When you mention Robi Draco Rosa, the notion of a fighter doesn’t immediately come to mind. Yet, that is exactly what he’s been doing, in one form or another, his entire life. In 2013 he seemed to have won his biggest fight, the one for his life, but he continues onward.

The Puerto Rican, Robert Edward Rosa Suarez was born on June 27, 1969 in Long Island, New York. As a youngster Rosa relocated to the island with his parents. There he would rise to fame as part of the Puerto Rican boy band Menudo. As the only member of the group with a strong command of the English language, along with his natural vocal talent, Rosa was featured on the majority of their English language songs. While with Menudo Rosa met and performed with his future musical collaborator Ricky Martin. Rosa remained with the group until 1987, when he quit as a result of management’s refusal to allow him to write any of their songs. Subsequently, he spent time in Brazil and Los Angeles, expanding his musical palette and education with local artists in the regions. The soul searching would result in a few albums, the formation and disbandment of the group Maggie’s Dream and a role in his first feature film Salsa.

In the 90’s Draco continued recording solo projects, but found his niche behind the scenes. He co-wrote and co-produced a number of songs for his former band mate Ricky Martin, including his biggest hits, “Maria”, “La Copa de la Vida” and “Livin La Vida Loca.” Rosa’s reputation grew and he became a go-to producer in Latin music for artists like Ednita Nazario and Julio Iglesias. Despite success behind the boards Draco continued his solo efforts with Spanish and English language concept albums such as “Vagabundo”, “Songbirds & Roosters” and “Mad Love”, all of which garnered him various awards and critical acclaim. He had fought the boy band mold and become a formidable and respected influence in Latin music.

Outside of his music Rosa’s fighting spirit is also ever present. In 2001 he was arrested alongside Senator Luis Gutierrez, Robert Kennedy Jr. and a group of protesters for civil disobedience when they invaded the U.S. Navy’s security zone surrounding the Island of Vieques. Yet his biggest fight came in 2011 when he was diagnosed with a non-hodgkin lymphoma cancer. He would undergo treatment and remain on hiatus from music until in March 2012, when he started recording his latest album “Vida.” In May of 2013 Rosa tweeted that he was essentially cancer-free. “Vida” has churned out numerous hits including the collaboration “Mas y Mas” with Ricky Martin and won a Latin Grammy for Album of the Year in 2013. However, on December 9, 2013, Rosa’s manager confirmed that his cancer had returned, but sources believe it is a treatable and beatable. Knowing Rosa’s history, we believe its just another fight he can surely win.