Yavier Luisan aka “El Loko En Cristo” has been taking the Spanish Hip-Hop game by storm. The young emcee has already collaborated with heavy hitters like David Otero, Rodolfo El Cantante, Lexington, Jay Kalil El Dynamico, Temperamento, Daniel El Valiente, Benjie, Alma Calderon, and Espada. It doesn’t seem like he is slowing down anytime soon. The Puerto Rican lyricist is already preparing to release a slew of mixtapes for 2013. His album ‘My Life’ comes out on January 12th. DaSouth.com got the opportunity to talk to him about Religion, Fake Christian Rappers and his ‘My Life’ project. Enjoy!
DaSouth Latino:
Tell us how you got into the rap game?
Yavier Luisan:
I wrote my first song when I was 14 years old. I don’t know how it happened but I know I got on my knees and prayed; started writing on a pad and it flowed naturally. My first song was Christian. My mom sent me to my biological father because I was misbehaving in Puerto Rico. 6 years after they got divorced I saw him again and tried church after seeing he converted to Christianity. He was a big time drug dealer in New York so that was a major change. I met some folks through his church and some were in the music business. A guy named Julian from the DR (Which I want to thank for recording my first song) was one of the people that I met. Later I got in trouble with the law so my dad sent me back to my mom in Puerto Rico. Because I didn’t have a father figure I became rebellious and angry so things got worse for me spiritually. I believed in God but I never knew him like I do now. Church as a youngin didn’t really penetrate. I grew up listening to artists like Hector El Father, Tempo, Baby Rasta, Gringo, Don Chezina, Falo, Tego, and Daddy Yankee when he used to be called Winchester 30/30 plus more. In Orlando I met some people that were into music on an underground level. I always had a special talent in me that real people recognized. I stood out a lot and because of that I was hated by many. Later I linked up with DJ Tru, a close friend from Nicaragua, and he recorded some of my first tracks. At the time I thought I had it going on because I could get almost anything I wanted (drugs, friends, females etc.) because of my talent. My beginnings were Godly but I backslid.
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Then a friend of mine Mark (Nano) introduced me to his cousin in Miami who was doing an artist draft for their album Noan y Saldi ‘Los Abusadores’. I was chosen and they sent me to Miami to record my album but I didn’t even record anything. I lived in Miami with Saldi from Cuba for about a year. My name as an underground rapper was “Under Low”. I performed in places/clubs like atrazana, rondevouz, vision, Bay Front Park (Broadcast on TV), and Calle Ocho. I didn’t do much recording because I was living the party life and wasting time. I got locked up in 07 for a few months and realized what I did and where I was heading. I needed a savior. Then Jesus stepped in but when I got out I backslid. God told me that if I didn’t do something soon, it was going to be it for me. So I came back to him in 2011 when I hit rock bottom. Before then I was selling drugs, doing drugs and into the prostibulo game. I almost had an overdose; quickly I got on my knees and told God I’m done with the world’s ways. I was like el hijo prodigo. Now he is doing things I never imagined. He was waiting for me, like he is waiting for a lot of you out there. Since then I’ve been to Canada, Boston, and Rhode Island. I also do shows in NC where I reside now. I’m going to Peru in the summer and who knows where else. I never got a dime for rapping secular. Now I travel all over the place without paying anything. All glory to God! I’ve met awesome people from all over the world that have support me like Capellan, Jblaze and Paul Martinez. Thank you guys!
DaSouth Latino:
Who are some of the people you have worked with in secular music?
Yavier Luisan:
Honestly, this may sound like I’m cocky or arrogant but I was hated on because of my talent. A lot of rappers feared me. I don’t know why though. I was really humble. I’ve met a lot of rappers like Berto aka Yomo, Nengo Flow, OG Black y Master Joe before anyone knew them. I worked with a couple but I mostly did my own thing. I collaborated with a few local rappers but that’s it.
DaSouth Latino:
When did the message in your music change and why?
Yavier Luisan:
It was time for a change. I felt I had forgotten my true calling and Christian beginnings. Plus there’s really nothing to talk about other than money, drugs, sex and clubs on the secular side. That is all you really hear in secular music. It’s like a brain wash type of thing. I’ve heard the wackest songs ever get played over and over again till people got used to it. lol
Life is more than just drugs, sex, and money. I had to talk about who changed my life because I was headed to hell and death. I switched it up with time after failing so much and after getting tired of my boys dying. After I noticed the subliminal messages in music that were dissing God, I decided to change it up.
DaSouth Latino:
How is the Christian Rap scene compared to the Secular Rap scene in your opinion?
Yavier Luisan:
To be honest, a lot of people may not like what I’m about to say. I haven’t changed so much that I can’t be real so I’m going to keep it real, sorry. To me por lo menos what I know is that the only thing that compares other than the instrumental is really the dirt and the grime of people……”Christians” that play you, use you and are only por los panes y los peces. This game is dirty like the secular game but remember la palabra dice que la sisa~a esta mexclada con el trigo so you can’t be mad. The devil knows what he’s doing. So new upcoming rappers, don’t get discouraged, I’m giving you a heads up. Just keep doing your thing and hanging on to Christ.
