October 8, 2025 • 42 mins
From the streets of Mexico City to the spotlight — this is a story of rhythm, resilience, and reinvention.
In this episode of Conversations with Kris, Ricardo “Ricardito” Martinez shares how a single VHS tape from his father introduced him to breakdancing and set his life in motion. Growing up in Mexico City, he chased his passion through the streets, mastering his craft in raw, underground battles that shaped his identity as a dancer and performer.
Through mentorship, risk, and relentless hustle, Ricardito rose from the streets to the stage — performing in music videos and touring as a backup dancer, most famously for Latin pop star Belinda. Today, he’s the founder of Pound It Hip Hop Studios in Alberta, Canada, where he mentors the next generation of dancers to find their own rhythm, resilience, and purpose.
This isn’t just a dance story — it’s a testament to how far passion and perseverance can take you when you move with heart.
Watch now and discover how rhythm can rewrite a life.
FOLLOW FOR MORE:
https://www.instagram.com/ricardoemartinez/
https://www.pounditdj.com
https://www.instagram.com/poundithiphopstudios/
https://www.instagram.com/pounditmx/
https://www.instagram.com/kristopherpace/
https://kristopherpace.com
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:04):
I am positively Chris Pace. You are actively listening to
Conversations with Chris. Oh, yeah.
Hey, what's up guys? It's Chris.
Yeah, I know I'm in a different set.
It's craziest set, right? I just jumped back 25.
OK, we'll call it 30 years, but we're still conversations with
Chris. We just get to have it in this
kick ass little dog # doggy studio doggy style with my main
(00:28):
man Rico, which you guys are about to meet and he's about to
tell you his story. I'm stoked for you guys to hear
this. This guy's incredible.
We are at his studio, a very secret location.
I'd tell you where it is, but then I have to kill you, so I
can't do that. But Rico's my main man here.
Rico, what's up dude? How's it going?
Oh, it's going great, man. Thanks for having me in the
studio and let me use your cool sets to be able to host you.
(00:49):
I think this is a lot better than my Zoom podcast that I do
with most people since we have all this cool gear and we both
came from the same time frame. Absolutely 90s.
Everybody knows about them, right?
Because you know, they're still going on.
So we won't tell you how old we are, but we were, we were a
little cuter to my 90s. That's right.
But tell me about you, brother. Tell me where you come from.
(01:11):
Tell me what you're about. Yeah.
I'm originally from Mexico City,man.
I grew up in Mexico City. Yeah.
Just, you know, come from how itbegins.
The one thing that really just saved my life was that it's
like, you know, I try everythinglike karate, like all the
Portugal man like. They got a lot of karate in
(01:32):
Mexico City, yeah, so you know. You know, you're young, you try
a lot of different things, but like, yeah, I mean, I, I I so
breaking for the first time. I was like, this is so tough it.
Was just a passion, you just took off with it.
How old were you when you found it?
I, I would have been, I would have been like probably 9-10
(01:53):
years old. So I, I danced before then I
just tried some, some weird things in the ground and I sort
of started showing some, you know, some moves to my family.
My my father is looking at me. Like.
They wanted to just show, like, a little confused.
Yeah, he's confused. Like this guy is something wrong
with this kid. So.
This was back in the day before people danced all those that's.
(02:16):
Right. We didn't have no take that no
man. He he showed up with this VHS
cassette. He's like bombedo this call me
bombedo. Hey, I think you really like
this. Check it out so.
VHS, yeah. I'm like, oh, so I played it.
I see these guys like crazy, like breaking, doing some
(02:36):
windmills and like heads, pants and footwork.
And I'm like this is stuff OK, Iwant to do that.
What did you see? Who was the first person there?
Who are the first break dancers around the VHS?
To be honest with you, I can't remember.
I don't even know their names. Not even like people, by the
way. It was a competition.
I think it's out out of the UK. And then I, I just, I used some
(02:59):
at it. That's the first time I I saw
like this. Yeah, the last session I was
like, Nah, man, this is this is good.
And the music was funky. Boom, boom.
You got some James Brown in the back at the time.
I don't know who James Brown is.Yeah, you, but I like. 10 years
old. Yeah, but I was.
Like. You're like OK, OK, I got this.
So 10 years old you find B boy music and break dancing and avhs
(03:24):
tape that your dad brought to you because you're into dancing,
right? Yeah, karate just that was
working out now at the time, Mexico City probably was not
crushing it from the dancing. So you're probably having to
look around and find some peopleto learn from.
How did you get into that? That it like just happened
easily or was there some 1 mentor that came into your life?
(03:44):
Actually actually happened pretty easy.
The reason why is because I start to get my like my name out
there. I like, I will go to to local
bottles and they'll see me and people will not for like why you
moved it? And they like he's so and then
like, like, you know, and they start to call me back next month
and then next month. And then they start to come and
(04:06):
look for me like at my, my, my grandmother's house.
So yeah, it just start to get noticed around and people knew
that I was going to smoke where it comes from.
Places the talk of the town. Yeah.
You were the champion. Nobody could beat you.
Yeah. Nobody can beat me at the time.
So it's like everybody's like, yeah, no, he's the man.
Like they used to call me. Also Sentawa.
(04:26):
So it's funny. Funny story.
Like, yeah, we got to hear aboutthese names.
Yeah, right. I got a little bit.
So the neighborhood right is we grew up in liberal.
So it's like it's, it's the hoodin Mexico City.
Dangerous man. Real dangerous, really not good.
I've been down in Mexico City. Yeah, man, it's, it's no joke.
Yeah. Nowhere is a good place, but
(04:46):
yeah. But you know, and people around
around the neighborhood, they, they respect you there.
They're like, you know, they know who you are.
So they call me, they call me Bombero, right?
Bombero firefighter. So anyway, so you know that that
was my nickname from like from the ghetto, like the the crazy
guys, right? And yeah, they were good.
(05:07):
They were cool with me, like no problem at all.
But and when I started to get into the pregnancy they called
me Centavo, which is 1 cent hilarious. 1.
A small guy, they called me. They called me one cent.
I like it. I like it.
That's catchy. So you went from from Alberto to
one set. That's right.
And that became the break dancing man.
That's right. And that's what you danced under
(05:28):
until you became a what you got in with some some more pop
mainstream dancing. You can start training
traditional dancing. Or did it just kind of happen
naturally that you flowed into the to the pop scene?
So a. Little bit of both.
It happened. It happened like that.
I, I start to I, I met this ladyon my choreographer, my mentor.
(05:48):
She's like, I need you to dance and I need you to take some
formal training with us. Like I need you to really like
dive into like ballet and tap and all.
And I'm like. Yeah, you're like, I just want
to I just. Want to beep I don't want to do
any of this, you know, I have nointerest but but the reason I,
I, you know my my grandparents told me like be grateful for the
(06:12):
people that create gives you opportunities.
So, you know, I always had that in my mind and I was very
grateful that she gave me an opportunity.
She's like, you know, if you come to the studio, you don't
have to pay tuition because it was this beautiful spot.
It was like, I walked in nothing.
I knew I couldn't afford this. I was like, I was like.
I'm Mr. 1 Cent from. The.
(06:34):
And that's just a nickname. Yeah, man.
So, so she, she sort of mentoredme and, and she got me into a
lot of work, a lot of mainstreamwork, like huge stuff.
You have to learn the technical stuff, right?
Like, I mean, that's kind of where you learn how to flow into
because every break cancer I know, and I know quite a few
pretty yeah, break dancers. If you're going to move it into
(06:55):
anywhere, you've got to learn like, like you said, ballet,
classical, that kind of stuff tobe able to understand counting
and movement and that kind of stuff, right?
This is true. But not necessarily like B boys
know how to like they know how to group like from top rocks to
go downs is is you'll almost nervous.
Like I shouldn't say it whenever, but you barely see AB
(07:15):
boy saying I'm a ballet dancer too, right.
It's B boy's a lot like, but it does help 100%.
Like it helps with the positive form.
Like just the training and any training you can take is
amazing. Yeah, yeah, so so it's
important. And then also because you're
getting into mainstream, you have more opportunity because
(07:38):
you have you have more talent, you have more style than you
can, you know, put out like, youknow, not, you know, just a big
boy. Yeah, you can actually dance or.
Actually partner dance, you know, yes, way more stuff with
it so. It helps quite a bit.
So you did that for a number of years by this age.
How old were you when you started to actually train a
fancy place? I would have been, I would have
(07:59):
been around 16. 16, yeah, I've got so yeah.
So you were heading into this. This is doggy style time, Yeah.
Yeah, 100. Percent.
I was 16 when doggy style came out, so that's where I was at.
I was 77, yeah. So that's where that's when I
was born. So yeah, I've been right.
That's about the year that was somewhere.
(08:19):
So 16 you moved into. Did you move or were you just
headed in there every day in training and she opened up the
opportunities for you? Yeah, she opened a lot of
opportunities for me. I didn't move.
We we lived in the north, like north of Mexico and the studio
was in the South. So I have to take 22 buses and a
train to get there every day. Like I got to train every day.
So it's three hours. Oh yeah, Mexico City is a big
(08:42):
place. It's huge.
So. It's like, you know, I, I'll
take the bus. I was, again, I was grateful for
the opportunity. I was not going to pass that.
And she saw that. She saw that fire.
She's like, yeah, this guy. So she right away she's like,
hey, we have a, we have a, you know, a performance for you, for
this huge state station. I'm like, oh, what?
Yeah. And you're going to get paid.
(09:03):
One cent no. More cents?
Yeah, 1 cent wasn't one. Cent, I don't know if I can
handle a new nickname. Have to get somebody to rename
you. So what was the first gig you
got? They gave you some money.
So the the first one I got actually was it was this company
called Telus. No Telus, sorry, Telnix, Telus
(09:25):
is the one in Canada, it's called Telnix.
And so they have a opening for abrand new, you know, set of cell
phones. They coming out with new stuff
and it was huge. It was like in these beautiful
hotel downtown Mexico City, and I went there.
