JRE #2120 – That Mexican OT

This podcast delves into the world of That Mexican OT, a Billboard Hot 100 charting rapper with a unique blend of country and rap influences. The conversation explores his musical journey, his personal experiences growing up in Texas, and his reflections on life, success, and the power of music.

Provocative topics include his unique musical style, the impact of his family and childhood on his career, and his perspective on the controversial topic of protests and mob mentality. Underlying themes focus on the importance of authenticity and perseverance, the power of music to connect and inspire, and the complexities of navigating fame and personal growth.

Podcast Topics:

1. That Mexican OT’s Musical Journey:

• The genesis of his musical style, blending country and rap, and its unique appeal.
• The impact of his childhood influences, ranging from gangster rap to country and rock, on his musical development.
• His perspective on the difference between rapping and making music, and how this shift influenced his artistic approach.
• The importance of staying true to his own voice and not being bound by genre limitations, a testament to his creative freedom.

2. Growing Up in Texas:

• The impact of his parents’ lives, both personally and professionally, on his upbringing.
• His experiences with a challenging and often chaotic family environment, including witnessing his mother’s struggles and his father’s time in prison.
• The lessons he learned from his family, especially his mother’s strength and his father’s political insights gained during his imprisonment.
• His own early experiences with music and the support he received from his parents, even as they were still navigating their own youth.

3. The Power of Music and Connection:

• His deep appreciation for his fans and their unwavering support, even recognizing the small details they pay attention to.
• The impact of his music on others, inspiring and connecting with audiences on a profound level.
• His belief that music is a form of magic, capable of creating emotional responses and powerful experiences.
• His gratitude for the music, recognizing its role in his own journey and its power to touch the lives of others.

4. Navigating Success and Personal Growth:

• The challenges of handling newfound wealth and the temptation to indulge in excessive spending, especially early in his career.
• His perspective on the importance of staying grounded and appreciating simple things in life, even as his career flourishes.
• His desire for a simple life filled with love and family, a longing for a sense of normalcy after experiencing a chaotic childhood.
• His ongoing search for purpose and understanding of his own wants and needs, reflecting on the pressures of achieving success at a young age.

5. Protests, Mob Mentality, and the War Gene:

• His unique perspective on protests, comparing them to war and highlighting the potential for mob mentality to unleash primal instincts.
• His explanation of the “war gene” within humans, suggesting that our genetic history of survival through war influences our response to collective action.
• His cautionary approach to protests, expressing concerns about the potential for violence and the dangers of losing control in a mob setting.
• His emphasis on the importance of individual responsibility and the need to avoid being swept up in the chaos and aggression that can arise during protests.

6. The Nature of Evil and the Balance of Good and Evil:

• His contemplation on the inherent existence of evil in the world and its role in fostering a sense of good.
• His belief that the fight against evil drives personal growth and inspires people to strive for greatness.
• His recognition that the existence of evil is a constant in human history, highlighting the ongoing struggle for balance.
• His assertion that the balance between good and evil requires constant vigilance and a commitment to becoming a better person.

7. The Power of Repetition and Muscle Memory:

• His emphasis on the importance of repetition and practice, drawing parallels between his musical development and athletic training.
• His belief that consistent practice, like rapping or training in martial arts, develops muscle memory and leads to mastery.
• His recognition that repetition is the key to achieving excellence in any field, emphasizing the importance of dedication and perseverance.
• His perspective on how repetition allows for natural expression and effortless performance, a testament to the power of sustained effort.

8. The Magic of Music and the Beauty of Mastery:

• His appreciation for musicians, especially those who have reached the pinnacle of their craft, seeing them as creators of magic and inspiration.
• His belief that mastering a skill allows for a deeper understanding of other forms of mastery, reflecting on Miyamoto Musashi’s teachings.
• His admiration for artists who can create powerful emotional responses through their work, highlighting the transformative power of music.
• His perspective that mastery transcends specific fields, suggesting a universal understanding of dedication and excellence across different disciplines.

9. The Importance of Relationships and the Value of Friendship:

• His recognition of the importance of strong relationships and the value of genuine friendships in navigating life’s challenges.
• His belief that true joy and fulfillment cannot be achieved in isolation, emphasizing the need for connection and shared experiences.
• His commitment to supporting and elevating his friends, sharing his success and ensuring they have opportunities to experience new things.
• His perspective that true happiness and well-being are often found in shared experiences and genuine connections with others.

10. The Impact of Social Media on Perception and Reality:

• His concerns about the distortion of reality and perception created by social media, especially for younger generations.
• His observation of the pressure to present a curated and idealized version of oneself online, leading to dissatisfaction and unrealistic expectations.
• His belief that social media can contribute to unhealthy body image and create a false sense of perfection, leading to dissatisfaction and a disconnect from reality.
• His cautionary approach to social media, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective and recognizing the difference between online and offline life.

