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Passionate, raw and spitting fire in two languages, Jonathan Guevara has been keeping the streets on fire for nearly two decades. This bilingual rapper has gained a cult following of supporters, and is truly all about the love of the people.  Guevara was born and raised in Houston’s Alief area, where he’s lived his entire life. The Elsik High School graduate was consumed by music early-on, always clearly knowing what path he was to take.

“I was one of those kids, you know, the ones not meant for school. I dropped out in 10th grade, got my GED, and decided to join the workforce. I worked all types of jobs and, as soon as the shifts were done, I’d rush home to create music,” he shared.  “Many years later, I got married to a wonderful woman and am currently self-employed as the CEO of Latin Touch Records and Latin Touch Studios for over 18 years.”

We have personally watched his growth and grind for the last 15 and are true fans, so it was an honor to sit and chop it up with him.

BB: How did you get into the music industry?

Jon G: In 2013, fresh out of school, I decided to open a record label by the name of Latin Touch Records. I signed myself as the first artist and decided to publish my own project independently. I produced half of it and had a good buddy bless me with the other half. I recorded it, mixed it, made the artwork, manufactured it, and released my first album, “Infinity Stylez of Rhyming,” in 2006. This was the start of my venture into this music business.

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BB: How has the journey been as a young Latino rapper?

Jon G: Being Latino in the age we are living has been one of the greatest blessings for me. My mom did not allow us to speak English in the house; only Spanish! Being able to rap in both languages allows me to grab two different listeners. I have an awesome song named “Bilinqual,” featuring “Preemo,” that explains a lot of this same topic.

BB: What is the inspiration behind your music?

Jon G: I am mostly inspired by my emotions. Music is definitely therapy for me. I am able to express myself no matter the mood. I create my own music depending on how I am feeling that day. The amazing thing about running a studio is that I can create music for other artists. A lot of the inspiration for creating their music comes from the vision each artist brings. I am able to paint a picture of what they see through these frequencies.

BB: Who are some of the people that you have worked with?

Jon G: As an audio engineer, I have mixed and mastered music for a lot of artists. As an artist, I have worked with many music vets as well. I got to mix a hip hop song by Ricky Cartel featuring Wiz Khalifa’s “Taylor Gangs” artist Young Deji. I also mixed a reggaeton song, “No Te Olvido,” by J.A.C. Imparable featuring Papi Sousa. Another hip-hop artist I mix and master for is Messiah 3x. He had a project with a couple of new hip-hop artists named SSGKobe and BigBabyGucci. As an artist, I got the honor of working with a legendary producer, Marawage The Bizzare (RIP). I also have songs produced by Devin The Dude’s Coughee Brothaz, Rob Quest and Carlos DJ Stylez. I also have features with Rasheed and Low G of Dope House Records.

BB: Who do you want to work with in the future? What’s your dream collaboration?

Jon G: It’s definitely an honor to work with everyone I get a chance to, but at the moment, it would be Tobe Nwigwe. For one, he’s ALIEF all day, and two, the impact he has made with his style is admirable.

BB: Do you fund your own projects?

Jon G: Yes, every project I have ever released as an artist, I have funded myself. I have also funded other artists’ projects that have been published under Latin Touch Records.

BB: Philanthropy is big for us. What do you do to give back to the community?

Jon G: I am grateful and honored to have the opportunity to collaborate with my brother, Perro B, and High Vida Records to help feed the Alief community. We team up with District F City of Houston Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas and local musicians to help sponsor a community event named “Breaking Bread Saturdays.” We choose a Saturday at least every three months to pass out freshly cooked hot plates, give out free water and nonperishable items, and have family events for all the kids to enjoy! It’s so much fun and allows us to show the city how music can give back to our community!

BB: What projects are you currently working on?

Jon G: Right now I’m working on a new album while releasing as many singles as possible. My most recent song is called “Treason,” which I produced and audio engineered.

BB: What’s next? Where do you see yourself in five years?

Jon G: In the next five years, I see myself deeper in this musical journey than I’ve ever been! I recently relocated and am building our next studio. It’s an amazing project that I’m looking forward to completing ASAP! This work environment will allow us to grow as an audio engineering facility. I am excited about publishing new music with future artists under Latin Touch Records, also. I am trying to build my production credits, so I am definitely looking forward to getting on as many projects as possible.

BB: What other services do you offer and how can we find you?

Jon G: Part of Latin Touch Studios allows us to offer services for anything and everything, from photography, videography, graphics, and studio time! Please contact me at latintouchrecords@ymail.com if I can assist in any way. You can find me on Instagram: @JonGuevara, @LatinTouchRecords, and @LatinTouchStudios. Subscribe to our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/LatinTouchRecordsTV also check out www.latintouchrecords.com.

BB: Lastly, what do you say to anyone who has a dollar and a dream and how can they stay motivated?

Jon G: I have a song named “Dreaming.” The lyrics say, “DREAMING, DREAMING, THAT’S ALL THAT I DID, NOW I HANDLE MY BIZ AND I’M GOING ALL IN!” I tell people to do more than just dream, you must act on your dreams! Pray for your dreams! Work for your dreams! Also, pray and have faith. Before anything, I give all praise to the Most High, Ahayah Asher Ahayah, through Yashaya Christ! Everything is ordained and under control, always!

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