I'm looking all like people are like this kid.
(09:47):
He's sure to rob the. Place.
Yeah, yeah. Yeah, pretty much.
I couldn't afford to rob this. Yeah.
I'm like, no, I'm so it was so dope and that was the first one
and it went from there like it after that every week that girls
who have another have been like and people like me for some
reason we want Rico, but let's see.
(10:09):
That's easy to see why, man, you're very likeable person, but
I mean at 16 where you're still having to drive back to go
defend the one set competitions because you're still winning.
I know you're still be I. Was busy at the end at that, but
when I said to get some work, like I was not going into no
more, but but I I was like, I missed it.
I was like, Nah. So so once in a while I'll hurt
and then I'll be in the school. But I mean, in the battle that I
(10:32):
grew up in and, and it is alwayslike kids, they're like trying
to get to a level. Yeah.
So when you go back and you're like, they always call you out.
What's up? Of course.
Yeah, let's go. You want to shot at the guy
that's in charge? Yeah.
Big dog. So we're like, let's go.
And we just, we Just Dance in there, like in the, you know.
(10:52):
Streets or. Sometimes you can't carry cargo
everywhere. So yeah, absolutely.
It was just like, let's go. So B boy to now you're working
and then you find your way into television.
Yeah. Now that was got to be a crazy
transition, right? Was it easy and seamless for you
now that you're in the fancy world of advertising?
(11:14):
Or did you have to take a minuteand kind of go like.
No, it was too fast for. Me too fast.
It was too fast. I went from like, I went from
literally like, you know, counting my, my sense to, to get
to the next class to like, Hey, you, you hire for this thing.
So it was a big job that I, thatI caught and like, you know, I
(11:36):
was like, wow, OK, this it was, it was pretty crazy.
So you know, within within time I'm starting to travel in.
A car. Yeah, I got.
No train no more. Buses.
No more buses. Now you're living up on the car
life. I got a new car next.
Thing you know on planes right yes, I'm sure you were flying
everywhere and having to do music videos back in a day bro
(11:57):
the NTV day like when this is legit real thing, you know like
look boom. It's a television.
Yeah, man, that was back when videos were big.
Were you? Absolutely.
Yeah, I I'm on a lot of them. It's.
Amazing. So it's like it's yeah, it's,
it's so cool. Like just to even be able to my
very first video clip my the first time I saw the green
(12:18):
screen it was like. What?
A huge green screen. What is this?
Don't worry about it, Just Dance.
You'll see later. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
OK. So where'd they put you?
Yeah, when I, I actually, I was so lucky 'cause that like my
very first video clip that I did, we dancing for the artist
and there's a bunch of other dancers and out of all of these
(12:40):
dancers, the director's like, hey, you come on, shit, I'm in
trouble. Yeah, exactly.
What did I do? He's sending me home.
Yeah. So isn't going to work out.
That's right. No, he's like, he'd be pretty
dope. You SH, we're going to give you
20 minutes for yourself. I'm like what?
20. Minutes, they told the artist,
(13:00):
you go like take a break. So I'm like, oh man, you're.
Like is this my music? Video now.
Yeah, it felt like that. 20 minutes is legit.
Yeah, man, it was like. That's a long 10 minutes, so.
And you know, the other is sitting in the audience because
it was an artist audio and they were just thanks.
They were just like, I got, oh man, they put this whole thing
(13:25):
around me. It was super dope.
So it was, it was really cool. And then when I finally saw the
product, I was like. Where was it?
What was it for? It was for music video for these
artists that I dance for is her name is Belinda.
She's yeah, she's so she's like she was young so that.
Was the first one. And then that ended up being,
yeah, you stayed with for for a while, how many years, right?
(13:46):
Yeah. It was kind of like a time
period. So the 20 minutes paid off.
They're smart. They're like, hey, this guy
right here sounds extra special.We're going to get 20 minutes of
footage so we can put him where we know he's going to go big
time. That's right.
That was the first video then. So what was on the green screen
when you saw it on the TV? They put like a like actually
(14:07):
was hilarious because they put atrain behind this train with all
the graffiti. So they actually utilized
graffiti. They they saw.
I created these T-shirts myself because you know, why not?
I want to move dolphin this thing.
So I created this outfit and they liked it.
They're like, oh, so we're goingto utilize some of the graffiti
(14:29):
and at the end of the day they put lots of graffiti in it and
it was really cool. So they bounced you in New York
City in front of a train. Do you remember the first song?
The old day when I did, yeah. It's called Los Siento, Yeah.
Los siento, yeah. Means means.
I'm sorry. Yes, I was going to say that's
very cliche or or I guess apropos, huh?
Yeah. So you worked with Belinda for
(14:50):
how many years before you? I would say about almost three
years ago from from the beginning, like introduction to
like, you know, rehearsing the. The 1st 20 minute rehearsing in
the No. No, no, we actually.
So that was before, like I So the funny part is, well, we got
cold one day. My mentor's like, what are you
doing? Like what?
(15:11):
I'm just about to go to bed. OK, I need you tomorrow morning,
9:00 AM. You're.
Like I got 2 buses. And yeah, I'm like, but I was I
was going to school. So so I'm like, I'm thinking my
mom is going to say absolutely not.
So she's like, she's like, I need you tomorrow morning.
There's there's this artist thatcame out with a new risk.
(15:32):
You single. I think you and you would be a
really good fit for this. You have to show up.
I said, I'll see. No, no, no, she's like, now you
have to show like this is not a question.
It's not optional, yeah. I'm like OK.
She's like I did you favors. Yes, you owe I.
Need you. You owe me.
That's right, you're showing up whether you like it or not.
(15:53):
So yeah, man, I I did go up in the morning, get up in the
morning. I have to go.
I have to be there by 9:00. So I I got up really early.
Yeah. And I told my mom that I'm
leaving. She's like she was, she was mad,
but but it, it changed it. So I, I got there and I showed
up. My Bab, my best friend was there
standing to he's also a dancer. And I'm like, what are you doing
(16:14):
here, man? He's like, I don't know, same as
you. Got to call.
You. Yeah.
And he's like, oh, I guess we'redoing an audition and.
And he's like, yeah, I guess. So we're just standing around,
joking around and all the suddenwe see these people coming in.
We saw the artist coming in and we know who she was because she
had a previous album. Like younger, like a younger
generation. She's in Mexico City.
(16:34):
The same superstar also. She is.
She came out of there OK. Yeah, she's she's huge.
Like she's, she's huge in the scene.
So you. Already knew the music, you knew
the artist, you just didn't knowthat's what you were going to be
dancing for. That's correct.
Well, we knew because she told me the phone, but we were
disappointed because her music that she had before then it was
for kids. For little kids.
(16:55):
So she was like, like Disney. Disney.
Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears how they did the Mickey
Mouse Club. 100% So me and my friend were like, we're going to
attest to this. Like we were so much.
But she's like, no, my career was like, trust me, you're going
to like it. It's it's pop.
It's like like, OK, so anyways, we're sitting there and jumping
(17:17):
around and these people come in.These rich people fancy their
mom was like. Already got all this stuff.
Yeah. Oh my God, they're bad at you,
right? Mr. One said.
Yeah. Yeah, anyway, she's so sad.
She's looking at us like up and down.
She's like, who are you guys? We were like, we were dancers.
(17:37):
Oh, OK, so so this is who you they call for this.
And we were like, we didn't savemuch.
She's like, did you guys even have a passport, my friend?
I look at each other like what'sa passport?
Where are we going? Yeah.
We thought we were coming to dance you.
Know what it is. So she's like, well, we're going
to Brazil. We're going to Brazil in a in a
(17:59):
couple of weeks. So I need you guys to have
passports and we're like, we don't even know what we're
doing. You're still going.
Yeah, man, the corelifi comes out.
She's like, oh, no, no, don't worry, because they're special,
right? Like mom is very special.
Like she's like, no, no, no, no,don't worry.
We this is this is from the dancers.
So we look at each other again, we're like, oh, will they
dancing? We didn't even audition
anything. So anyways, you were just
(18:21):
selected. Yes, you were just selected.
So anyways, my friend, I was just like shopping around and we
got in there in the studio and we start to practice this, chose
the single and we're like OK, that's not bad.
So we set. The kids songs so you're happy.
Yeah, so it's like we can do this.
She choreographed the whole thing and and all that.
It took a couple of days and theday of, you know, showing
(18:45):
everybody including like newspapers and all these people.
It was ridiculous. Too many people because we were
like overwhelmed. But we already had that feeling
of like how they looked at us atfirst.
So we were like, they're not going to like us.
Like, you know, we don't dress good.
It's a. Little stressful.
Yeah, that'd be a little stressful, but.
But my, my the career is like, you know what, thank you
(19:09):
everybody for coming out. We didn't present to to you guys
like the career for the single or siento have a seen welcome
everything so fancy like Oh my God, so my friend and I were
like, damn. They like it.
This. This better go well, Yeah.
If it doesn't go well, I'm blaming.
You that's right. So my choreography is like,
(19:31):
guys, before we show you what the choreography looks like with
with her, I want the boys to dance with you guys.
We were. Like yes, wow, so you got a
chance to. Show I was like yes, because
listen up yeah in the choreography I had no breaking
yet OK, so and I looked at it and I said you have hip hop
right? She's like, yeah, I got hip hop,
(19:53):
play some hip hop, OK, plays hiphop and we went off.
We were just like like way mealslike crazy kids things every.
I wanted to make sure they like.That's right.
You're like, I don't have any break dancing in the actual
video. That's right.
So I need to make sure y'all know that I'm good, I'm the
best. So anyways, man, the mom got up.
She's like, Oh my God, who's these kids?
(20:15):
Like where did they come from? Like what?
No, oh, take their measurements.They're taking our measurements
like watch the size of shoes youare and like, like we had a, a
application for a application tofill out for, for a passport.
Like it's insane. Everything, everything's
happened like that. And my friend, I was just like
looking at you and saying like, this is wild.
And so then Los Siento comes out.
