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After much soul searching during his 20-month stint in the Federal Penitentiary, Kenny Kingpin (formally know as Poppa L.Q.) is ready to resurrect West Coast rap, not only by making hit records with his clever rhymes and polished delivery, but by creating his own movement with Po No Mo Entrainment. Kenney Kingpin founded Po No Mo Entertainment to take other artists under his wing, in order to educate them about the music business and enhance their musical abilities, empowering them with the tools needed to succeed in the entertainment business.
The South Central native made his debut under the alias, Laquan, and released his first album, Notes of a Native Son, under Island Records. He received help from Bell Biv DeVoe collaborators Richard Wolf (producer) and Bret “Epic” Mazur (Crazy Town). The album produced the hit single, “Now’s the B-Turn,” featuring Ricky Bell of Bell Biv DeVoe. The song hit the Billboard charts at number 48, which is an extraordinary accomplishment for any new artist in the Rap/Hip-Hop genre.
Relentless hard work in the studio, and momentum from his first album, landed him a deal with Rap-A-Lot Records West (Virgin) under the new alias, Poppa L.Q. His second album, Your Entertainment, My Reality, debuted to rave reviews making Billboard’s top 100. The song, “Why Hate Me,” an instant hit, helped build his following in underground Hip Hop.
Breaking down barriers with his first two albums, Poppa L.Q. (Kenny Kingpin) teamed up with The Luniz, Mad Max, and Phat Bossi on the street anthem, “Killaz on the Payroll,” which was on The Luniz second album, Lunitik Muzik. This collaboration lead to the forming of “The Regime,” founded by Yukmouth, Poppa L.Q.(Kenny Kingpin), Dru Down, Gonzone, Tech9, Mad Maxx, and Phat Bossi.
His collaboration with Cool Nutz on a track called, “Harsh Game for the People,” bought more success. The project led to the creation of the group D.B.A (Doing Business As…) with Cool Nutz and producer Bosko. The group signed with Universal and released, The Album, making noise with the hit track, “Fa Shiesty Cats,” featuring Kurupt and WC. Other artist, such as, E-40, B.G, AMG, and Ras Kass were also featured on the album. D.B.A.’s success was diminished due to the incarceration of Poppa L.Q. (Kenny Kingpin) at the end of 2000.
During his incarceration a pre-recorded collaboration with fellow Regime member, Yukmouth, “Regime Killers 2001,” was release on Yukmouth’s, Thug Lord: New Testament album. This was a follow-up to the underground anthem, “Killers on the Payroll.” Later that year, Poppa L.Q. (Kenny Kingpin) appeared on another pre-recorded track, “Lost Angels in the Sky,” with Kokane. The track was later featured on the, Bones Soundtrack, a Snoop Dogg Record/Soundtrack.
In February 2003, Poppa L.Q. was released and decided to go back to his roots. With his new beginning came his new alias, Kenny Kingpin, given to him by legendary artist, “The King of Slang,” E-40. He teamed up Yukmouth and The Regime once again on two mixtapes, All Out War, Vol.1 and Vol.2. Kenny Kingpin opened eyes and ears with his songs, “Turn It Up,” produced by Hi-Tek, “I’m Bigger Than That,” off vol.1, and “Datz Da Bizznezz,” off the vol.2 album. Kenny Kingpin also hooked-up with his old group D.B.A and did the song, “Walktadis,” which made the album E-40 and Bosko Presents: “That Fire,” building anticipation for his solo mixtape, Escape From Poverty: Supa Size Yo Hustle, hosted by DJ Dow Jones of the Cail Untouchables. The mixtape will feature heavy hitters like Snoop Dogg, E-40, Yukmouth, and others.
Armed with his new name, company, and outlook on life, Kenney Kingpin is ready to step his game up and be recognized as one of the most skilled M.C.’s and executives of our generation.
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