Texas Rapper ‘That Mexican OT’ Says His Bull-Fighting Abilities Translate to All Aspects of Life, Music Included

A Rapper With an Unusual Skill Set

Texas-based rapper That Mexican OT has gained a reputation for his energetic live shows, unique Southern rap style, and charismatic personality, which sets him apart from the rest of the hip-hop crowd. However, the Bay City, TX, native says that aside from his music, one of the more unusual talents he brings to the table is bull-fighting, which has influenced the way he thinks and the way he looks at the world.

Where many rappers get their inspiration from the streets, the sports world, or their own struggles, That Mexican OT says that the lessons he learned from bull-fighting have translated well into the rap world.

To the rapper, the face-off with a raging bull in the bull ring is the same as the face-off with the rest of the rap world:

“You can’t be scared,” he says. “If you hesitate, you lose. That goes for bulls, and it goes for life.”

Roots in Texas Culture

As a young boy growing up in Texas, That Mexican OT has been surrounded by a culture that is heavily involved with ranching, rodeo, and the way of life that comes with it. In Texas, bull riding and other rodeo events are not just sports; they are a way of life for many people.

The rapper has talked about growing up in an area that surrounded him with ranches, where it was a way of life to work with cattle and participate in rodeos. This is how he was first introduced to the challenges that come with dealing with a bull.

As a young man who wants to make it big as a rapper, the connection to bull-fighting may seem a little strange. However, for That Mexican OT, it is a way of life that is a combination of the Southern rap lifestyle, Mexican culture, and the ranching lifestyle that is prevalent in Texas. This has helped to shape the personality of the rapper.

Lessons From the Arena

Bull-fighting, which is often referred to in rodeo culture as protecting riders from charging bulls, is a practice that requires speed, knowledge, and courage. Bull-fighters serve as a diversion to distract the bull from riders who have fallen off during the rodeo event.

According to Mexican OT, the experience has taught him a number of things that guide his music career:

Confidence in a pressurized situation: When faced face-to-face with a bull, panic is not a viable option. Calmness and swift action are necessary. This is a quality that the rapper has learned from bull-fighting that helps him remain calm when faced with a crowd while performing.

Dealing with fear: Bull-fighting does not eliminate fear; rather, it helps one deal with fear. This is a quality that has helped him deal with the pressures that come with fame and the competitive nature of the music business.

Timing and instincts: Just like bull-fighting requires perfect timing when avoiding a charging bull, music requires rhythm, flow, and instinct:

“These things all connect. When you learn how to move at the right moment, it helps everywhere.”

A Rising Star in Southern Hip-Hop

However, Mexican OT has gained recognition in the past few years for bringing a new voice to the Southern hip-hop scene. The rapper combines quick-paced rhymes with humor and regional slang to tell stories based on his life experiences.

Some of his songs that gained him recognition include “Johnny Dang,” which mentions the renowned Houston-based jewelry maker Johnny Dang. The song helped him gain recognition for his energetic style.

The success of the song has helped him solidify his position as a new generation of Texas-based rappers who continue the long tradition of hip-hop from the region. Texas has a long tradition of influential rap artists. The region has produced legendary rappers from Houston as well as contemporary artists who continue to push the boundaries of the genre.

Blending Heritage and Hip-Hop

A significant aspect of what makes That Mexican OT stand out is the fact that he celebrates his culture.

For instance, the fact that he refers to himself as That Mexican OT speaks volumes about the fact that he celebrates his culture as a Mexican from Texas.

Additionally, the fact that he celebrates his culture as a Mexican-American, as well as the fact that he celebrates the culture of the Southern rap genre, makes him stand out because he offers a unique flavor for the audience who can identify with the content of the messages he communicates through the rap music he makes.

Life Lessons Beyond the Music

While bull-fighting may not seem to have much to do with a rap career, That Mexican OT believes that he has benefited from the experience in terms of learning to be resilient and determined.

In the rap world, there is a lot of rejection, criticism, and uncertainty before a rap career can be said to be a success. Confidence and determination in such times can make all the difference.

The rapper believes that he has benefited from the discipline he learned in the world of rodeo culture. “You’ve got to respect what you’re doing. If you don’t respect the bull, you’re gonna get hurt. If you don’t respect the music, it won’t last.” Such a philosophy informs everything he does, from writing his rap lyrics to being on stage.

Looking Ahead

As he continues to grow in popularity, That Mexican OT remains committed to staying true to his roots.

The rapper continues to make new music and perform in front of a growing audience. At the same time, he often makes sure that he lets people know that he stays true to his Texas culture and bull-fighting traditions. Those experiences help shape the stories he wants to tell and the energy he brings to the stage.

Turning Experience Into Art

For That Mexican OT, music and life are closely related. The lessons learned in the bull ring—courage, awareness, and persistence—have been the guiding principles for him both on stage and off.

The rapper’s story is unique because it is based on a unique blend of cultures and experiences.

From Texas ranch environments to rap stages all over the country, That Mexican OT’s journey is one of unexpected influences on artistic creativity.

But for That Mexican OT, the message is clear: the same instincts that can be used to face a charging bull can be used to pursue success in music, and in life.

By William Hernandez

Journalist for Vlixx Magazine, reporting on news from around the world, ensuring timely, accurate, and detailed information to keep the public informed and educated.

Sources:

Vice: Texas Rapper That Mexican OT Says His Bull-Fighting Abilities Translate to All Aspects of Life, Music Included 

Rolling Stone: Rapper That Mexican OT is Living His Dreams Earlier Than He Imagined

Featured Image Courtesy of thedailytexan  – Creative Commons License

Inset Image Courtesy of apeconcerts  – Creative Commons License