(20:37):
Was probably a hit. Yeah, it was.
It was like a master hit. Like it, it just Los Siento came
out and it was it was on. And then we had to, we had to
travel. Straight to Brazil.
Yeah, we did Brazil, then we didlike first of all we did Mexico,
we did Mexico all over Mexico South and N promoting the
(20:59):
single. But my friend and I were the the
the only two dancers can come like there was like we are the
main back of that. Yeah.
So everywhere we went. How does that work when you
travel like that and you're justgetting started as an artist or
as a well, she had an album out already.
But like, do you go places and you're the main dancers but you
grab other dancers in the local area to dance with you?
(21:20):
No, it's just you. 2 in America.The only thing that the only way
for the only town did that happen was in Spain, but usually
they got, I mean, I don't know if they plan it like this, but
we were the main dancers. Like we would just promote
everything, right? So when we go to other places,
it's just him. And I like most of the videos
(21:42):
that you watched from that era. It was just him and I and.
So 1 singer, 2 dances and that was it.
That's it. Simple.
Keep it simple. Yeah, keep it simple.
It was really cool. But again, everyone and then
even it was so cool and so like we have a really cool
connection. They will call us for beat for
magazine shoots with her. So they didn't have to call us
(22:03):
because it was just dancing questions.
We were not all of a sudden likelike, yeah, it was.
It was. Yeah.
So they promoted it as a as a crew, not as just as her.
And then couple backup dancers, like nobles, right?
It was like, yeah, yeah, we're going to get them involved.
We're going to make it a whole thing.
So then they start shooting you.So we'll have to show I've got
the videos on somewhere I can find it, right?
(22:24):
So I can like clip to it right here and just like.
Show you check out. The video and I'm like, So what
you guys think? Listen to what do you think of
my main man Rico? How do you do?
How do you do? I bet we can find some behind
the scenes videos too, like in interviews and photo shoots.
Did they have that going on? Yeah.
Yeah. Yeah, yeah, this is a whole 9
yards. Just a few a few things there,
(22:44):
do you? Know English then?
Nah. Nah, straight Spanish.
Straight Spanish no. So everything was an Espanol,
Yeah. Everything.
Everywhere you went was probablySpanish speaking.
Yeah, even including the USA. So when we get to, we went to
Miami to the Fox Sports anniversary.
It was amazing. It was huge and a lot of English
people, but also a lot of Spanish.
(23:05):
So Miami stuff in Spanish? Yeah, Miami.
Then we also got to Chicago, which is a lot of a lot of
Latino. So yeah, I know it was good.
I I didn't learn English until Imoved to Canada.
Really. Yeah.
Wow. So you did that From How old
were you when you got picked up for the?
I would have been 17, like almost 18.
So you're still in school? Yeah.
(23:26):
Oh yeah. We're supposed to be.
I had to like, drop that. We'll do that later on.
I'll get to that later. But I'm going to do the dance
thing. That's what I want to do.
Yeah. So your mom understood.
She was cool with. It she was cool with it.
She was cool with it. My I have a lot, a lot of lash
back from like family, like there's people like because the
way I grew up did not believe they were just like, Nah, these
(23:47):
kids going to be in trouble likehe's going to be, you know, in
the hood and do getting into trouble for sure.
They they swear. Yeah.
So. That's how it usually is though.
It's like, I think in high school I was voted most likely
to succeed and most likely to die.
Like that girl was like it was like, if he gets out of here and
makes it, he'll be great. If not.
(24:08):
Yeah, you know, but they, they, they really like for me.
They really, they give up on me from day one.
They're like, man, these kids are going to be in trouble.
So when I start to like appear in my TV and magazines and
they're like, oh, hey, how come?How come?
Like he's gonna see real big trouble now he's got money.
Yeah, yeah. Yeah, more than one thing.
(24:30):
Like now he's got money, he's certainly gonna get unlocked,
but it didn't happen. It's in 19/20/21.
Those are the years that you're working with Belinda.
That's right. And touring and doing all that
kind of stuff. But you're like really a part of
the whole organization too, morethan just a backup dancer.
Were you also creating more dances on the on on the side
where you start to choreograph or you start to do stuff?
(24:52):
I didn't choreograph much. I mean, with the first singles I
helped my choreographer a littlebit.
She just got us freestyle and she will pick out some moves
from us. But I will.
I won't take the choreography, but but yeah, I, I helped on it
a little bit like I, I was into fashion.
I I love. Doing my own shirt and stuff
man. Even for our for the actual
(25:13):
tour, because after we finished the tour doing for a promotion,
now we have to do the same tour with the whole show.
So you have now the stage and I have 20 more dancers and the
whole band. That's a whole other.
Situation, whole situation. So I actually felt my friend and
I developed this whole, this whole stage.
I had the idea of the microphonecoming down the ceiling.
(25:35):
I bought my my my cousin's Mustang 66 Mustang on stage
like. With 66 huh?
We got, we got some man. We were like.
I had some new stuff. Great ideas.
Yeah, coming up with some creative stuff.
So obviously there had to have been some connection between you
and Melinda. I mean, naturally there's two
guys, dancers, best friends and then she's the Rockstar singer.
(25:58):
How did that work and how did that go?
I mean, you guys stay friends. Did it all work out?
Did it end up being AI mean? Not the juicy details.
We don't need to know any of that.
We'll keep it about the dancing and the artist, but obviously
the two dancers who are best friends.
I mean, that's the situation that could be tough.
It it was tough. Like really tough.
It was tough. So we were spending so much time
together, too much time together.
(26:19):
Like all your time, practice allyour time, you know what I mean?
Yeah, day after day it's like it's time you wake up till the
time you go to sleep. It's yeah, that's what I mean.
Like you guys are in a situationwhere the three of you are all
together all the time. So that.
That's difficult for sure. And for me, I I I wasn't
expecting this to happen at all.It was just like, you know, you
(26:39):
start to like develop some feelings for people.
Like for her, We, we would play it a lot like her and I have a
really cool connection. We would just like joke around,
like flirt like, like, yeah, hurting like, like friends
first, you know what I mean? Like just laugh.
Just being kids, having. Fun because of course she's
already a star and you are a dancer.
Yeah. So you're like, no way.
(27:00):
It's not going to happen. Yeah.
So you're just, like, being fun and not really even taking it
seriously. Yeah.
Because I know that's how I'd be.
I'd just be like, hey, you know,yeah.
I wouldn't think I'd have a chance because she's already a
big star. Yeah, I know.
And that's the thing that is it was challenging for me, but I
mean, I felt like if, if anything's going to happen, you
(27:24):
know, I, I, it can come from me.Like I lost my job.
So this is the best thing I haveright, Right at that time, you
know? No, no, no, I can't do that.
But but yeah, like we spend too much time together and and phone
calls after after tours coming in.
Hey, how you doing? Well, I mean, I can't imagine
there's much of A dating life outside of it.
(27:46):
You guys are literally travelingall the time, always.
So if you're not dating inside of it now, it was in an awkward
situation because you have a best friend.
But no, because he will do his own thing.
He's he's cool. Yeah.
I mean. Living the life, yeah.
When we travel, he will go party, he will have a party.
So it was perfect. Yeah, because you're a chill.
(28:07):
He was out of getting out of theparty on.
And so, yeah, three years of that.
And so now you're 22, you've hadthis experience, you've been on
the biggest stages in the world,you've been all over the place.
And obviously, you know, at thatage, we're kids, right?
So we're just going through likethe emotional roller coaster of
everything. Plus you're in the live, like
you got all the paparazzi and all that.
(28:28):
I can't imagine the pressure andlike the amount of things that
are going on just to even function day in and day out, let
alone try to have an actual relationship that's, you know,
that's going to work. So then you're 2223 and now
you're starting to feel like, all right, did you want to break
off your own thing? Did it end up becoming like a
she was going in a different direction than you were going?
(28:49):
Or how does that kind of like no?
So when we when we were with her, I we were way younger than
that. Like we were like on that 1718.
OK, yeah. So that that's.
Right, 'cause you said right in the high school, yeah.
Yeah, it's like it was really, really young.
So how it happened is like, you know, we, she, she told me she
literally like one day we're in Chile and she waited for me to
(29:12):
come down the elevator and she'slike, she's standing in front.
Of Santiago. Yes, she loves.
She's like and she's like. She look at me in the eyes and
I'm like, oh. Yeah, like I'm so scared I don't
lose my job. She's like, I got secret, I got,
I got some Victoria, like what she's like.
(29:32):
I like you a lot and. You're like.
I'm like, I just, I was just like.
Don't screw it up. Don't screw it up, Yeah?
And I say, yeah, I mean, I like you too, but like, you're like,
you're like my boss, like I, I, I don't know, like, it's
impossible, right? And she's like, well, I'm like.
Let's try it. Let's see what's happening and.
(29:53):
She gave me a kiss and she's like, she kissed me and like and
I'm like, oh so. It's too late.
Now, yeah, it's too late, man. It's a lot of these emotions.
Like it was like it was crazy. So that's that's the first
thing. And and I thought it was just
like, you know what I mean? Like, it's just like we spend
too much time together. It's just gonna be it's gonna
fade out, you know, we start to really, like, fall in love with
(30:16):
each other. Yeah.
And and. I can imagine I mean, that's,
you know, like especially with with her being where she was and
being upfront with you about it probably made it easier for you
to kind of let your guard down and be able to like feel things.
But also then they develop because again, you're spending
all day every day, plus your creative geniuses are coming
together to make things even more special.
(30:38):
You know what I mean? Like, it's not just like a young
relationship. It's like 2 people who are very
talented working together to make really cool stuff.
Yeah. So that's a whole another level
of like connection. Yeah, it was crazy.
And so that went to however it went, right.
I mean, you had to have, there had to be an end to every
beginning. That's the way that always goes.
And nobody, you know, stays together for 50 years anymore or
(31:00):
not at least in the modern day community, right.
So anyway, you, you guys go yourseparate ways and she has her
career that's obviously still going stronger.
