"""El Filosofo,"" otherwise known as Vico C, has been recognized as one of the founders of Latin hip-hop music. Luis Armando Lozada Cruz was born September 8, 1971 in Brooklyn, New York before his family moved to Puerto Rico in the Puertra de Tierra sector of San Juan. Young Vico, as his parents called him, joined the Teatro Pobre de America at 10 years old, just as the break dance movement was hitting the airwaves.By the end of the ‘80s, Vico C was launching his own career, perfecting his skills as not only a rapper but also in the production arena, where he worked with Latin artists like Lisa M (""El Pum Pum"") and Francheska (""Menealo""). Also at this time his independently released album La Recta Final turned him into Puerto Rico's go-to rapper, as he performed at local clubs and parties. Before long he saw his title track become a rapper's anthem and saw two tracks from the album, ""Saborealo"" and ""Maria,"" go gold and platinum.In the early ‘90s Vico C started working with Jossie Esteban for solo singles while starting his own VC Records that allowed him to debut artists like Lizzi Estrella, Taino and Porto Latino. By the time his third album appeared, Vico C was making connections in the US. Aquel Que Habia Muerto sold 300,000 copies in the US as Vico C signed with EMI Latin and moved to Florida. After two more albums and a Grammy win, Vico C took a turn toward another direction. After a near-fatal motorcycle accident, he became addicted to heroin, cocaine and alcohol, falling into a deep depression and immobilizing his live performance for some time. When he returned to the spotlight it was with new insights on the world, and 1998's album made him a superstar."