Down AKA Kilo
Birth nameJuan Jose Martinez[1]
Born1985 (age 38–39)[2]
Oxnard, California, U.S.
GenresHip hop
Occupation(s)Rapper
Years active1998-present
LabelsFamilia Records, Silent Giant, Machete, Universal
Websitewww.myspace.com/downakakilo

Juan Jose Martinez (born 1985), better known by his stage name Down AKA Kilo, is an American rapper from Oxnard, California.

Martinez was born in Oxnard; his parents were undocumented immigrants from Mexico.[2] Growing up, he listened to Cypress Hill and N.W.A and began rapping at age 13. He made his first recordings at the garage of childhood friend Edward "E-Dub" Rios, who would later become producer of the Power 106 radio show Pocos Pero Locos. He released his debut album California Cowboyz in 2003,[3] and his second album Definition of an Ese in 2007, with two singles from the album, "Lean like a Cholo" and "Definition of an Ese."

On March 28, 2009, Down was injured in a car crash at Farmington, New Mexico and put in a coma while hospitalized.[4]

Discography

Albums

Year Title Peak chart position
US R&B US Heatseekers
2003 California Cowboyz
  • Released: July 8, 2003
  • Label: Down By Law (#1300), Silent Giant (#8006)
  • Format: CD, digital download
 — —
2007 Definition of an Ese[5]
  • Released: April 10, 2007
  • Label: Silent Giant (# 880110)
  • Format: CD/DVD, digital download
 70 11

Singles

Year Title Peak chart position Album
US US Rap
2007 "Lean like a Cholo"[6] 34 15 Definition of an Ese

References

  1. ^ "LEAN LIKE A CHOLO". ASCAP. American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. Retrieved May 1, 2023.
  2. ^ a b Ben-Yehuda, Ayala (April 27, 2007). "Down aka Kilo". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 17, 2007.
  3. ^ Cordor, Cyril (2007). "Down aka Kilo Biography". allmusic. Retrieved April 17, 2011.
  4. ^ Barlow, Zeke (March 31, 2009). "Oxnard rapper injured in New Mexico crash". Ventura County Star. Retrieved September 5, 2011.
  5. ^ "The Definition of an Ese". Billboard.com. Retrieved April 17, 2011.
  6. ^ "Lean like a Cholo". Billboard.com. Retrieved April 17, 2011.
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