Yeah, she's and then you've got your career now, which is going
in its own direction. Did you go right into
choreography and owning a studioor did you what was the next
step after the The Belinda tour?So so when I quit there, it was
(31:23):
like I actually didn't finish the tour of the complete.
It was about weeks to be done, but I didn't finish it because,
you know, the the relationship wasn't possible.
Yeah, you know, I. Emotions, young, age blah.
Blah, blah, you know what I mean?
Yeah, it was very challenging. So I I take a decision.
I'm like, you know what, I thinkit's best for everybody.
(31:44):
I would just. I just thought I leave.
It was painful because I'm like,I, I truly love her.
Like it was like. But that's why you left, yeah.
Because. I knew that it was hurting her.
Yeah, yeah. Because now it was a lot of
different things that like, you know, tension between, between
the dad. And the smallest thing now is
(32:04):
now a big deal, yeah. And you know what, let me
clarify this, that as a parent of two beautiful girls, now I
understand, like I do understandwhat he's kind of, you know, but
then at that young age, 17 yearsold that I was, I was like
arrogant. I like, I love her.
Like like you can't blame me for.
That That's right. You know what I mean?
(32:25):
So, but yeah, it and it finishes.
I, I quit, I was in Dominican Republic and then I, I say.
I'm out. I'm out and I and I laughed.
It was painful, but then then I had to go and it was the.
Best thing for everybody. I think so I.
Think it was probably the right choice.
Yeah, I think so. At the right time.
(32:46):
I mean, that's, that's, that's for sure of you though, to step
out and no drama. Just stepped away and walked off
and then created your own life. Like you said, you got 2
beautiful daughters now that I met earlier who are amazing.
And now you have a different perspective on the entire thing
too, for sure. And so then you've come through
now you've got this amazing studio here, which it's got this
(33:06):
little section that I love so much because it's old school and
you're doing so much with so many different people, including
my favorite person, Hope Mercedes, who you're working
with on a collab. Yeah.
So you guys have a little project going on now is just one
or two projects because I don't really understand how it's all
working out, but I see a lot of media.
For it I. But I'll speak Espanol, I don't
(33:28):
know exactly what's happened because.
I'm working on a on a, you know,my my biography.
So I'm doing a movie for for like my life.
So Oh cool, and. Start to finish, does he have
one second? Is that OK?
Yeah, one second now we. Got to get the bus ride.
Actually, we have that it's. Good.
(33:50):
We filmed it. That's good.
Yeah. Man, so I during the pandemic,
my wife shared the story online and people were like, this is a
movie, like what the hell, This should be a movie or write a
book, write a book. I'm like, I'm going to share my
story like it's personal. It's personal, but it was so
much like feedback in saying if there was like more than 20
(34:13):
people like saying like from different areas, of course
these. People want to hear this.
Just the story. So I'm like, OK, so I decided
and then we start to like have the idea and look into how it's
going to take. What's it going to take to do
this? And it's a lot to it, of course.
But first of all, writing script, doing all this and that
and that happens. This life is so crazy because I
(34:36):
used to talk. I used to teach Hope really
young. That's what she said years ago.
Yeah, she came. To class.
Her and her sister were super young and I used to teach both
of them and the three of them actually.
And and yeah, that's and then mefollowing her on her Instagram,
the more she grow up, grow up and like, holy crap, I never
(34:57):
seen Alfred Brown. Like she looks just like my ex.
Like she looks. As you saw her at the same age
as yes, what Belinda was when yes, yeah, no doubt that makes
it even more. I'm like, this is insane.
So when I when the movie idea came out, I'm like, I know a
perfect person. I already got it.
I already know the right candidate.
Yeah. So that's crazy.
You're following mythology, the entire man themselves along.
(35:19):
So you knew the journey and thenhope it's that age where you're
like, and now you've got this book coming out or biography
that you're working on. So you're like, I got this.
I know exactly who I'm going to reach out to.
And so you did you hit her up. You guys have been working on
stuff together, doing some really cool stuff.
Can't wait for everybody to see that stuff.
Everyone knows about the song that she and I had the brother,
(35:40):
which is for consideration for the Grammy Award this year,
which is very exciting. But also the publicity from
what's going on with your story has gotten kind of a big deal.
Yeah, since that one, since, since that part leaked because
from followers and and dancers in Mexico and actually all fans
from back in the early 2000s, really from the.
(36:03):
Yeah, they saw, they saw a picture that I post and I wasn't
going to name the artist, you know, for respect and copyright,
all of that stuff. So I posted a picture and they
were like what are you doing? Who is that?
Who is that? So I'm like, well, you know,
working on a on a project and movie, so and so on.
(36:23):
And and I have this artist that looks just like your favorite
artist and they're like no way. So it took maybe a couple months
and it blew up. Boom, like it's everywhere.
Like right now, like I don't know Univision and and Miami is
put it on like it's. Popping up everywhere because I
(36:46):
have a couple people that vomited the Internet for me and
they basically run searches and,and it's, it's, it's popping up
every, but I mean, it's a big story, right?
Because, you know, if you're from the Latin community and you
grew up from this time period, no doubt that you and her were
on a story back then. And of course, they would love
to hear your side of the of the story because, you know, I'm
sure that the media focused on her once everything split.
(37:10):
So, you know, it's it's natural that you would want to be able
to tell your side not to argue because obviously that's that's
a lifetime ago. But that's more so that you just
you get a chance to tell your own story.
It just happens to involve someone who's already famous for
sure. And I mean, we got a lot of heat
from this. Like, you know, we got some good
comments and we got some heat aswell, which is OK Press is
(37:31):
press. But people are like, I'm trying
to hang from her. I'm like, bro, no, I grew up
with her like this is I was in the same magazine as her, same
TV show, worldwide tour. It's not my fault.
Yeah, you know what I mean? So.
And another thing is like a goodfriend of mine said to me, OK,
(37:53):
so people can talk all they want, but if they ever dated
Brad Pitt and they're writing a book, well, they leave that out
well. Let's here's the even better
point. Let's hear your life story, but
you can't talk about those years.
Would you ever? That's not a thing you would
never tell someone. Tell me our whole life story,
but leave out that that major part where you got to travel the
(38:13):
whole world with a rock star. And you know what I mean?
Nobody would ever do that. That's ridiculous.
So it's completely OK for you totell your life story.
You know what people are going to say whatever they're going to
say, it's fine. Hopefully she encourages that.
I don't know if you can even talk to her about it, but I
think it's healthy. And if not, hopefully she's
mature enough to realize that this isn't about her.
No, it is about me. And The thing is, like gentleman
(38:36):
herself, like I'm not, I'm nevergoing to speak bad, bad about.
Her or her? Family, and you know what I
mean? It's, it's, it's, it's just my
story. Everything you've ever told me
has been nothing but positive, yeah.
That's good. It's like.
And that's classy. That's what you want to keep.
It yes again. But again, you can't leave it
out. No, like it's kind of like a big
deal. I'll show you like.
(38:56):
I think she'll be proud. I think she'll see it.
This is cool. I can't imagine you would put
together anything that wouldn't be amazing.
And Hope's a part of it, which obviously she's incredible.
And so I think it'll be very, I'm sure she'll be flattered,
especially since she's from our genre and our time period,
which, you know, we believed in this whole respect world, you
know, plus we're telling her story again, which is just more
visibility for her. Absolutely.
(39:18):
So she's getting more free publicity out of it.
And it's only positive because Ididn't know who she was until I
heard you and now I didn't know who she is.
So I've got her on my Spotify, so you know, I have to go check
out these videos too because I'll see.
It's amazing. Los sientos so that we can see
you on your first. You'll see me with that with
Thora, and there's a section where I throw it to the camera
(39:39):
like. No way.
You got the perfect little toss to the camera, too.
All those are so great. I remember those old days.
I was like, that was the big thing, you know, the end of
clip. Yeah.
And so the studio, you've got all this now.
You've got the documentary or the biography that's coming on.
You've got family, little girls.You've got beautiful music being
made here. It looks like everything's
(40:00):
pretty much going well, bro. I mean, you're kind of crushing
it right now, yeah. I'm very, I'm very blessed, man.
Like it's just like I, I've worked very hard for everything,
you know, and of course with thehelp of my family and my, my
wife, of course. But yeah, it's, it's been great,
man. I cannot ask for a better life.
Like it's just my kids are dancing now.
Like I can see my own kids dancing crashing.
(40:22):
Like, you know, teaching here every day with the kids and just
just building the community, bringing something positive to
them. It's so cool.
Like it, it reminds me when I needed that.
So when my when my teacher said to me, I'm going to give you an
opportunity, I want to give thatback to them.
Exactly. You've got to do the same thing
for. You know what I mean?
(40:42):
That's what it is. It's that cycle because had she
not given you the chance, you never would have ended up where
you're at, so you've got to do the same.
Thing for the next generation and.
I think that's evident that you're doing out here because
this place is just amazing and it's growing and it's doing so
many things. And I mean, I, I feel blessed to
be here and I love the studio, dude.
It's amazing. It's got great energy.
(41:04):
It's got all the right stuff andall the right places.
And no doubt we're going to worktogether and do some pretty cool
stuff in the future. And I'm excited to get you down
to Florida. I'm going to travel around and
do some fun stuff in the bus andhave a conversation with Chris.
Part 2 Rico edition After the After the After the documentary
spent maybe. Yeah.
Man, that'll be cool. But yeah, dude, so good to talk
(41:27):
to you, man. Thanks for having me up here and
thanks for the talking about this on the show.
Looking forward to seeing the the end result.
That's no doubt going to be amazing, and no doubt having
hope and mythology here at your fingertips is a good thing.
Although I'm going to be borrowing her for a little
while. We're going to have to share.
Yeah, absolutely. She's just too talented and she
is so also, dude. Well, let's cut this off and
(41:49):
we'll go ahead and finish up ourdrinks here with the doghouse.
You guys stay cool. Remember to keep it real.
And check out Rico. He's got some stuff coming up
that you're going to want to see.
You can find him on. You can.
