Exclusive Interview HipHopSince1987
In a world where talent is only half the battle, it’s the grind, the hustle, and the ability to adapt that separates dreamers from doers. One artist who embodies that truth is Raiziel, a rapper-turned-reggaeton artist whose story stretches from California to Mexico to West Texas — and now to a major distribution deal with Roc Nation Distribution.
We caught up with Raiziel for an exclusive conversation about his journey, his music, and the lessons learned along the way.
HipHopSince1987: You were born in California but have roots in Mexico and grew up in West Texas. How has that shaped your music?
Raiziel: I was born in California, my parents are both from Mexico. When I was 11, we moved to West Texas, and that’s when my life started changing. We had financial struggles, moving place to place. I also lived in Mexico for a while, so I had a mix of cultures, languages, and sounds around me. That shaped my ear and my style — I carry pieces of all those places in my music.
HipHopSince1987: When did you first start making music?
Raiziel: I started freestyling at 14 with the homies. Back then, it was just for fun, but it gave me a love for expressing myself. I began writing my own music as a teenager, but I didn’t start taking it seriously until I was 25. That’s when I really locked in.
HipHopSince1987: What was your early life like before music became your focus?
Raiziel: I’ve always been a hard-working man. I worked with my stepfather at home, then in construction, then in the oilfield. I learned discipline from those jobs. Life wasn’t easy — I got involved in the streets at a young age — but I took all that experience and put it into my music.
HipHopSince1987: You started in rap but moved into reggaeton. What made you switch?
Raiziel: I was writing rap music for years until I started listening to Wisin y Yandel, one of the greatest reggaeton duos ever. Their style hit me differently. I decided to give it a try and realized
I was really good at it. I fell in love with the vibe and energy of reggaeton, and now it’s a big part of my sound.
HipHopSince1987: Tell us about your work ethic and how you developed your sound.
Raiziel: Man, it’s been years of practice. I recorded my first song at 27. I’ve written over 200 songs, but I spent most of my time in my home studio learning how to make my voice come alive. I built my own style of vocals from scratch, just practicing and teaching myself every day. It took me seven years to get to where I’m at now.
HipHopSince1987: Big news — you just signed a distribution deal with Roc Nation Distribution. How does that feel?
Raiziel: It feels like all the hard work is finally paying off. Signing with Roc Nation Distribution is a huge step for me. It’s not the end — it’s just the beginning. Now I’ve got the platform to get my music heard by more people, and I plan to take full advantage of that.
HipHopSince1987: What do you want people to take away from your story?
Raiziel: That you should never give up on your dreams. I came from nothing, but I worked, sacrificed, and believed in myself. The sky is the limit — and I want to inspire others to believe that too.
From freestyling in the streets of West Texas to locking in a deal with one of the most respected names in the industry, Raiziel proves that perseverance and self-belief can turn dreams into reality. With his unique blend of rap and reggaeton, he’s ready to make his mark on the world stage.
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