Raised in the Inland Empire by a working mother and a deeply present grandmother, this artist’s story starts in a small but intentional circle. As an only child, his world was tightly structured, built around school schedules, rehearsals, karate classes, and time with family. His grandmother made sure he was never left behind, picking him up and dropping him off daily even while holding down a job of her own. That kind of consistency quietly shaped his sense of discipline and gratitude long before music entered the picture. Traveling outside the country on missionary trips with his mom expanded his perspective early, giving him a wider view of people, purpose, and responsibility. With his father absent during his upbringing, loyalty became more than a concept — it became a way of life rooted in the few who were always there.
Music didn’t arrive early for him, and that’s part of what makes his journey stand out. He didn’t start recording or writing seriously until his early twenties, sparked by watching his little brother Don Jay Gamez commit to music at a young age. Though they aren’t blood-related, that bond runs deep, and the influence was real. Seeing someone close chase creativity with conviction pushed him to finally step into his own voice. Before music, he was already creating — acting in plays throughout high school and college, working on film projects, and learning how to communicate emotion through performance. When he finally turned to music, it wasn’t a pivot so much as a continuation.
His influences reflect both depth and range. Early on, artists like Kyle, Logic, Hopsin, and N.W.A. shaped his listening habits, each offering something different — authenticity, introspection, raw honesty, and cultural weight. Logic’s Under Pressure and Joey Bada$$’s 1999 helped frame how he thinks about vulnerability and storytelling, while Hopsin’s openness about faith and confusion made space for honesty without polish. More recently, BabyTron has become a major inspiration, not just for wit but for intelligence — a reminder that sharp writing doesn’t need excess to hit hard.
That balance shows up clearly in his own sound. His music doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it’s never empty. There’s humor, self-awareness, and a clear Detroit influence, paired with a sense of fun that feels natural rather than forced. Even when he’s joking, the emotion underneath is real. He aims to sound human — flawed, observant, and honest — while still making records people can enjoy without overthinking.
Much of that sound has been shaped in Las Vegas, where he records primarily with engineer VayOnTheMix. The partnership has been built on consistency and trust, with an understanding of how to bring his ideas to life without stripping them of personality. While he’s worked with other engineers, that core collaboration has played a major role in defining what listeners recognize as his sound today.
Looking back, his upbringing wasn’t about hanging on street corners or chasing distractions. Life was structured and focused. Disneyland trips stand out as childhood highlights, and the now-closed Jade Inn in Highland remains a sentimental favorite. Those quieter details matter — they’re part of the emotional backdrop that informs his writing now.
His most recent release, LOV3 LOST, is where that emotional honesty comes into full focus. Written directly from personal experience, the song reflects the aftermath of relationships that required too much self-sacrifice. It’s about recognizing where you’ve given too much, losing yourself in the wrong situations, and finally choosing to walk away. The track isn’t bitter or dramatic — it’s clear-eyed, grounded in growth, and meant to offer listeners permission to choose themselves when it’s time.
There’s more on the way. PRO OP3N is set to drop soon, leaning into a confident, talk-your-shit energy that shows another side of his personality. He’s also working on music with his siblings, collaborations he’s saving for later releases but already holds close.
Above all, his journey is anchored in gratitude. He credits God for the ability to create and be heard, acknowledges both parents for their support, and consistently uplifts the people around him — his siblings, his girlfriend Cara for her steady encouragement, and his best friend Keenen for honest feedback and real conversations. It’s that same small-circle loyalty from his childhood, carried forward into his art, shaping a path that feels intentional, grounded, and unmistakably his own.