11. The Mystery and Intrigue of Aliens:

• His theory that aliens are not necessarily in outer space, but might be inhabiting the depths of the ocean, a less explored and more intriguing possibility.
• His perspective on the potential dangers of exploring the ocean, highlighting the unknown and unpredictable nature of the underwater world.
• His acknowledgment of the vastness of the ocean and its ability to conceal unknown forms of life, suggesting that aliens might be closer than we think.
• His belief that aliens might be here, observing and interacting with us in ways we haven’t yet comprehended, adding a layer of mystery and intrigue to the unknown.

12. The Fascination with Badass Individuals:

• His admiration for individuals who demonstrate exceptional strength, resilience, and determination, particularly in challenging or dangerous situations.
• His fascination with individuals who have overcome adversity and pushed their physical and mental limits, inspiring him with their courage and resourcefulness.
• His belief that these individuals represent a different kind of human, capable of enduring hardship and achieving extraordinary feats.
• His recognition that these individuals exist across different fields, from martial arts to the military, embodying a unique blend of strength and character.

13. The Power of the Uncommon Man:

• His appreciation for individuals who rise above expectations and achieve greatness against all odds.
• His recognition that these individuals often possess a unique blend of talent, dedication, and unwavering belief in themselves.
• His belief that these individuals inspire others to push their limits and strive for something more than the ordinary.
• His perspective on how these individuals embody the potential for human achievement and highlight the power of individual determination.

14. The Importance of Authenticity and Self-Expression:

• His emphasis on staying true to oneself and not conforming to societal expectations or pressures.
• His belief that authenticity is crucial for creative expression and allows individuals to connect with others on a deeper level.
• His recognition that true self-expression is often found in embracing one’s unique qualities and passions.
• His perspective that authenticity is a journey of self-discovery and allows individuals to find their true purpose in life.

15. The Role of Hustle and Perseverance:

• His belief that hard work and dedication are essential for achieving success in any field.
• His recognition that the hustle is an integral part of Texas culture, encouraging individuals to work hard and strive for their goals.
• His perspective on the importance of perseverance, even in the face of adversity, and the rewards that come from sustained effort.
• His example of his own journey, highlighting the power of hustling and never giving up on his dreams.

16. The Value of Crediting Others and Elevating Those Around You:

• His commitment to giving credit to those who have influenced and supported him throughout his career.
• His willingness to acknowledge and elevate others, sharing his success and creating opportunities for those around him.
• His belief that supporting others and celebrating their accomplishments is an essential aspect of building a strong community.
• His perspective on the importance of humility and recognizing the contributions of those who have helped us along the way.

17. The Power of “Gov Man Go” and the Emotional Connection to Music:

• His personal connection to the phrase “Gov Man Go”, a reminder of his mother’s support and his early experiences with music.
• His emotional response to seeing a fan’s shirt depicting his mother’s headstone, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia and loss.
• His ability to connect with his music on an emotional level, finding solace and expression through his creative work.
• His perspective on how music can serve as a powerful tool for processing emotions and connecting with others on a shared human level.

18. The Enduring Power of Music and the Search for Meaning:

• His belief in the cyclical nature of musical trends, suggesting that rock music will eventually experience a resurgence.
• His perspective on the importance of staying connected to one’s roots and appreciating the music that has shaped us.
• His recognition that music has the power to transcend time and connect generations, a testament to its enduring cultural significance.
• His ongoing search for meaning and purpose through music, reflecting on the transformative power of creativity and its ability to inspire and uplift.

19. The Importance of “Recess” and the Playful Approach to Life:

• His philosophy of approaching life with a playful mindset, drawing parallels between childhood recess and his creative process.
• His belief that maintaining a sense of playfulness and joy is essential for personal growth and fulfillment.
• His perspective on how a playful approach to work and life allows for greater creativity, innovation, and enjoyment.
• His example of his own career, highlighting the importance of embracing a playful mindset and never taking oneself too seriously.

Memorable Quotes:

• “At first of all like to me my dad was like my god you know I’m saying so to see him glorify you and stroke your ego bro it’s just cool.”
• “I’ve been fit my whole life I started getting fat when I touched that rapper money.”
• “This is recessed to me so like therefore I can go to the monkey bars and dominate then I can go to the jungle gym and then I can go to the swings and have fun everywhere.”
• “I just want to be okay I don’t I don’t even give a fuck about this money the fame I don’t get a fuck about I love the music because I mean I’m I’m blessing I’m grateful for it I cherish it because like it’s my living and I’m comfortable off of it.”
• “Wars inside of us and your body knows when you go to war you have to switch gears you have to switch gears and that’s where mom and that’s you beat some of the death with a rock in front of everybody you never do that it was just you in that person.”