaet�n video to make the countdown on MTV's "TRL," the success of "Oye Mi Canto" was as unexpected as the musical union of Gemstar (Rolphy Ramirez) and Big Mato (Leonardo Vasquez).

Finessing their skills for more than a decade, Gemstar and Big Mato took the breakout success of "Oye Mi Canto," as their cue to hit the studio hard and ride the reggaet�n wave into the spotlight.

With the rise of reggaet�n into the mainstream, Big Mato hope to bring their Latin hip-hop sound to the same heights. Backed by heavy hitters, inspired by the streets, embraced by the underground, and blessed with versatility, Big Mato is primed for success.