Today we’d like to introduce you to yourpapiRey.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
Thank you for the opportunity! My name is Rey but I’m commonly known as yourpapiRey online and through my music.
I’m based out of Atlanta but was born in Panama & raised in what we call the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia). I make AfroLatinX music which to be honest I feel like I’m currently one of few artists trying to define this genre. The music ranges from Afro-Reggeaton to Afrobeats, Dancehall, LatinTrap, RnB, and even Brazilian Funk. It really varies and changes between languages like Spanish, English, Portuguese, & more. It’s not exclusive to one language or genre. My latest singles ‘PomPom’ & ‘La Vi’ have been playing in nightclubs & bars in cities like Toronto, Atlanta, DC, and other countries around the world. It is hard to pinpoint how I’ve gotten to where I’m at but I can definitely tell you that it has not been easy. I’ve been mastering my craft for YEARS before I decided to release music.
I’m currently releasing my first official EP in episodes every Friday of September & October 2021! I’ve also been performing a lot recently. I just headlined a festival in which Fetty Wap was the main act in Atlantic City. My most recent show in Washington D.C. through a collaboration with Afro Soca Love sold out at Karma Night Club. I’m truly grateful that people like my music enough to show up to shows & play at their establishments!
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
Well to be honest coming to America was pretty significant. Learning a new language, adapting to a new culture, and trying to find a passion was very tough to navigate at an early age. Most of my peers growing up had already had families with established jobs in their area so my life definitely did not look like theirs. However, I’m grateful for the sacrifices my family made because I would not be who I am or where I am without these sacrifices.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
I specialize in a lot of things! Whether I’m producing a song for someone, recording my own track, songwriting, or performing on stage, it has to always be of the highest quality.
There is no compromise there. Ask anybody that has been to one of my shows. I can promise you that they were smiling, dancing, or laughing. Ask anybody that has been to my music studio. They will definitely tell you that I put all I had into their project because as I mentioned, there is no compromise when it comes to quality & respect for art. I would not want anybody shaving off quality from my projects so I’d never do that to anybody else. It’s the same as if I were to go to a concert. I’d like to have the best possible experience.
My golden rule has always been to treat others how you want to be treated. As far as why you should work with me? Just look at my work and what the people that have worked with me have to say, & i’ll leave it at that. I work best when it’s 2 minds coming together to elevate each other.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
There are 2 things I’d say are such a HUGE key in finding success. Obviously there are more but these have been on my mind recently. A lot of it has to do with mindset more than anything else. First, follow what you love. It sounds cliche but I promise if you follow a passion/what you love, the rest will follow. Obviously, you need to put in the work but that’ll come easy when it’s truly a passion. Trust me, I tried going to college for Engineering, I flipped houses for a while in DC, and even tried training people in sales. None of these ever fulfilled me more than when I decided to pursue my true passion in music & I’m finding success in it because I don’t mind putting in the work.
Lastly, ,I’d say to realize that you can only do 1 thing at a time & you can only take things 1 day at a time. We usually get so caught up in the future that we overwhelm ourselves with things that haven’t even happened yet! Focus on the now, the next will come when it does.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
That is actually something I’m trying to define right now. I’m huge on writing down goals & manifesting. A lot of the things I’ve thrown out into the universe have come comeback & manifest but it always seems like I want more. It’s a slippery slope because sometimes I forget to enjoy some of the slightest accomplishments. For example, some people will never have their music played at nightclubs or share a stage with Fetty Wap. I thought these were things that meant ‘success’ but after they happened, I immediately went into my agenda, & wrote down more goals. I don’t think success is something you attain. It always continues to evolve. Success is almost kind of like a journey.
What’s next for you?
To be honest, I’m going to keep this one short & simple. I’m just going to continue evolving as a human & brand. I’m going to continue to develop these amazing artists that I’m working with in Atlanta. & I’m going to continue to spread love & positivity.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
If you want to connect with me, reach out to me on Instragram.com/yourpapiRey and on every other social media site. My website is also www.yourpapiRey.com! I love to connect with everybody on my posts, you can literally check. I reply to almost every comment!