Kevin Winston Rudolf (born February 17, 1983) is an American musician, singer-songwriter and music producer. Born and raised in New York City, New York, Rudolf began writing songs at a young age. He has written, or co-written every song on each of his albums, as well as writing and producing songs for many of the most popular artists of the era. In 2004, Rudolf spent time in Miami working alongside famed producer Timbaland, on songs by Justin Timberlake, The Black-Eyed Peas and Nelly Furtado, among others. He enjoyed his time in Miami, and would later make it his home. His first single, "Let it Rock", did well commercially, achieving multi-platinum status, with sales of over 4 million copies. The lyrics dealt with Rudolf's personal triumph and determination in the face of hardship. A second single, "I Made It", also achieved platinum status, with sales exceeding one million. He has won the influential Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) Pop Music award three times for his songwriting, producing and performing.
Rudolf's songs are known to "cross genres," combining rock and hip hop. He has commented that, while his roots are in rock music, he is open to other influences. "I'm not much of a fan of rap/rock at all. But to make rock music now without realizing the influence hip-hop has had in music is not authentic either." His rock/hip hop anthem, Let it Rock, featuring rapper Lil Wayne, has sold over 4 million copies, and hit the top 10 in countries including the United States, UK, Germany, Canada and Australia.