Santa Fe Klan Speaks On Working With Hip-Hop's Finest, His Next LP & More

Santa Fe Klan has made a name for himself in the music industry as a multifaceted lyricist and a talented musician. The prominent rapper is known as one of the greatest MC's in Spanish rap. After conquering the Latin realm with his hard-hitting bars, the 25-year-old Mexican artist has set his sights on breaking into mainstream Hip-Hop.

"I’m glad to see how both American and Latin artists open doors for each other and create fusions for the whole world," he tells iHeartRadio. "Unity is fundamental because beyond music it represents breaking barriers and connecting with the presence of our communities."

Born Ángel Jair Quezada Jasso, Santa Fe Klan's stage name was inspired by his neighborhood in Guanajuato, Mexico. After growing up as a breakdancer and a graffiti artist, Quezada started taking his rap career seriously when he was a teenager. He was only 17 when he dropped his debut album Por Costumbre in 2017. Since then, he's flexed his versatility within multiple genres from hip-hop to regional Mexican and reggaeton on eight albums, including his most recent release BLANCO Y NEGRO.

"Even though I grew up in Mexico, rap was always around me and became my biggest source of inspiration," he says. "Over time, I started experimenting with new genres, blending them with rap and the influences of the artists who inspired me to make music."

Over the years, Santa Fe Klan has collaborated with a diverse range of top-notch artists, including Nicky Jam, Peso Pluma, and Chino Pacas, as well as Rich the Kid and Snoop Dogg. Yet, 2025 has been an even bigger year for the rising star. His recent collaborations with some of Hip-Hop's biggest names have captivated his loyal fans and attracted new listeners from all over the world. Earlier this year, Santa Fe Klan dropped his song with Lefty Gunplay, "Lumbre," and followed up with "Diamonds" featuring Rick Ross. He recently released his latest single, "Locos" featuring Saweetie, and teamed up with the "Icy Girl" rapper for the official music video.

In addition to his accomplishments in the studio, the Mexican spitta recently teamed up with Shoreline Mafia's OhGeesy and Fenix Flexin for his “Unidos Tour” with Tornillo, Peysoh, and Bravo The Bagchaser. The tour hit major cities across Texas, California, Colorado and more.

iHeartRadio caught up with Santa Fe Klan to talk about his passion for hip-hop, his recent collaborations, his upcoming album and more. Scroll below for the entire conversation and press play on his music videos.

iHR: What inspired you to launch your music career?

SFK: Poverty, the streets, and losing friends along the way. When you grow up in the hood, life doesn’t take long to show you how tough it can be. There’s a lot of darkness in the barrio, but there’s also talent and plenty of inspiration to keep pushing forward – you just have to shift your perspective and have the drive to make it out.

Which artist inspired you during the beginning of your career?

The artists who have always inspired me are Celso Piña, Adan Zapata, Cartel de Santa, Chalino, Los Temerarios, Los Tigres del Norte, and Cypress Hill.

Why did you want to make rap music and how has your sound changed since you started?

I became a rapper because I was inspired by U.S. hip-hop, movies I watched as a kid, and the b-boys dancers and freestylers in my neighborhood alleys. Even though I grew up in Mexico, rap was always around me and became my biggest source of inspiration. Over time, I started experimenting with new genres, blending them with rap and the influences of the artists who inspired me to make music.

What hardships did you endure while crossing over from the Latin market into the English-speaking urban market?

I adapt to whatever comes my way, but the biggest challenge for me has been the language. I still need more practice to be able to speak with other artists, but being able to communicate through music is a unique experience that makes it all worth it.

This year has been a lot different for you. You’ve collaborated with several major hip hop acts. Let’s talk about your song with Lefty Gunplay. How did you guys come up with that?

I spent some time living in L.A. The neighborhoods gave me the opportunity to collaborate, they opened their doors and made me feel at home. During that time, the song with Lefty came about through friends and colleagues who helped make the collaboration happen with him and other rappers. I also listened to the track with Kendrick Lamar and I thought it was dope.

You also joined forces with Rick Ross on “Diamonds." What was it like working with Ross on that song and where did you guys record it?

We recorded in Miami, and it was cool. We downed a bottle of Belaire. We couldn’t really communicate well but we had translators and had a great time. Much respect to Rick Ross because he’s one of the greats in rap, and even though we didn’t speak the same language, he always showed me respect. I even saw him later at a club and he treated me the same way, he’s a really great guy.

He really is though! Your most recent collaboration was with Saweetie on “Locos." What was it like working with her on the song and music video?

Working with Saweetie was a great experience because we already knew each other, and she’s amazing. They brought a bottle of tequila to the session, and everything just flowed naturally. I hang out with a lot of rappers in the U.S., but she was the first female rapper I ever recorded with, and honestly, I think she’s incredible.

What's the plan for your next album? Will all these songs be included?

A lot of good things are coming. My next album will be a record of only cumbias. I want to keep creating music to dance to and lift people’s spirits. By 2026, there will be other genres and much more music, but the album that will include all the songs I recorded in the United States will be one of the focuses of the year.

Who else do you want to work with in the future?

With Cypress Hill, Eminem, Los Temerarios, and whoever wants to, we’re ready! We have plenty of music, and I’m always open to sharing where I’m from with the world. What matters to me is continuing to raise my own goals and reach new levels, constantly breaking barriers.

Y'all heard him! I hope you land those collabs soon. What else can fans expect from you in 2025?

I want to keep growing, not only as an artist but also as a person. I’d like to learn to play all the instruments, get more involved in music production, and learn how to work all the equipment in a studio. I also want to learn to speak English and above all, learn to love myself more.