Find Me Pounded founded Hip Hop Studios in Red Deer.
We've had family keeping it realon the score 4 for my podcast.
(42:12):
Man, there's a lot. It's black.
For websites, I mean, I'll put it all in the in the absolutely
text so that where it's at. But yeah, you guys tune back in.
If you've got questions or comments for him, obviously you
can reach out directly to him. He's a really cool guy.
But if you want me to ask him, I'll be happy to ask him for
you. Thank you for having.
Me. Thanks brother, I appreciate it.
You do man bro. Thank you man.
Do this thing. See ya.
(42:36):
I love it. That was great.
I am positively Chris Pace. You are actively listening to
Conversations with Chris. Oh, yeah.
Hey, what's up guys? It's Chris.
Yeah, I know I'm in a different set.
It's craziest set, right? I just jumped back 25.
OK, we'll call it 30 years, but we're still conversations with
Chris. We just get to have it in this
kick ass little dog # doggy studio doggy style with my main
(00:28):
man Rico, which you guys are about to meet and he's about to
tell you his story. I'm stoked for you guys to hear
this. This guy's incredible.
We are at his studio, a very secret location.
I'd tell you where it is, but then I have to kill you, so I
can't do that. But Rico's my main man here.
Rico, what's up dude? How's it going?
Oh, it's going great, man. Thanks for having me in the
studio and let me use your cool sets to be able to host you.
(00:49):
I think this is a lot better than my Zoom podcast that I do
with most people since we have all this cool gear and we both
came from the same time frame. Absolutely 90s.
Everybody knows about them, right?
Because you know, they're still going on.
So we won't tell you how old we are, but we were, we were a
little cuter to my 90s. That's right.
But tell me about you, brother. Tell me where you come from.
(01:11):
Tell me what you're about. Yeah.
I'm originally from Mexico City,man.
I grew up in Mexico City. Yeah.
Just, you know, come from how itbegins.
The one thing that really just saved my life was that it's
like, you know, I try everythinglike karate, like all the
Portugal man like. They got a lot of karate in
(01:32):
Mexico City, yeah, so you know. You know, you're young, you try
a lot of different things, but like, yeah, I mean, I, I I so
breaking for the first time. I was like, this is so tough it.
Was just a passion, you just took off with it.
How old were you when you found it?
I, I would have been, I would have been like probably 9-10
(01:53):
years old. So I, I danced before then I
just tried some, some weird things in the ground and I sort
of started showing some, you know, some moves to my family.
My my father is looking at me. Like.
They wanted to just show, like, a little confused.
Yeah, he's confused. Like this guy is something wrong
with this kid. So.
This was back in the day before people danced all those that's.
(02:16):
Right. We didn't have no take that no
man. He he showed up with this VHS
cassette. He's like bombedo this call me
bombedo. Hey, I think you really like
this. Check it out so.
VHS, yeah. I'm like, oh, so I played it.
I see these guys like crazy, like breaking, doing some
(02:36):
windmills and like heads, pants and footwork.
And I'm like this is stuff OK, Iwant to do that.
What did you see? Who was the first person there?
Who are the first break dancers around the VHS?
To be honest with you, I can't remember.
I don't even know their names. Not even like people, by the
way. It was a competition.
I think it's out out of the UK. And then I, I just, I used some
(02:59):
at it. That's the first time I I saw
like this. Yeah, the last session I was
like, Nah, man, this is this is good.
And the music was funky. Boom, boom.
You got some James Brown in the back at the time.
I don't know who James Brown is.Yeah, you, but I like. 10 years
old. Yeah, but I was.
Like. You're like OK, OK, I got this.
So 10 years old you find B boy music and break dancing and avhs
(03:24):
tape that your dad brought to you because you're into dancing,
right? Yeah, karate just that was
working out now at the time, Mexico City probably was not
crushing it from the dancing. So you're probably having to
look around and find some peopleto learn from.
How did you get into that? That it like just happened
easily or was there some 1 mentor that came into your life?
(03:44):
Actually actually happened pretty easy.
The reason why is because I start to get my like my name out
there. I like, I will go to to local
bottles and they'll see me and people will not for like why you
moved it? And they like he's so and then
like, like, you know, and they start to call me back next month
and then next month. And then they start to come and
(04:06):
look for me like at my, my, my grandmother's house.
So yeah, it just start to get noticed around and people knew
that I was going to smoke where it comes from.
Places the talk of the town. Yeah.
You were the champion. Nobody could beat you.
Yeah. Nobody can beat me at the time.
So it's like everybody's like, yeah, no, he's the man.
Like they used to call me. Also Sentawa.
(04:26):
So it's funny. Funny story.
Like, yeah, we got to hear aboutthese names.
Yeah, right. I got a little bit.
So the neighborhood right is we grew up in liberal.
So it's like it's, it's the hoodin Mexico City.
Dangerous man. Real dangerous, really not good.
I've been down in Mexico City. Yeah, man, it's, it's no joke.
Yeah. Nowhere is a good place, but
(04:46):
yeah. But you know, and people around
around the neighborhood, they, they respect you there.
They're like, you know, they know who you are.
So they call me, they call me Bombero, right?
Bombero firefighter. So anyway, so you know that that
was my nickname from like from the ghetto, like the the crazy
guys, right? And yeah, they were good.
(05:07):
They were cool with me, like no problem at all.
But and when I started to get into the pregnancy they called
me Centavo, which is 1 cent hilarious. 1.
A small guy, they called me. They called me one cent.
I like it. I like it.
That's catchy. So you went from from Alberto to
one set. That's right.
And that became the break dancing man.
That's right. And that's what you danced under
(05:28):
until you became a what you got in with some some more pop
mainstream dancing. You can start training
traditional dancing. Or did it just kind of happen
naturally that you flowed into the to the pop scene?
So a. Little bit of both.
It happened. It happened like that.
I, I start to I, I met this ladyon my choreographer, my mentor.
(05:48):
She's like, I need you to dance and I need you to take some
formal training with us. Like I need you to really like
dive into like ballet and tap and all.
And I'm like. Yeah, you're like, I just want
to I just. Want to beep I don't want to do
any of this, you know, I have nointerest but but the reason I,
I, you know my my grandparents told me like be grateful for the
(06:12):
people that create gives you opportunities.
So, you know, I always had that in my mind and I was very
grateful that she gave me an opportunity.
She's like, you know, if you come to the studio, you don't
have to pay tuition because it was this beautiful spot.
It was like, I walked in nothing.
I knew I couldn't afford this. I was like, I was like.
I'm Mr. 1 Cent from. The.
(06:34):
And that's just a nickname. Yeah, man.
So, so she, she sort of mentoredme and, and she got me into a
lot of work, a lot of mainstreamwork, like huge stuff.
You have to learn the technical stuff, right?
Like, I mean, that's kind of where you learn how to flow into
because every break cancer I know, and I know quite a few
pretty yeah, break dancers. If you're going to move it into
(06:55):
anywhere, you've got to learn like, like you said, ballet,
classical, that kind of stuff tobe able to understand counting
and movement and that kind of stuff, right?
This is true. But not necessarily like B boys
know how to like they know how to group like from top rocks to
go downs is is you'll almost nervous.
Like I shouldn't say it whenever, but you barely see AB
(07:15):
boy saying I'm a ballet dancer too, right.
It's B boy's a lot like, but it does help 100%.
Like it helps with the positive form.
Like just the training and any training you can take is
amazing. Yeah, yeah, so so it's
important. And then also because you're
getting into mainstream, you have more opportunity because
(07:38):
you have you have more talent, you have more style than you
can, you know, put out like, youknow, not, you know, just a big
boy. Yeah, you can actually dance or.
Actually partner dance, you know, yes, way more stuff with
it so. It helps quite a bit.
So you did that for a number of years by this age.
How old were you when you started to actually train a
fancy place? I would have been, I would have
(07:59):
been around 16. 16, yeah, I've got so yeah.
So you were heading into this. This is doggy style time, Yeah.
Yeah, 100. Percent.
I was 16 when doggy style came out, so that's where I was at.
I was 77, yeah. So that's where that's when I
was born. So yeah, I've been right.
That's about the year that was somewhere.
(08:19):
So 16 you moved into. Did you move or were you just
headed in there every day in training and she opened up the
opportunities for you? Yeah, she opened a lot of
opportunities for me. I didn't move.
We we lived in the north, like north of Mexico and the studio
was in the South. So I have to take 22 buses and a
train to get there every day. Like I got to train every day.
So it's three hours. Oh yeah, Mexico City is a big
(08:42):
place. It's huge.
So. It's like, you know, I, I'll
take the bus. I was, again, I was grateful for
the opportunity. I was not going to pass that.
And she saw that. She saw that fire.
She's like, yeah, this guy. So she right away she's like,
hey, we have a, we have a, you know, a performance for you, for
this huge state station. I'm like, oh, what?
Yeah. And you're going to get paid.
(09:03):
One cent no. More cents?
Yeah, 1 cent wasn't one. Cent, I don't know if I can
handle a new nickname. Have to get somebody to rename
you. So what was the first gig you
got? They gave you some money.
So the the first one I got actually was it was this company
called Telus. No Telus, sorry, Telnix, Telus
(09:25):
is the one in Canada, it's called Telnix.
And so they have a opening for abrand new, you know, set of cell
phones. They coming out with new stuff
and it was huge. It was like in these beautiful
hotel downtown Mexico City, and I went there.
I'm looking all like people are like this kid.
(09:47):
He's sure to rob the. Place.
Yeah, yeah. Yeah, pretty much.
I couldn't afford to rob this. Yeah.
I'm like, no, I'm so it was so dope and that was the first one
and it went from there like it after that every week that girls
who have another have been like and people like me for some
reason we want Rico, but let's see.
(10:09):
That's easy to see why, man, you're very likeable person, but
I mean at 16 where you're still having to drive back to go
defend the one set competitions because you're still winning.
I know you're still be I. Was busy at the end at that, but
when I said to get some work, like I was not going into no
more, but but I I was like, I missed it.
