From the dusty streets of California to the rugged oil fields of West Texas, Raiziel’s journey has been anything but ordinary. At 33, he carries a story etched with hardship, resilience, and relentless pursuit of purpose. With over 200 songs written and a vocal style entirely his own, he is stepping into the global music spotlight with the grit of a survivor and the ambition of a star in the making.
Raiziel’s path wasn’t paved with privilege. His upbringing was marked by financial struggles, frequent relocations, and the weight of responsibility at a young age. But out of that turbulence, he discovered music — first as an outlet for expression, later as a calling that demanded his full commitment.
Today, with a foundation in rap and a deep love for reggaeton inspired by legends like Wisin y Yandel, Raiziel is defining his own lane. His unique sound is built on years of experimentation, discipline, and a refusal to settle for imitation. For him, music isn’t just entertainment; it’s survival, testimony, and hope.
Forbes Global Music sat down with Raiziel for an exclusive conversation about his beginnings, struggles, and vision for the future.
Exclusive Interview with Raiziel
Forbes Global Music: You were born in California, but your roots trace back to Mexico and West Texas. Can you tell us about your early years?
Raiziel: Yeah, so I was born in California, and both of my parents came from Mexico. When I was 11, my family moved to West Texas. Life wasn’t easy — we struggled with money, moving from place to place, and trying to make things work. I even spent part of my childhood living in Mexico. Growing up, I saw the streets real early, and it left an impact on me.
Forbes Global Music: You started freestyling young. What sparked that passion?
Raiziel: I was about 14 when I started freestyling with the homies. At first, it was just fun — something to pass the time. But I realized I had something inside of me that I couldn’t keep bottled up. Music gave me a way to express what I was going through and what I was seeing around me.
Forbes Global Music: Before you committed to music, what challenges did you face?
Raiziel: Man, life hit me hard. My family struggled financially, and we were constantly moving. I was always working — helping my stepdad at home, then moving into construction and eventually oilfield jobs. Those jobs taught me a lot, but I always felt like music was calling me. I wrote here and there as a teenager, but I didn’t really commit until I was 25.
Forbes Global Music: When did it become real for you as an artist?
Raiziel: I recorded my first song at 27. Up until then, I was just writing — filling up notebooks, trying different styles. Once I got in the studio, I started to understand the craft better. That’s when I knew I could really make something of this.
Forbes Global Music: You grew up on rap, but reggaeton clearly shaped your sound. What shifted for you?
Raiziel: Yeah, I grew up writing rap, but then I started listening to Wisin y Yandel when I was a teenager. Man, their sound just hit different. I fell in love with the energy and the style of reggaeton. I decided to try it out myself, and I was surprised — I was good at it. It felt natural. That’s when I knew I wanted to push it further.
Forbes Global Music: You’ve written over 200 songs. That’s discipline most artists struggle to maintain. How did you keep going?
Raiziel: Honestly, it was all about dedication. I spent most of my time in my bedroom studio, just trying to figure out how everything works. I taught myself how to use my voice, how to record, how to bring songs to life. It wasn’t easy — it took me seven years to get where I’m at now. But I never gave up. I had to practice, practice, and practice some more.
Forbes Global Music: You describe your vocal style as “giving birth” to your voice. What does that mean?
Raiziel: I didn’t want to sound like anybody else, so I kept experimenting until I found my lane. It’s about emotion, rhythm, and honesty. I built it piece by piece over the years, and now it feels like mine.
Forbes Global Music: What motivates you to keep chasing the dream despite setbacks?
Raiziel: I left a lot behind chasing this dream. Some days were tough, but I remind myself why I started. Music is more than a career to me — it’s hope. I push myself every day because I know I still got a lot to learn. And I got big dreams, man. I want to make it to the top, not just for me, but to inspire others. I want to show people that no matter how hard it gets, you can’t give up — the sky is the limit.
Forbes Global Music: What can fans expect next?
Raiziel: Right now, I’m bringing a lot of my old songs to life in the studio. I’ve got hundreds of ideas waiting to be heard. It’s about time I share my journey through music. I’ve been preparing for this moment for years, and now I’m ready.
The Forbes Global Music Takeaway
Raiziel’s story is more than just the rise of an artist — it’s the triumph of perseverance. From oilfield shifts to late-night studio sessions, from rap beginnings to reggaeton mastery, he has forged a path that reflects resilience, authenticity, and vision. With over 200 songs in the vault and a unique sound ready for the world, Raiziel isn’t just chasing dreams — he’s turning them into reality.
Follow Raiziel: https://ffm.to/5emdvnr
