In music, raw talent is just the spark — it’s persistence, adaptability, and an unshakable hustle that fans remember. Few embody that grind like Raiziel, the rapper-turned-reggaeton force whose story stretches from California streets to Mexican roots, through the rugged oilfields of West Texas, and now to a coveted distribution deal with Roc Nation Distribution.
We sat down with Raiziel to dive deep into his journey, his craft, and the unrelenting determination that carried him here.
Rolling Hype: You were born in California, but you’ve got deep ties to Mexico and West Texas. How has that influenced your artistry?
Raiziel: My parents are both from Mexico, and we moved to West Texas when I was 11. Life was far from stable — money was tight, and we were constantly relocating. I even spent time living in Mexico. That mix of places, cultures, and sounds shaped my ear. Every beat I make carries a little piece of each of those worlds.
Rolling Hype: When did you first start creating music?
Raiziel: I started freestyling at 14 with my friends — back then it was just for fun. As a teenager, I began writing my own songs, but I didn’t start taking it seriously until I was 25. That’s when I decided to go all in.
Rolling Hype: What was life like before music became your focus?
Raiziel: Work was my reality. I helped my stepdad at home, then worked construction, then in the oilfield. Those jobs taught me discipline. I also had my fair share of street life experiences, but I turned all of that into fuel for my music.
Rolling Hype: You started in rap but now lean heavily into reggaeton. What sparked that shift?
Raiziel: I’d been rapping for years, but when I discovered Wisin y Yandel, it hit different. Their reggaeton energy was electric. I tried writing in that style and realized I had a natural feel for it. It became a huge part of my sound.
Rolling Hype: Your work ethic is legendary. How did you build your sound?
Raiziel: It’s been non-stop practice. I recorded my first track at 27. Since then, I’ve written over 200 songs and spent countless hours in my home studio figuring out how to make my voice pop. I built my vocal style from the ground up. It’s taken me seven years to get here.
Rolling Hype: Let’s talk about the big news — your Roc Nation Distribution deal.
Raiziel: It’s an amazing milestone. It tells me the grind is working, but I’m nowhere near done. Now I’ve got the reach to get my music in front of way more people, and I’m going to maximize that.
Rolling Hype: What’s the main message behind your story?
Raiziel: Never stop chasing your dreams. I started with nothing but determination and faith in myself. If you put in the work, the sky’s not the limit — it’s just the beginning.
From street corner freestyles to signing with one of music’s most respected names, Raiziel proves that drive and self-belief can rewrite any destiny. With his seamless fusion of rap grit and reggaeton flair, he’s primed to shake up the global stage.
Follow Raiziel: https://ffm.to/5emdvnr