I was like, Nah. So so once in a while I'll hurt
and then I'll be in the school. But I mean, in the battle that I
(10:32):
grew up in and, and it is alwayslike kids, they're like trying
to get to a level. Yeah.
So when you go back and you're like, they always call you out.
What's up? Of course.
Yeah, let's go. You want to shot at the guy
that's in charge? Yeah.
Big dog. So we're like, let's go.
And we just, we Just Dance in there, like in the, you know.
(10:52):
Streets or. Sometimes you can't carry cargo
everywhere. So yeah, absolutely.
It was just like, let's go. So B boy to now you're working
and then you find your way into television.
Yeah. Now that was got to be a crazy
transition, right? Was it easy and seamless for you
now that you're in the fancy world of advertising?
(11:14):
Or did you have to take a minuteand kind of go like.
No, it was too fast for. Me too fast.
It was too fast. I went from like, I went from
literally like, you know, counting my, my sense to, to get
to the next class to like, Hey, you, you hire for this thing.
So it was a big job that I, thatI caught and like, you know, I
(11:36):
was like, wow, OK, this it was, it was pretty crazy.
So you know, within within time I'm starting to travel in.
A car. Yeah, I got.
No train no more. Buses.
No more buses. Now you're living up on the car
life. I got a new car next.
Thing you know on planes right yes, I'm sure you were flying
everywhere and having to do music videos back in a day bro
(11:57):
the NTV day like when this is legit real thing, you know like
look boom. It's a television.
Yeah, man, that was back when videos were big.
Were you? Absolutely.
Yeah, I I'm on a lot of them. It's.
Amazing. So it's like it's yeah, it's,
it's so cool. Like just to even be able to my
very first video clip my the first time I saw the green
(12:18):
screen it was like. What?
A huge green screen. What is this?
Don't worry about it, Just Dance.
You'll see later. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
OK. So where'd they put you?
Yeah, when I, I actually, I was so lucky 'cause that like my
very first video clip that I did, we dancing for the artist
and there's a bunch of other dancers and out of all of these
(12:40):
dancers, the director's like, hey, you come on, shit, I'm in
trouble. Yeah, exactly.
What did I do? He's sending me home.
Yeah. So isn't going to work out.
That's right. No, he's like, he'd be pretty
dope. You SH, we're going to give you
20 minutes for yourself. I'm like what?
20. Minutes, they told the artist,
(13:00):
you go like take a break. So I'm like, oh man, you're.
Like is this my music? Video now.
Yeah, it felt like that. 20 minutes is legit.
Yeah, man, it was like. That's a long 10 minutes, so.
And you know, the other is sitting in the audience because
it was an artist audio and they were just thanks.
They were just like, I got, oh man, they put this whole thing
(13:25):
around me. It was super dope.
So it was, it was really cool. And then when I finally saw the
product, I was like. Where was it?
What was it for? It was for music video for these
artists that I dance for is her name is Belinda.
She's yeah, she's so she's like she was young so that.
Was the first one. And then that ended up being,
yeah, you stayed with for for a while, how many years, right?
(13:46):
Yeah. It was kind of like a time
period. So the 20 minutes paid off.
They're smart. They're like, hey, this guy
right here sounds extra special.We're going to get 20 minutes of
footage so we can put him where we know he's going to go big
time. That's right.
That was the first video then. So what was on the green screen
when you saw it on the TV? They put like a like actually
(14:07):
was hilarious because they put atrain behind this train with all
the graffiti. So they actually utilized
graffiti. They they saw.
I created these T-shirts myself because you know, why not?
I want to move dolphin this thing.
So I created this outfit and they liked it.
They're like, oh, so we're goingto utilize some of the graffiti
(14:29):
and at the end of the day they put lots of graffiti in it and
it was really cool. So they bounced you in New York
City in front of a train. Do you remember the first song?
The old day when I did, yeah. It's called Los Siento, Yeah.
Los siento, yeah. Means means.
I'm sorry. Yes, I was going to say that's
very cliche or or I guess apropos, huh?
Yeah. So you worked with Belinda for
(14:50):
how many years before you? I would say about almost three
years ago from from the beginning, like introduction to
like, you know, rehearsing the. The 1st 20 minute rehearsing in
the No. No, no, we actually.
So that was before, like I So the funny part is, well, we got
cold one day. My mentor's like, what are you
doing? Like what?
(15:11):
I'm just about to go to bed. OK, I need you tomorrow morning,
9:00 AM. You're.
Like I got 2 buses. And yeah, I'm like, but I was I
was going to school. So so I'm like, I'm thinking my
mom is going to say absolutely not.
So she's like, she's like, I need you tomorrow morning.
There's there's this artist thatcame out with a new risk.
(15:32):
You single. I think you and you would be a
really good fit for this. You have to show up.
I said, I'll see. No, no, no, she's like, now you
have to show like this is not a question.
It's not optional, yeah. I'm like OK.
She's like I did you favors. Yes, you owe I.
Need you. You owe me.
That's right, you're showing up whether you like it or not.
(15:53):
So yeah, man, I I did go up in the morning, get up in the
morning. I have to go.
I have to be there by 9:00. So I I got up really early.
Yeah. And I told my mom that I'm
leaving. She's like she was, she was mad,
but but it, it changed it. So I, I got there and I showed
up. My Bab, my best friend was there
standing to he's also a dancer. And I'm like, what are you doing
(16:14):
here, man? He's like, I don't know, same as
you. Got to call.
You. Yeah.
And he's like, oh, I guess we'redoing an audition and.
And he's like, yeah, I guess. So we're just standing around,
joking around and all the suddenwe see these people coming in.
We saw the artist coming in and we know who she was because she
had a previous album. Like younger, like a younger
generation. She's in Mexico City.
(16:34):
The same superstar also. She is.
She came out of there OK. Yeah, she's she's huge.
Like she's, she's huge in the scene.
So you. Already knew the music, you knew
the artist, you just didn't knowthat's what you were going to be
dancing for. That's correct.
Well, we knew because she told me the phone, but we were
disappointed because her music that she had before then it was
for kids. For little kids.
(16:55):
So she was like, like Disney. Disney.
Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears how they did the Mickey
Mouse Club. 100% So me and my friend were like, we're going to
attest to this. Like we were so much.
But she's like, no, my career was like, trust me, you're going
to like it. It's it's pop.
It's like like, OK, so anyways, we're sitting there and jumping
(17:17):
around and these people come in.These rich people fancy their
mom was like. Already got all this stuff.
Yeah. Oh my God, they're bad at you,
right? Mr. One said.
Yeah. Yeah, anyway, she's so sad.
She's looking at us like up and down.
She's like, who are you guys? We were like, we were dancers.
(17:37):
Oh, OK, so so this is who you they call for this.
And we were like, we didn't savemuch.
She's like, did you guys even have a passport, my friend?
I look at each other like what'sa passport?
Where are we going? Yeah.
We thought we were coming to dance you.
Know what it is. So she's like, well, we're going
to Brazil. We're going to Brazil in a in a
(17:59):
couple of weeks. So I need you guys to have
passports and we're like, we don't even know what we're
doing. You're still going.
Yeah, man, the corelifi comes out.
She's like, oh, no, no, don't worry, because they're special,
right? Like mom is very special.
Like she's like, no, no, no, no,don't worry.
We this is this is from the dancers.
So we look at each other again, we're like, oh, will they
dancing? We didn't even audition
anything. So anyways, you were just
(18:21):
selected. Yes, you were just selected.
So anyways, my friend, I was just like shopping around and we
got in there in the studio and we start to practice this, chose
the single and we're like OK, that's not bad.
So we set. The kids songs so you're happy.
Yeah, so it's like we can do this.
She choreographed the whole thing and and all that.
It took a couple of days and theday of, you know, showing
(18:45):
everybody including like newspapers and all these people.
It was ridiculous. Too many people because we were
like overwhelmed. But we already had that feeling
of like how they looked at us atfirst.
So we were like, they're not going to like us.
Like, you know, we don't dress good.
It's a. Little stressful.
Yeah, that'd be a little stressful, but.
But my, my the career is like, you know what, thank you
(19:09):
everybody for coming out. We didn't present to to you guys
like the career for the single or siento have a seen welcome
everything so fancy like Oh my God, so my friend and I were
like, damn. They like it.
This. This better go well, Yeah.
If it doesn't go well, I'm blaming.
You that's right. So my choreography is like,
(19:31):
guys, before we show you what the choreography looks like with
with her, I want the boys to dance with you guys.
We were. Like yes, wow, so you got a
chance to. Show I was like yes, because
listen up yeah in the choreography I had no breaking
yet OK, so and I looked at it and I said you have hip hop
right? She's like, yeah, I got hip hop,
(19:53):
play some hip hop, OK, plays hiphop and we went off.
We were just like like way mealslike crazy kids things every.
I wanted to make sure they like.That's right.
You're like, I don't have any break dancing in the actual
video. That's right.
So I need to make sure y'all know that I'm good, I'm the
best. So anyways, man, the mom got up.
She's like, Oh my God, who's these kids?
(20:15):
Like where did they come from? Like what?
No, oh, take their measurements.They're taking our measurements
like watch the size of shoes youare and like, like we had a, a
application for a application tofill out for, for a passport.
Like it's insane. Everything, everything's
happened like that. And my friend, I was just like
looking at you and saying like, this is wild.
And so then Los Siento comes out.
(20:37):
Was probably a hit. Yeah, it was.
It was like a master hit. Like it, it just Los Siento came
out and it was it was on. And then we had to, we had to
travel. Straight to Brazil.
Yeah, we did Brazil, then we didlike first of all we did Mexico,
we did Mexico all over Mexico South and N promoting the
(20:59):
single. But my friend and I were the the
the only two dancers can come like there was like we are the
main back of that. Yeah.
So everywhere we went. How does that work when you
travel like that and you're justgetting started as an artist or
as a well, she had an album out already.
But like, do you go places and you're the main dancers but you
grab other dancers in the local area to dance with you?
