Born and raised in Long Beach, California, Rios comes from a family deeply connected to the city. For most of his life, Long Beach was all he knew. He spent his childhood, teenage years, and much of his adulthood there, rarely venturing outside city limits except when sports took him elsewhere.
Growing up, Rios was active in athletics, participating in sports and running track. Those competitions provided some of his earliest experiences outside of Long Beach, exposing him to different environments while helping shape his competitive mindset. But like many young people searching for direction, his path wasn’t always smooth.
During his teenage years and throughout high school, Rios spent much of his time outside with friends and often found himself getting into trouble. His struggles eventually led to him being expelled from high school during the 11th grade.
After leaving school, he entered a period of life that he openly describes as running the streets. Much of his time was spent partying, drinking, and experimenting with soft drugs while trying to figure out his future. At one point, he attempted to change directions by pursuing a military career. He sought opportunities but was ultimately denied because of his background and requirements involving the removal of his tattoos.
A major turning point came at the age of 28 when he got married and relocated to Los Angeles. The move marked the beginning of a new chapter and eventually opened doors he never expected.
Through his friend, AceBoyPun, and the team at Figgmunity World, Rios was introduced to the world of podcasting and YouTube. He first gained exposure as a recurring personality on AceBoyz Worldwide, a growing podcast platform featuring AceBoy Mannie, AceBoy Tre, and AceBoyPun. The experience helped him develop his voice, connect with audiences, and learn the business behind digital media.
Rather than remaining solely a guest, Rios eventually set out to build something of his own.
Today, he is the owner of Society of Freedom, a Black-owned media platform focused on cultural commentary, fatherhood, relationships, current events, and Black excellence. The platform has grown into a network of voices and perspectives, creating space for meaningful conversations and community engagement.
Under the Society of Freedom banner, several shows have emerged, including The Syndicate, Imperfect Perspective, The AM Wake Up Show, and The R Files. Together, these programs reflect the platform’s mission of providing authentic discussions and diverse viewpoints on issues that matter to its audience.
From a young man navigating the streets of Long Beach to the founder of a growing media platform, Rios’ story is one of growth, reinvention, and perseverance. His journey serves as a reminder that where someone starts does not have to define where they finish.
