BILLBOARD HIP-HOP EXCLUSIVE “RAIZIEL: From the Streets to the Studio — A Gritty Journey of Passion, Pain, and Perseverance”
Written by b87fm on 07/30/2025
In a genre constantly evolving, authenticity still cuts through the noise. And RAIZIEL — the California-born, West Texas–raised rapper-turned-reggaeton artist — brings an unfiltered voice forged by hardship, hustle, and heart. With over 200 songs penned and a life story as real asthe verses he spits, RAIZIEL’s climb through adversity is inspiring a new generation of artists hungry for both truth and sound.
We caught up with RAIZIEL for an exclusive, no-holds-barred conversation on his upbringing, his transition from rap to reggaeton, his creative process, and why — even after a decade of struggle — he’s just getting started
INTERVIEW WITH RAIZIEL
Billboard Hip Hop: Let’s start from the beginning. You were born in California, but your journey’s taken you far from there. Can you walk us through your early years?
RAIZIEL: Yeah, I was born in Cali. Both my parents are from Mexico, real humble beginnings. When I was about 11, we moved to West Texas. Life was tough. We struggled financially — moving from place to place, never really settling. For a while, I even lived in Mexico. I got involved in the streets early, trying to survive. That environment shapes you real quick.
Billboard Hip Hop: When did music enter the picture?
RAIZIEL: Around 14, I started freestyling with the homies — just for fun, on the block or at parties. Music was therapy, even before I realized what it really meant to me. I was always writing, but I didn’t take it serious until I hit 25. Before that, I was working construction, oilfields, doing what I had to do. I learned a lot about life, responsibility, and grinding the hard way.
Billboard Hip Hop: And you recorded your first track at 27?
RAIZIEL: Yeah. That was the first time I really heard myself in the booth. I had been writing rap music for years — raw, street stuff — but everything changed when I started listening to Wisin & Yandel. That reggaeton vibe hit different. I fell in love with the melodies, the energy. I gave it a shot and found I was actually good at it. That’s when I knew I had something.
Billboard Hip Hop: What was the transition from rap to reggaeton like?
RAIZIEL: It took time. I still bring that rap edge into my music, but reggaeton allowed me to express myself in a different way. I practiced vocals for years, experimenting with sound, building my style. I wasn’t born with a silver mic in my hand. I had to learn everything — recording, mixing, delivery. I spent countless hours in my bedroom studio, just teaching myself.
Billboard Hip Hop: And now you’ve written over 200 songs. What drives you to keep going?
RAIZIEL: Passion. I gave up a lot for this dream — relationships, jobs, comfort. I knew I had to give it everything. It’s taken me 7 years just to get to this point. I’ve learned the basics on my own, brick by brick. What drives me is knowing I can inspire someone else who’s lost, broke, or stuck in the struggle. Music gave me purpose — now I want to give that back.
Billboard Hip Hop: Your name — RAIZIEL — does it have meaning?
RAIZIEL: Yeah, it’s deeper than just a stage name. It represents rebirth and transformation. In Hebrew, it means “secret of God” or “angel of mysteries.” For me, it’s about evolving into the best version of myself — rising out of the dirt, the struggle, and showing others it’s possible.
Billboard Hip Hop: You’ve developed your own vocal style — how would you describe it?
RAIZIEL: It’s raw but melodic. Aggressive when it needs to be, but soulful too. I call it heart-driven reggaeton. It’s got the street in it, but also emotion. I mix English and Spanish. Sometimes I rap, sometimes I sing — it depends on what the story calls for.
Billboard Hip Hop: Looking back, what was the biggest lesson you’ve learned on this journey?
RAIZIEL: That pain is fuel. Every obstacle, every L, every time I felt like quitting — that’s what made me who I am. I learned that no one’s gonna hand you anything. You gotta believe in yourself when no one else does. I built myself from zero. That’s priceless.
Billboard Hip Hop: What’s next for RAIZIEL?
RAIZIEL: I’m finally bringing my catalog to life in the studio. I’m working on an official debut project — something that represents all sides of me. I want to drop visuals, collab with other hungry artists, and keep evolving. I’m not chasing clout — I’m building legacy.
Billboard Hip Hop: Final message for the dreamers out there?
RAIZIEL: Don’t wait for anyone to believe in you — believe in yourself first. Put in the work, every day. The sky ain’t the limit — your mind is. Break that, and you’re unstoppable. Keep pushing, no matter how long it takes. If I can come from nothing and still stand here chasing my dream — so can you.
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