PONY will always be a product of two things: the city that made us, and the people who believe in us.
Whilst New York has changed a lot since we first came up, the energy that powered its evolution hasn’t, nor have the people. Every day we see the vitality of our communities in the grit and personality of real talent out there doing their own thing.
Queens, New York native Matthew Raymond Guzmán better known as MRG, is a Dominican-American rap recording artist. Learn more about what motivates MRG to continue pushing industry boundaries on his journey to become one of the greats.
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TALENT & CRAFT
Tell us the story of how you became a musician…
After tearing my ACL in high school playing football, I found myself sidelined for 9 months. During this challenging period, I discovered a passion for music and dedicated my time to writing lyrics and recording. This unexpected turn of events led me to become a musician, transforming a difficult experience into a rewarding and creative journey. Music became my new form of self-expression.
Was there a moment, person, or place that set you on this path?
Aside from my sports injury that left me sidelined for almost a year, Kanye West inspired my musical path. Kanye redefined the image of a rapper, showing that success in hip-hop doesn't require you to make gangsta music. He paved the way for a new generation of artists, like myself, who feel empowered to embrace their individuality and diverse backgrounds, proving that authenticity and creativity are just as important as street credibility in the rap industry
What’s been the biggest challenge to your creativity?
The biggest challenge to my creativity is my pickiness with certain beats. While I am definitely open-minded and willing to explore any genre, my standards for production quality are exceptionally high.
How do people’s responses impact how you create?
I used to be insecure about negative feedback, but after having an audience on the internet for a few years, I learned to ignore the negativity. When you've been in the arena long enough, you learn how to tune out the noise from the sidelines. As long as I'm in love with the music I'm making, that's all that matters to me.
Would a negative response make you change it up?
Nope
What motivates you to keep making music?
My desire is to become one of the greats, to represent my culture, and to push boundaries motivates me to keep making music. Also, the support from fans, specifically when I receive messages about how my music helps them get through challenging times. Messages like those are incredibly meaningful to me.
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BACK HOME
Who or what inspires you today? Does that ever change?
My family, especially my father who passed away in 2020, continues to inspire me to keep making music. He was my biggest supporter, understanding the challenges of the music industry, yet his presence remains with me through the highs and lows of my journey. My mom is also my biggest supporter, and I lovingly call her my "momager" because she's always there, ready to lend an extra hand. Her support means everything to me. Some days, my motivation shifts, and it's often fueled by those who have doubted me. Their skepticism pushes me to prove them wrong and strive even harder.
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HOPES & DREAMS
What do you want to achieve next with your music?
I plan to go on a national tour, as well as collaborate with bigger artists. I have a strong feeling that a plaque is on its way.
What matters to you more – making a reputation or making connections?
Making a reputation is more important. It is a lot easier to make connections when you build a strong reputation and brand.
How do dreams figure in your (craft)?
I'm living my dreams as I answer these questions from a hotel in LA, after waking up from a late night studio session. I'm grateful to be here but I still have a long way to go to be one of the goats, and I won't be satisfied with anything less.
Do you see your inspirations evolving in the years to come?
I embrace the fact that the music game is always changing and I find joy in the unexpected twists and turns of my career. Drawing inspiration from unexpected sources continues to add to my journey, shaping my artistic vision in ways I never imagined or planned.
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In one word, what are you a product of?
Culture