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The American rapper Down A.K.A. Kilo is a first-generation Mexican whose parents settled in Oxnard, California. Born Juan Martinez in 1985, the rapper cites Cypress Hill and N.W.A. as artists who fostered his early interest in rap and hip-hop as he began performing at the age of 13. He released his debut album at the age of 18 titled 'California Cowboyz' (2003), but the album achieved only moderate commercial success and it was to be another four years until the follow-up 'Definition of an Ese' (2007) brought him his first album chart placing when it reached number 70 in the US R&B charts. The lead single from the album, 'Lean Like a Cholo' (2007) fared better, entering the top 20 in the rap charts. In 2009, Martinez suffered a serious injury in a car crash and was temporarily put in a coma to aid recovery. He has since recuperated and continues to record and perform.
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