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Photo Credit: Courtesy Rene Cardenas
At KIPP Texas’ KIPP University Prep, students are encouraged to dream big and pursue their passions with discipline and confidence. For senior Rene “The Kid RC3” Cardenas, that passion has been spinning records. What started at the age of 8 has evolved into a career that has taken him from school celebrations in San Antonio to streaming on SiriusXM and Twitch. He is a two-time Texas DMC Regional Champion, having won in 2023 and 2024. In 2023, he was the runner-up at the DMC USA competition, taking second place. Additionally, he is a two-time DMC USA Champion, winning titles in 2024 and 2025. Now, his journey leads him to the DMC World DJ Championships in Tokyo, Japan on October 11.
KIPP Texas is proud to support Rene as he represents not just his city and his school, but also the power of choice that drives our mission: to prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the path they choose.
1. How did you get started in DJing, and what inspired you to keep going?
Rene: My dad has been a DJ for over 35 years, so I grew up around music. I would watch him at events and live on the radio, and wanted to be like him. At first, it was just fun and an escape, but over time, I realized it could be something more. By the time I was 8, I was behind the turntables myself, and since then, I have kept learning, performing, and finding new ways to grow.
“It’s been a dream of mine to go to the World Finals event–and to represent the United States is an absolute blessing. To be able to do it with my dad is a blessing in itself.”
– Rene Cardenas
Photo Credit: Courtesy Rene Cardenas
2. How did you qualify for the DMC World Finals, and what have you learned?
Rene: DMC has always been a dream of mine. Last year, I entered my first battle with only 30 days to prepare and ended up winning first place. That led me to the U.S. Finals in New York and then to San Francisco this year. Competitions push me to improve, but they are also a mental game. I get nervous, but once I start performing, it is pure fun. Competing has taught me discipline, how to handle pressure, and how to give every audience the best experience possible.
3. How has KIPP Texas supported your journey as both a student and an artist?
Rene: My family made it clear that grades come first. If I do not have A’s or B’s, I do not touch the turntables. That has kept me focused. At KIPP, I have had amazing teachers and leaders who help me balance academics with music. The International Baccalaureate® (IB) music program has been especially important. It taught me to see music as an art form, not just a sound, pushing me to grow as a producer and performer.
His vice principal, Jonathan Villegas-Caine, shared that Rene reflects the heart of the IB program:
“Rene exemplifies creativity, activity, and service. He has turned his passion into a mission for life. He takes his hobby and brings it to his community and to his school. Rene will graduate on a high note.”
4. Looking ahead, what comes next for you?
Rene: My next big focus is college. I want to stay local, maybe start at Palo Alto or San Antonio College, and then transfer to the University of Texas at San Antonio or the University of the Incarnate Word. I am already teaching through a nonprofit called The AM Project, where I run a scratch class for kids and adults. I will keep battling when I can, but I also want to keep giving back, performing, and collaborating. My dream collaboration is with DJ Jazzy Jeff, who has been supportive of my work online. Wherever the future takes me, I want to keep growing and inspiring others through music.
A Little KIPPster with No Limits
Rene has become a familiar presence on both local and national stages. He has performed at KIPP University Prep events, streamed sets on Instagram and Twitch, and been featured on SiriusXM channels including Eminem’s Shade45 and Pitbull’s Globalization. His journey reflects the KIPP Texas mission: to create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the path they choose, whether that path leads to college, career, or the world stage.
This October 11, as Rene competes in Tokyo at the DMC World DJ Championships, he will carry with him the pride of his family, school, and community.
Follow and support Rene’s journey:
Instagram & TikTok: @thekidrc3
Photo Credit: Courtesy Rene Cardenas & KIPP Texas