(21:20):
No, it's just you. 2 in America.The only thing that the only way
for the only town did that happen was in Spain, but usually
they got, I mean, I don't know if they plan it like this, but
we were the main dancers. Like we would just promote
everything, right? So when we go to other places,
it's just him. And I like most of the videos
(21:42):
that you watched from that era. It was just him and I and.
So 1 singer, 2 dances and that was it.
That's it. Simple.
Keep it simple. Yeah, keep it simple.
It was really cool. But again, everyone and then
even it was so cool and so like we have a really cool
connection. They will call us for beat for
magazine shoots with her. So they didn't have to call us
(22:03):
because it was just dancing questions.
We were not all of a sudden likelike, yeah, it was.
It was. Yeah.
So they promoted it as a as a crew, not as just as her.
And then couple backup dancers, like nobles, right?
It was like, yeah, yeah, we're going to get them involved.
We're going to make it a whole thing.
So then they start shooting you.So we'll have to show I've got
the videos on somewhere I can find it, right?
(22:24):
So I can like clip to it right here and just like.
Show you check out. The video and I'm like, So what
you guys think? Listen to what do you think of
my main man Rico? How do you do?
How do you do? I bet we can find some behind
the scenes videos too, like in interviews and photo shoots.
Did they have that going on? Yeah.
Yeah. Yeah, yeah, this is a whole 9
yards. Just a few a few things there,
(22:44):
do you? Know English then?
Nah. Nah, straight Spanish.
Straight Spanish no. So everything was an Espanol,
Yeah. Everything.
Everywhere you went was probablySpanish speaking.
Yeah, even including the USA. So when we get to, we went to
Miami to the Fox Sports anniversary.
It was amazing. It was huge and a lot of English
people, but also a lot of Spanish.
(23:05):
So Miami stuff in Spanish? Yeah, Miami.
Then we also got to Chicago, which is a lot of a lot of
Latino. So yeah, I know it was good.
I I didn't learn English until Imoved to Canada.
Really. Yeah.
Wow. So you did that From How old
were you when you got picked up for the?
I would have been 17, like almost 18.
So you're still in school? Yeah.
(23:26):
Oh yeah. We're supposed to be.
I had to like, drop that. We'll do that later on.
I'll get to that later. But I'm going to do the dance
thing. That's what I want to do.
Yeah. So your mom understood.
She was cool with. It she was cool with it.
She was cool with it. My I have a lot, a lot of lash
back from like family, like there's people like because the
way I grew up did not believe they were just like, Nah, these
(23:47):
kids going to be in trouble likehe's going to be, you know, in
the hood and do getting into trouble for sure.
They they swear. Yeah.
So. That's how it usually is though.
It's like, I think in high school I was voted most likely
to succeed and most likely to die.
Like that girl was like it was like, if he gets out of here and
makes it, he'll be great. If not.
(24:08):
Yeah, you know, but they, they, they really like for me.
They really, they give up on me from day one.
They're like, man, these kids are going to be in trouble.
So when I start to like appear in my TV and magazines and
they're like, oh, hey, how come?How come?
Like he's gonna see real big trouble now he's got money.
Yeah, yeah. Yeah, more than one thing.
(24:30):
Like now he's got money, he's certainly gonna get unlocked,
but it didn't happen. It's in 19/20/21.
Those are the years that you're working with Belinda.
That's right. And touring and doing all that
kind of stuff. But you're like really a part of
the whole organization too, morethan just a backup dancer.
Were you also creating more dances on the on on the side
where you start to choreograph or you start to do stuff?
(24:52):
I didn't choreograph much. I mean, with the first singles I
helped my choreographer a littlebit.
She just got us freestyle and she will pick out some moves
from us. But I will.
I won't take the choreography, but but yeah, I, I helped on it
a little bit like I, I was into fashion.
I I love. Doing my own shirt and stuff
man. Even for our for the actual
(25:13):
tour, because after we finished the tour doing for a promotion,
now we have to do the same tour with the whole show.
So you have now the stage and I have 20 more dancers and the
whole band. That's a whole other.
Situation, whole situation. So I actually felt my friend and
I developed this whole, this whole stage.
I had the idea of the microphonecoming down the ceiling.
(25:35):
I bought my my my cousin's Mustang 66 Mustang on stage
like. With 66 huh?
We got, we got some man. We were like.
I had some new stuff. Great ideas.
Yeah, coming up with some creative stuff.
So obviously there had to have been some connection between you
and Melinda. I mean, naturally there's two
guys, dancers, best friends and then she's the Rockstar singer.
(25:58):
How did that work and how did that go?
I mean, you guys stay friends. Did it all work out?
Did it end up being AI mean? Not the juicy details.
We don't need to know any of that.
We'll keep it about the dancing and the artist, but obviously
the two dancers who are best friends.
I mean, that's the situation that could be tough.
It it was tough. Like really tough.
It was tough. So we were spending so much time
together, too much time together.
(26:19):
Like all your time, practice allyour time, you know what I mean?
Yeah, day after day it's like it's time you wake up till the
time you go to sleep. It's yeah, that's what I mean.
Like you guys are in a situationwhere the three of you are all
together all the time. So that.
That's difficult for sure. And for me, I I I wasn't
expecting this to happen at all.It was just like, you know, you
(26:39):
start to like develop some feelings for people.
Like for her, We, we would play it a lot like her and I have a
really cool connection. We would just like joke around,
like flirt like, like, yeah, hurting like, like friends
first, you know what I mean? Like just laugh.
Just being kids, having. Fun because of course she's
already a star and you are a dancer.
Yeah. So you're like, no way.
(27:00):
It's not going to happen. Yeah.
So you're just, like, being fun and not really even taking it
seriously. Yeah.
Because I know that's how I'd be.
I'd just be like, hey, you know,yeah.
I wouldn't think I'd have a chance because she's already a
big star. Yeah, I know.
And that's the thing that is it was challenging for me, but I
mean, I felt like if, if anything's going to happen, you
(27:24):
know, I, I, it can come from me.Like I lost my job.
So this is the best thing I haveright, Right at that time, you
know? No, no, no, I can't do that.
But but yeah, like we spend too much time together and and phone
calls after after tours coming in.
Hey, how you doing? Well, I mean, I can't imagine
there's much of A dating life outside of it.
(27:46):
You guys are literally travelingall the time, always.
So if you're not dating inside of it now, it was in an awkward
situation because you have a best friend.
But no, because he will do his own thing.
He's he's cool. Yeah.
I mean. Living the life, yeah.
When we travel, he will go party, he will have a party.
So it was perfect. Yeah, because you're a chill.
(28:07):
He was out of getting out of theparty on.
And so, yeah, three years of that.
And so now you're 22, you've hadthis experience, you've been on
the biggest stages in the world,you've been all over the place.
And obviously, you know, at thatage, we're kids, right?
So we're just going through likethe emotional roller coaster of
everything. Plus you're in the live, like
you got all the paparazzi and all that.
(28:28):
I can't imagine the pressure andlike the amount of things that
are going on just to even function day in and day out, let
alone try to have an actual relationship that's, you know,
that's going to work. So then you're 2223 and now
you're starting to feel like, all right, did you want to break
off your own thing? Did it end up becoming like a
she was going in a different direction than you were going?
(28:49):
Or how does that kind of like no?
So when we when we were with her, I we were way younger than
that. Like we were like on that 1718.
OK, yeah. So that that's.
Right, 'cause you said right in the high school, yeah.
Yeah, it's like it was really, really young.
So how it happened is like, you know, we, she, she told me she
literally like one day we're in Chile and she waited for me to
(29:12):
come down the elevator and she'slike, she's standing in front.
Of Santiago. Yes, she loves.
She's like and she's like. She look at me in the eyes and
I'm like, oh. Yeah, like I'm so scared I don't
lose my job. She's like, I got secret, I got,
I got some Victoria, like what she's like.
(29:32):
I like you a lot and. You're like.
I'm like, I just, I was just like.
Don't screw it up. Don't screw it up, Yeah?
And I say, yeah, I mean, I like you too, but like, you're like,
you're like my boss, like I, I, I don't know, like, it's
impossible, right? And she's like, well, I'm like.
Let's try it. Let's see what's happening and.
(29:53):
She gave me a kiss and she's like, she kissed me and like and
I'm like, oh so. It's too late.
Now, yeah, it's too late, man. It's a lot of these emotions.
Like it was like it was crazy. So that's that's the first
thing. And and I thought it was just
like, you know what I mean? Like, it's just like we spend
too much time together. It's just gonna be it's gonna
fade out, you know, we start to really, like, fall in love with
(30:16):
each other. Yeah.
And and. I can imagine I mean, that's,
you know, like especially with with her being where she was and
being upfront with you about it probably made it easier for you
to kind of let your guard down and be able to like feel things.
But also then they develop because again, you're spending
all day every day, plus your creative geniuses are coming
together to make things even more special.
(30:38):
You know what I mean? Like, it's not just like a young
relationship. It's like 2 people who are very
talented working together to make really cool stuff.
Yeah. So that's a whole another level
of like connection. Yeah, it was crazy.
And so that went to however it went, right.
I mean, you had to have, there had to be an end to every
beginning. That's the way that always goes.
And nobody, you know, stays together for 50 years anymore or
(31:00):
not at least in the modern day community, right.
So anyway, you, you guys go yourseparate ways and she has her
career that's obviously still going stronger.
Yeah, she's and then you've got your career now, which is going
in its own direction. Did you go right into
choreography and owning a studioor did you what was the next
step after the The Belinda tour?So so when I quit there, it was
(31:23):
like I actually didn't finish the tour of the complete.
It was about weeks to be done, but I didn't finish it because,
you know, the the relationship wasn't possible.
Yeah, you know, I. Emotions, young, age blah.
Blah, blah, you know what I mean?
Yeah, it was very challenging. So I I take a decision.
I'm like, you know what, I thinkit's best for everybody.
(31:44):
I would just. I just thought I leave.
It was painful because I'm like,I, I truly love her.
