The Connection Between Richard Pena and No Limit Rap Group Kane & Abel That Almost Ended Their Music Careers In 1999

In hip-hop’s long and complex history, the story of Kane & Abel intertwines music, fame, and the gritty realities of the streets. The twin brothers, Daniel and David Garcia, known as Kane & Abel, went from New York City to New Orleans in the 1990s, carving out a name for themselves on Master P’s No Limit Records. But behind the glitz of platinum-selling albums and chart-topping records, their career was shadowed by their alleged ties to New Orleans drug lord Richard Pena.

Pena, a notorious figure in the city’s underworld, was well-connected and reportedly helped finance Kane & Abel’s early recording efforts while they attended Xavier University. According to court documents and reports, when their music career stalled in the mid-1990s, the brothers found themselves indebted to Pena. From 1996 to 1997, they allegedly distributed narcotics under his operation to work off this debt.

In 1997, Pena was arrested and later convicted on federal charges. His criminal empire was linked to eight murders, cementing his legacy as one of the most feared drug kingpins in New Orleans. His downfall inevitably brought increased scrutiny to those around him—including Kane & Abel.

Despite these associations, Kane & Abel continued to thrive musically for a time. Signed to No Limit Records, their albums 7 Sins (1996) and Am I My Brother’s Keeper (1998) became underground classics, fueled by their gritty lyricism and collaborations with labelmates like Master P, Mia X, and Mac. At their peak, Am I My Brother’s Keeper sold over 250,000 copies in its first week, solidifying their place in hip-hop history.

But their connection to Pena couldn’t be ignored. In 1999, the brothers were indicted in relation to his case, ultimately serving time and facing the stigma of being tied to one of New Orleans’ most notorious underworld figures.

Even so, Kane & Abel’s story is one of resilience. After their legal troubles, they continued releasing music—including Rise to Power, Most Wanted, and The Last Ones Left—proving their determination to remain in the rap game despite the setbacks.

Today, Kane & Abel’s legacy lives on as a reminder of hip-hop’s duality: the meteoric rise that fame can bring and the hidden struggles artists often endure behind the scenes. Their relationship with Richard Pena was a cautionary tale, illustrating how deeply the streets and the industry were connected in 1990s New Orleans.