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Karen Hinojosa (born June 14, 1989), known professionally as Karen Rubyn, is a Mexican/American singer, songwriter, rapper, contemporary recording artist, and entrepreneur. Her unconventional and provocative style is influenced by her life and the overcoming of struggles about her sexuality. Karen’s musical career was partially the result of her ability to connect with Music 180, an artist development company who offered her the opportunity to work with Damon Elliott at legendary recording studio the Village Recorder. After submitting a video for her song “Shinnin” made with Marcelo Cantu, music producer Luke Ebbin and entertainment attorney and advisor Eric Galen reached out to discuss her music. She has worked with production company Kill Rich Inc., Alex Cantrell of 3 AM Entertainment, Mark Batson, public relations specialist Jane Owens, and choreographer Davis Rahal. After collaborating on music with other artists, such as Heather Holley, her first EP is entitled “The PNKy Chronicles.”

Early Life
Karen Rubyn was born in Mexico, and grew up in Ciudad Miguel Aleman, Tamaulipas with her family, including three brothers. Her grandfather was a celebrated regional Mariachi, and he and other family members introduced Karen to musical performance at the age of seven, singing Mexican regional music. When Karen was twelve, her family moved to South Texas and began the process for legal residency in the United States. Her early years from a traditional Mexican background caused her some struggle, as she began questioning her sexuality at a young age despite the cultural resistance she saw. After worrying her mother by dressing boyishly, Karen was sent to etiquette school, where instead of experiencing the personal change presumably hoped for, she learned to embrace both her sexuality and her feminine side. While Karen was in meetings regarding recording her music, she learned that while her family’s immigration status had been secured, she was not included, as she had become of legal age since the process began. WIth great sacrifice from her family, she was able to hire an attorney and secure her own immigration status, freeing her to work on her career.

Professional Career
While living in McAllen, TX, Karen Rubyn connected with some local musicians and began working on demo recordings. After letting photographer Marcelo Cantu listen to her music, the two collaborated on a music video, which became the catalyst for her future in recording. Her early recordings include singles titled “Out of My Way,” “In Ur Head,” “D.T.N.A.,” and the aforementioned “Shinnin.” Her EP Nasty features songs “Hello Pretty,” “Keep the Drinks Comin,” and “Too Late 4 Wishes,” as well as the title track. She maintains all creative control over her music. Karen has also been featured in press coverage because of her unique style and her connections to a variety of artists and performers.

Music
Nasty Hello Pretty Keep the Drinks Comin Too Late 4 Wishes Out of My Way In Ur Head D.T.N.A. Shinnin