Early Success with No Authority
Ricky Rebel first made waves in the late 1990s as the lead vocalist of No Authority, a boy band that toured with major acts such as 98 Degrees, Destiny’s Child, Aaron Carter, and the Simpson sisters. The group was signed by Michael Jackson to his MJJ Music label under Sony, with their debut album produced by Rodney Jerkins. Later, they moved to Madonna’s Maverick label, where they released their self-titled album, which climbed to #18 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart. Their hit single, “Can I Get Your Number,” reached #33 on the Billboard Top 40 chart, and another track, “I’m Telling You This,” was featured in the Rugrats in Paris movie soundtrack.
Transition to Harlow and Expanding His Musical Reach
Following No Authority’s disbandment, Ricky took on a new role as the lead singer of Harlow from 2004 to 2009. During this period, he released the album Unstoppable, produced by Grammy-winning producer Randy Cantor and mixed at the famed NRG Studios. The project showcased his versatility and cemented his reputation as a formidable vocalist and performer.
Venturing into Film and Television
Beyond music, Ricky has an extensive background in film and television. His voice was featured in major Hollywood films, including Apollo 13 starring Tom Hanks, Anywhere But Here starring Susan Sarandon and Natalie Portman, and the animated film Anastasia. Additionally, he appeared in popular TV shows such as American Dreams, Boston Public, and Audrina on VH1. His performance talents extended to the stage as well, starring in Debbie Allen’s ballet Pepito’s Story, which premiered at the Kennedy Center.
Reinventing as Ricky Rebel and Achieving Solo Success
After starring in My Chemical Romance’s “NA NA NA” and “Sing” music videos, Ricky reinvented himself as Ricky Rebel and launched a solo career. His debut solo album, Manipulator, featured several hits, including “Geisha Dance,” “Get It On,” and the title track. The album’s music gained recognition from MTV’s Good Vibes, and in 2012, Ricky won the Artist of the Year award at the RAWards.
His second solo album, The Blue Album, featured the single “Boys & Sometimes Girls,” which reached #28 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. The album also included remixes by world-renowned DJs Hector Fonseca, Casey Alva, and Tommy Love, further establishing Ricky’s presence in the dance music scene.
Billboard Success and Critical Acclaim
Ricky continued his streak of success with the release of The New Alpha, a follow-up to The Blue Album. The album featured his Billboard Top 40 hit “If You Were My Baby (Remixes),” which included remixes by Tommie Sunshine and Hector Fonseca. The album was widely praised, landing at #67 on Louder Than War’s Top 75 Albums of 2017 list and earning a glowing review from the HuffPost, which described it as “explosive and compelling.”
Recent Projects and Film Recognition
In 2023, Ricky’s song “Time Will Tell” from his album Wild Reality was featured in the film Apocalypse Love, which won Best Animated Feature at the Golden State Film Festival. This marked another milestone in his career, further demonstrating his ability to merge music with visual storytelling.
Expanding His Influence: Radio and Award Recognition
In 2024, Ricky Rebel became a co-host on The Hollywood Rebel Report on the #1 talk NBC/CNBC News Radio station KCAA AM 1050 FM 106.5, streaming to iHeartMedia and over 30 platforms globally.
Ricky Rebel’s “Sonic Boom” music video, directed and produced by Daisuke Tarutani, made history by winning Best Music Video at the Europe Music Video Awards, making its creators the first and only Japanese team to receive this honor.
In 2025, Ricky Rebel’s Veronica was considered for two GRAMMY nominations in the Best Pop Vocal and Album of the Year categories.
A Bold Influence in the Fashion Industry
Ricky Rebel has also made a significant impact in the fashion world. As a fashion contributor to Us Weekly, he is known for his fearless and avant-garde style. He has worked with major brands such as MAC Cosmetics and collaborated with the acclaimed TOKKOU Fashion House in Japan. This year, he is set to embark on a tour across Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Tokyo, further solidifying his influence in both the music and fashion industries.
Recognition in LGBTQ Media and Streaming Platforms
As a proud advocate and member of the LGBTQ community, Ricky has gained recognition in LGBTQ media. He is signed to Revry TV, the world’s first LGBTQ-focused streaming platform, and his Revry Original Documentary Rebels Only was nominated for Best Music Documentary at the Out Web Fest Awards. His ability to authentically express his identity through music, fashion, and film has made him a role model for many.
Continuing to Push Boundaries as an Artist
Ricky Rebel remains a multifaceted entertainer who continuously pushes the boundaries of music, fashion, and performance. His dynamic career, filled with chart-topping hits, film contributions, and bold fashion statements, has cemented his status as an influential artist. With new projects and performances on the horizon, Ricky continues to redefine what it means to be a true icon in the entertainment industry.
For more on Ricky Rebel and his latest projects, visit his official website and follow him on social media:
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