Like it was like. But that's why you left, yeah.
Because. I knew that it was hurting her.
Yeah, yeah. Because now it was a lot of
different things that like, you know, tension between, between
the dad. And the smallest thing now is
(32:04):
now a big deal, yeah. And you know what, let me
clarify this, that as a parent of two beautiful girls, now I
understand, like I do understandwhat he's kind of, you know, but
then at that young age, 17 yearsold that I was, I was like
arrogant. I like, I love her.
Like like you can't blame me for.
That That's right. You know what I mean?
(32:25):
So, but yeah, it and it finishes.
I, I quit, I was in Dominican Republic and then I, I say.
I'm out. I'm out and I and I laughed.
It was painful, but then then I had to go and it was the.
Best thing for everybody. I think so I.
Think it was probably the right choice.
Yeah, I think so. At the right time.
(32:46):
I mean, that's, that's, that's for sure of you though, to step
out and no drama. Just stepped away and walked off
and then created your own life. Like you said, you got 2
beautiful daughters now that I met earlier who are amazing.
And now you have a different perspective on the entire thing
too, for sure. And so then you've come through
now you've got this amazing studio here, which it's got this
(33:06):
little section that I love so much because it's old school and
you're doing so much with so many different people, including
my favorite person, Hope Mercedes, who you're working
with on a collab. Yeah.
So you guys have a little project going on now is just one
or two projects because I don't really understand how it's all
working out, but I see a lot of media.
For it I. But I'll speak Espanol, I don't
(33:28):
know exactly what's happened because.
I'm working on a on a, you know,my my biography.
So I'm doing a movie for for like my life.
So Oh cool, and. Start to finish, does he have
one second? Is that OK?
Yeah, one second now we. Got to get the bus ride.
Actually, we have that it's. Good.
(33:50):
We filmed it. That's good.
Yeah. Man, so I during the pandemic,
my wife shared the story online and people were like, this is a
movie, like what the hell, This should be a movie or write a
book, write a book. I'm like, I'm going to share my
story like it's personal. It's personal, but it was so
much like feedback in saying if there was like more than 20
(34:13):
people like saying like from different areas, of course
these. People want to hear this.
Just the story. So I'm like, OK, so I decided
and then we start to like have the idea and look into how it's
going to take. What's it going to take to do
this? And it's a lot to it, of course.
But first of all, writing script, doing all this and that
and that happens. This life is so crazy because I
(34:36):
used to talk. I used to teach Hope really
young. That's what she said years ago.
Yeah, she came. To class.
Her and her sister were super young and I used to teach both
of them and the three of them actually.
And and yeah, that's and then mefollowing her on her Instagram,
the more she grow up, grow up and like, holy crap, I never
(34:57):
seen Alfred Brown. Like she looks just like my ex.
Like she looks. As you saw her at the same age
as yes, what Belinda was when yes, yeah, no doubt that makes
it even more. I'm like, this is insane.
So when I when the movie idea came out, I'm like, I know a
perfect person. I already got it.
I already know the right candidate.
Yeah. So that's crazy.
You're following mythology, the entire man themselves along.
(35:19):
So you knew the journey and thenhope it's that age where you're
like, and now you've got this book coming out or biography
that you're working on. So you're like, I got this.
I know exactly who I'm going to reach out to.
And so you did you hit her up. You guys have been working on
stuff together, doing some really cool stuff.
Can't wait for everybody to see that stuff.
Everyone knows about the song that she and I had the brother,
(35:40):
which is for consideration for the Grammy Award this year,
which is very exciting. But also the publicity from
what's going on with your story has gotten kind of a big deal.
Yeah, since that one, since, since that part leaked because
from followers and and dancers in Mexico and actually all fans
from back in the early 2000s, really from the.
(36:03):
Yeah, they saw, they saw a picture that I post and I wasn't
going to name the artist, you know, for respect and copyright,
all of that stuff. So I posted a picture and they
were like what are you doing? Who is that?
Who is that? So I'm like, well, you know,
working on a on a project and movie, so and so on.
(36:23):
And and I have this artist that looks just like your favorite
artist and they're like no way. So it took maybe a couple months
and it blew up. Boom, like it's everywhere.
Like right now, like I don't know Univision and and Miami is
put it on like it's. Popping up everywhere because I
(36:46):
have a couple people that vomited the Internet for me and
they basically run searches and,and it's, it's, it's popping up
every, but I mean, it's a big story, right?
Because, you know, if you're from the Latin community and you
grew up from this time period, no doubt that you and her were
on a story back then. And of course, they would love
to hear your side of the of the story because, you know, I'm
sure that the media focused on her once everything split.
(37:10):
So, you know, it's it's natural that you would want to be able
to tell your side not to argue because obviously that's that's
a lifetime ago. But that's more so that you just
you get a chance to tell your own story.
It just happens to involve someone who's already famous for
sure. And I mean, we got a lot of heat
from this. Like, you know, we got some good
comments and we got some heat aswell, which is OK Press is
(37:31):
press. But people are like, I'm trying
to hang from her. I'm like, bro, no, I grew up
with her like this is I was in the same magazine as her, same
TV show, worldwide tour. It's not my fault.
Yeah, you know what I mean? So.
And another thing is like a goodfriend of mine said to me, OK,
(37:53):
so people can talk all they want, but if they ever dated
Brad Pitt and they're writing a book, well, they leave that out
well. Let's here's the even better
point. Let's hear your life story, but
you can't talk about those years.
Would you ever? That's not a thing you would
never tell someone. Tell me our whole life story,
but leave out that that major part where you got to travel the
(38:13):
whole world with a rock star. And you know what I mean?
Nobody would ever do that. That's ridiculous.
So it's completely OK for you totell your life story.
You know what people are going to say whatever they're going to
say, it's fine. Hopefully she encourages that.
I don't know if you can even talk to her about it, but I
think it's healthy. And if not, hopefully she's
mature enough to realize that this isn't about her.
No, it is about me. And The thing is, like gentleman
(38:36):
herself, like I'm not, I'm nevergoing to speak bad, bad about.
Her or her? Family, and you know what I
mean? It's, it's, it's, it's just my
story. Everything you've ever told me
has been nothing but positive, yeah.
That's good. It's like.
And that's classy. That's what you want to keep.
It yes again. But again, you can't leave it
out. No, like it's kind of like a big
deal. I'll show you like.
(38:56):
I think she'll be proud. I think she'll see it.
This is cool. I can't imagine you would put
together anything that wouldn't be amazing.
And Hope's a part of it, which obviously she's incredible.
And so I think it'll be very, I'm sure she'll be flattered,
especially since she's from our genre and our time period,
which, you know, we believed in this whole respect world, you
know, plus we're telling her story again, which is just more
visibility for her. Absolutely.
(39:18):
So she's getting more free publicity out of it.
And it's only positive because Ididn't know who she was until I
heard you and now I didn't know who she is.
So I've got her on my Spotify, so you know, I have to go check
out these videos too because I'll see.
It's amazing. Los sientos so that we can see
you on your first. You'll see me with that with
Thora, and there's a section where I throw it to the camera
(39:39):
like. No way.
You got the perfect little toss to the camera, too.
All those are so great. I remember those old days.
I was like, that was the big thing, you know, the end of
clip. Yeah.
And so the studio, you've got all this now.
You've got the documentary or the biography that's coming on.
You've got family, little girls.You've got beautiful music being
made here. It looks like everything's
(40:00):
pretty much going well, bro. I mean, you're kind of crushing
it right now, yeah. I'm very, I'm very blessed, man.
Like it's just like I, I've worked very hard for everything,
you know, and of course with thehelp of my family and my, my
wife, of course. But yeah, it's, it's been great,
man. I cannot ask for a better life.
Like it's just my kids are dancing now.
Like I can see my own kids dancing crashing.
(40:22):
Like, you know, teaching here every day with the kids and just
just building the community, bringing something positive to
them. It's so cool.
Like it, it reminds me when I needed that.
So when my when my teacher said to me, I'm going to give you an
opportunity, I want to give thatback to them.
Exactly. You've got to do the same thing
for. You know what I mean?
(40:42):
That's what it is. It's that cycle because had she
not given you the chance, you never would have ended up where
you're at, so you've got to do the same.
Thing for the next generation and.
I think that's evident that you're doing out here because
this place is just amazing and it's growing and it's doing so
many things. And I mean, I, I feel blessed to
be here and I love the studio, dude.
It's amazing. It's got great energy.
(41:04):
It's got all the right stuff andall the right places.
And no doubt we're going to worktogether and do some pretty cool
stuff in the future. And I'm excited to get you down
to Florida. I'm going to travel around and
do some fun stuff in the bus andhave a conversation with Chris.
Part 2 Rico edition After the After the After the documentary
spent maybe. Yeah.
Man, that'll be cool. But yeah, dude, so good to talk
(41:27):
to you, man. Thanks for having me up here and
thanks for the talking about this on the show.
Looking forward to seeing the the end result.
That's no doubt going to be amazing, and no doubt having
hope and mythology here at your fingertips is a good thing.
Although I'm going to be borrowing her for a little
while. We're going to have to share.
Yeah, absolutely. She's just too talented and she
is so also, dude. Well, let's cut this off and
(41:49):
we'll go ahead and finish up ourdrinks here with the doghouse.
You guys stay cool. Remember to keep it real.
And check out Rico. He's got some stuff coming up
that you're going to want to see.
You can find him on. You can.
Find Me Pounded founded Hip Hop Studios in Red Deer.
We've had family keeping it realon the score 4 for my podcast.
(42:12):
Man, there's a lot. It's black.
For websites, I mean, I'll put it all in the in the absolutely
text so that where it's at. But yeah, you guys tune back in.
If you've got questions or comments for him, obviously you
can reach out directly to him. He's a really cool guy.
But if you want me to ask him, I'll be happy to ask him for
you. Thank you for having.
Me. Thanks brother, I appreciate it.
You do man bro. Thank you man.
Do this thing. See ya.
(42:36):
I love it. That was great.
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