Don Valentino was born in Manhattan, New York. Valentino has been rapping underground in the pursuit to furfill his childhood dreams. In 1961, Valentino's parents decided to leave the Dominican Republic and they settled in New York City the Uptown area (Washington Heights) to be exact. He is one of four siblings. At the age of 8 he took interests in the Hip-Hop culture and began writing lyrics when he was 17. Years later, he and his producer and best friend KP The Specialist then gathered several local artists in Washington Heights to create The Cartel. Along with Gres, Toast,The Forteller, and Inoa. "We were like brothers", Valentino remembers sharply. They grew up together and had eachother's backs as they expressed their hunger through their music and tried to put Washington Heights on the map. Together they made two underground hardcore rap albums and took off from there. They did shows and appeared on Manhattan public access channels several times. Valentino displayed his lyrical skills in many songs. One being "The Hitlist" in thier most memorable album The Untouchable Cartel released in 1998. This song featured group member Inoa another lyrical genius and a special appearance by Irma G, the Cartel's first lady. He also displayed his raw lyricism in "The Retaliation" also on the same album. In 2000, the group unexpectedly broke up due to each member having made different decisions to continue on each one's ambitions. He then decided to launch his solo career. Having taken a long time off the rap scene he's now focused and ready to give it another shot. With the ability to write both English and Spanish. He brings interests to two worlds of music. (Hip-Hop and Reggaeton). Get ready New York for a new latin rapping storyteller with much swagger and creativeness. While still kepping it true to Washington Heights! Let's sit back and relax while we watch this artist take music to another level with his goal to become a well known and respected superstar of Hip-Hop and Reggaeton.
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