Beating the odds is a sort of natural phenomena for Latino rap
newcomer, Willie. Hailed from one of the music industry's emerging
hotspots of talent, Stockton, California, Willie is turning heads
and forcing everyone to take notice that the Latino hip hop scene
is embarking on a new chapter: Voice of the Youth.
At only 17, Willie is determined and has positioned himself
to become the first Latin youth to break and maintain success
in the mainstream, cross-over market. It has been well known
industry-wide that when it comes to Latin hip hop, the trend
is 25 plus. Willie hopes to break this trend and states," The
talent, and definitely the audience, is out there to support
young Latin rappers. I'm tired of the youth of my culture being
underrepresented in the mainstream market. I'm about to show
everyone how to shake things up!"
In case you're wondering, Willie's ability to succeed won't
be by default. On the contrary, Willie's polished rap skills
are both entertaining and impressive. Being introduced to rap
as a child by is older brother, Isidro, Willie remembers being
impressed by such legends as Tupac, Dr. Dre, Snoop, etc. As his
interest in hip hop grew, so did his desire to perform. By age
13, Willie began his career as a singer, singing Spanish regional
music at every event that would let him get hold of a mic, from
family gatherings to Cinco de Mayo festivals, wowing and entertaining
crowds throughout northern California. By the time Willie was
15, he was ready to test his skills as a rapper. A dope blend
of English and Spanish energized by in-your-face lyrics transpired.
It wasn't long before producers, Joseph Martinez and Juan (Nina
Sky), took notice. "This kid has got some serious talent
and is going to break down some barriers," says Joseph.
Reminiscent of a Baby Bash sound, NB Ridaz romantic tones, and
mixed with 17-year- old candid and straight-forward attitude,
Willie is well aware of the opposition he faces. Opposition is
something that Willie has overcome time and time again. Willie
grew up in one of the harshest environments imaginable only to
manage to keep his nose out of trouble and eventually accepted
into the prominent University of California, Davis. He also battled
a serious lifetime weight problem and at 16 (influenced by Isidro),
decided to make the changes to lead a disciplined and healthy
lifestyle. Transformed both physically and mentally, Willie is
focused and ready to step onto the scene with a vengeance.
There
is no doubt music will be another victory for Willie and this
young man is working hard to make sure everyone knows that
he will have the last laugh. Excited, eager, and geared up with
the proper tools to climb this mountain, Willie is determined
not to let anything get in his way. "Rejection feels terrible,
but it motivates me even more to prove to all of them [nay-sayers]
that they're wrong and show them what they've missed out on.
It's payback time!"
