From the Texas Heartland to the Hip-Hop Stage: That Mexican OT Is The Ultimate Player
That Mexican OT isn’t your average rapper. Hailing from the heart of Texas, he’s forged a unique path in the music industry, blending the raw energy of the South with the lyrical prowess of the East Coast. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the artist’s roots, inspirations, and the driving force behind his music that have led him to become the ultimate “player.”
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
Given your roots in Bay City, Texas, how has the environment there shaped your music and artistic perspective?
Basically, Texas just being the country itself and then being it because it’s the hood. I’m from the ghetto but it’s in the country. So, I feel like just those two twins are a perfect set for me. It gives me so much to talk about. “Dirty Bad Baby”, that’s one of my biggest songs and my fans love saying that. You know what I’m saying?
Be careful, it just gives me so much to talk about because my hometown is really cool. So, whatever it is, they like it. So, I feel like it’s everything I stand on. So, I feel like it’s very important. Yeah. I was jamming a lot of the East Coast.
Who are your biggest musical influences, both within and outside the Latinx hip-hop scene?
50 Cent was a super player to me. And in Texas we are home of the players and pimps. I like 50 Cent because he was from the east coast but he was still a player. You know what I’m saying? A lot of the East Coast is very boom bap. It’s very hardcore. It’s in your face lyrics. I also like Lil Wayne and Hopsin.
Is there a particular lyric that influences you? A line you’ve always loved?
It’s crazy you even asked me this because last night I was in the studio and I got this bar that I’ve been wanting to use for the longest, but I always wondered why it doesn’t sound good on any beat. And then I realized it doesn’t sound good because I’m not the one that’s supposed to be saying it.
So, when I was in the studio, I was with my boy Jeremy. I’m like, “Hey Jeremy, come here real quick.” I said, “Say this real quick, Ryan, play the beat.”
The women love me but it´s hard for them to sing along to my lyrics. They love my lyrics but Jeremy makes it easier for them to sing along to it. You see what I’m saying? He has that voice that’s very welcoming. It makes a girl want to sing along to it cuz he just got that vibe to him. But my favorite lyric that I was trying to say was “It’s a blessing and a curse that I’m a player”.
Describe your creative process to us. Where do you draw inspiration from and how do you translate your ideas into your music?
Man, I could do it anywhere. I could be sitting in a porta potty and I’m still gonna do something. It doesn’t matter where I’m at. You have to understand, I’ve been doing this since I was four years old.
As soon as I was talking, I was in the studio cuz my uncles and my cousins were doing it, and I watched them do it, literally in the studio at my house. So, I ain’t have no choice but to do it. I wanted to be like them. My mama gave me my first rap name ever, she wanted me to be a rapper, she called me “V Man”.
What does being a player mean to you?
Being player is telling the truth and still getting what you want.
You’ve collaborated with many artists, including Lefty SM. How do these collaborations enhance your music and broaden your appeal?
It definitely enhanced it since I don’t speak Spanish. So, he helped me with that cuz he can speak for our Spanish fan base. You know what I’m saying? So, he helped me get into an area that I wouldn’t have been able to get in by myself.
What are the main themes/messages you’re trying to convey in “Lonestar Luchador”?
I don’t think there’s a message, I think my music is strictly for entertainment. I want that music to be feel-good music, I want to make timeless music.
How would you describe your personal style? Do you have any fashion icons or inspirations?
I love Machete. George Strait was another big influence. All my tíos, grandpas, uncles and cousins, they all try to dress like him. You know what I’m saying?
I like gangster looks too. I like wearing suits a lot, double-breasted suits. To me it looks gangster. When it’s a single breast it looks like you are a businessman. Whenever it’s double breast, it looks like a player. Katt Williams was a big inspiration for dressing like this, 50 Cent as well.
How does your fashion sense complement your music and overall brand?
I don’t know if it complimented it or not because I don’t look like I rap. If you look at me and my group, you look at my homeboys, you’re going to think I’m the last one that´s rapping. You see what I’m saying? So, I think that plays a part in selling it because I don’t look like that.
What message would you like to convey to your fans and supporters?
I love you.
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Interview By: Frida García (@fridadda_)
Photographer: Dan Pop (@danpopsd)
Videographer: Juan Chavez (@lifeofjuancho)