DaSouth Latino:
What do you think can be better in Christian Hip-Hop?
Yavier Luisan:
Honestly! Houston we have a problem! Lol One of the problems is that there is no unity. I believe that in unity, there is power and that’s biblical lol but yea unity and quality. Definitely some prayers are needed. That’s for sure. We need to stay in the spirit
DaSouth Latino:
You have released quite a few mixtapes. Do you feel like the quality of Rap music has gone down since rappers deliver music faster now?
Yavier Luisan:
Yes, it has but really it’s all about having good ears and if you’re honest enough to say that what you did does not sound right. You got to be willing to work on the record again till it comes out right
There are a lot of rappers now in days and it’s a mess. I think the longer you take on a track or project the better it will come out. Instead of being desperate to release your track so they can hear you take your time on it. Not throwing stones though because I use to be the same way
DaSouth Latino:
In many of your songs you mention a need to be less religious and more in tune with your identity. How important is identity to you?
Yavier Luisan:
I really stress a lot about these types of things. It’s the principles because to me religion is not only a demon but it’s definitely not a relationship with God. It’s all about your relationship with God. Too much religion could send you to hell, if you know what I mean and again I’m not throwing stones if you’re religious out there. Do what you have to do to be on the right track. The God I have a relationship with is awesome and loves me the way I am. I have a lot of areas I need to change in so to me it’s about growing and keeping it real with God and yourself. Then again I can’t be religious. Religion makes a lot of kids and people dislike Christians and leave the path.
DaSouth Latino:
Is being religious a problem in Church Culture?
Yavier Luisan:
Yesssss 😉 it is very much, at least to me. I haven’t met one perfect person yet but Christ so no matter how religious you are you can’t be perfect. The word says God came to save the lost and the sick plus the healthy don’t need a hospital. Everybody falls short from His glory. I’m not saying to do what you want because there’s a limit but be careful with religion. To me, it is one of Satan’s weapons to divide the body…………..When I started rapping for Christ; I had a lot of religious people point at me. Same people that made me stronger so I don’t judge. One thing I could say, “What doesn’t break you makes you”. If you hear my first mixtape you could hear the anger and discouragement caused by religion but then again you could hear that I was determined to accept anything anybody had to say because I knew and know my calling and what I’m here for. I’m not going anywhere! Amen
DaSouth Latino:
Do religious people stunt their own creativity?
Yavier Luisan:
No comment lol. I’ll let the crowd answer this one!!!
DaSouth Latino:
Why do rappers release mixtapes?
Yavier Luisan:
I don’t know why others do but I release mixtapes to spread the gospel. All my mixtapes are free downloads and always will be. We were called to spread the gospel even if you have to do it through the art of music and on beats. I love it!
DaSouth Latino:
When will you be releasing your album?
Yavier Luisan:
I’m hyped about this but really I’m more hyped about the mixtapes I’m dropping this year. My album is supposed to drop January 12 but I’m really focused on other things like my spirit and relationship with God. I could drop albums all year but if my soul isn’t right it’s not worth doing it. If I’m not growing in the spirit then something isn’t right. Albums will come but a soul could burn forever.
DaSouth Latino:
Explain why you named your album ‘My Life’?
Yavier Luisan:
When I started my mixtape it was called ‘My Life’ because of what I was living at the time. If you hear it, it sounds like current statements that really went down in my life. It’s my real life but it was more un desahogo but my album is the same thing only that es un desahogo para Dios. I’m worshiping God directly now. It’s all about Him. So el disco es mas alabanzas a Dios menos de mi mas de El se lo merece my life rendida a El so there’s the mixtape and the album ‘My Life’.
For more information on the album click on the link: LINK
DaSouth Latino:
We have noticed that you have a good relationship with a respected DJ in Christian music named DJ Capellan. How has DJ Capellan contributed to your ministry?
Yavier Luisan:
That is my uncle LOL. He is a good friend more than anything, a brother, a real brother just like Jblaze. Cape and I are real tight! He keeps it real and was there from the beginning. He supported me when no one did. He helped me when no one did and pushed me when no one wanted to. He still does till this day. I love that dude. He is not perfect but he is real for sure and he is a family man above all things. He is a minister. Cape has been in the game for a minute. He is a good person and above all things a man of God. UrbanBlessings.com, check him out, it’s hot. God promotes him! One thing for sure is that he has my back always and has guided me a lot. Praise God for him! God bless him always and his family. I have had the privilege to meet him personally and had great times with him. He is part of my ministry.He always will be.
DaSouth Latino:
What are you working on?
Yavier Luisan:
LOL no one believes me but I keep saying it and they think I’m playing but I’m for real. I want to do 1000 songs. That’s coming! I’m working on it 🙂
DaSouth Latino:
What’s next for Yavier Luisan?
Yavier Luisan:
Only God knows. He has done some amazing things with me but there is no telling what He will do next. I’m excited. I know it’s something good. Check me out… Hit me up on Twitter (@YavierLuisan) or Facebook. Stay tuned and plugged in. I love all of you! Thanks for the support! God Bless and Amen.
