Puro Jogo Podcast
Puro Jogo celebrates the hustlers who have made it through driven by the desire to succeed. Its for all the athletes, independent music artists, and creative entrepreneurs who have pushed to where they are today without any traditional backing. We talk about their stories, the ups and downs, the wins, and the struggles.
The podcast's aim is to bridge the gap for creatives, athletes, and entrepreneurs who have had to pave their own way without conventional resources or mentorship. First we identify athletes, independent music artists, and creative entrepreneurs interested in being guests on the Puro Jogo Podcast. Once a guest is selected, a podcast episode is recorded, featuring both the audio and visual components. Then we film a mini documentary, usually around 3 to 7 minutes in length, its created to complement the podcast episode. Finally, a photoshoot is conducted to finish and round out the project.
The idea is to showcase the blend between music, storytelling, and visual content, creating a well-rounded and engaging experience for viewers and listeners.
Puro Jogo Podcast
South Central Beats with Salvadorian Roots: Harlay El Wuezo Rez
What happens when a Salvadorian artist born in Inglewood and raised in South Central LA decides to break the mold? Join us on the Puro Jogo podcast as we sit down with Harlay El Wueso Rez to uncover his incredible journey. Harlay shares his origin story, detailing how his upbringing in South Central LA shaped his music, and gives us a behind-the-scenes look into the creation of a mini-documentary, photo shoot, and podcast centered on his life. He also opens up about his daily routine, creative studio process, and inspiring work with children who have special needs.
Harlay talks about the significance of representing Salvadorian culture through his music. He explains how he uses Salvadorian lingo and cultural references into his lyrics to stay connected to his roots and resonate with fellow Salvadorians. We talk about the importance of cultural visibility for Central American artists and Harlay's aspiration to leave a lasting legacy that touches people emotionally and offers motivation. Harlay also emphasizes the critical role of building a supportive team, like his LA Tinos family, who share the same goals and work ethic.
In our conversation, we explore Harlay's journey of navigating the music industry by trusting his instincts and breaking away from traditional norms. From the trials of industry competition to the strategies he employs to sustain his craft, Harlay shares valuable insights for aspiring artists. We discuss the importance of collaboration and mutual support within the music community and the deep bonds within Harlay's team that drive their collective pursuit of greatness. Tune in for an inspiring episode celebrating resilience, culture, and the unyielding spirit of Harlay El Wueso Rez.
Support Harlay + his work at:
IG: @HarlayWuezo
YouTube: @HarlayWuezo
Spotify: Harlay Wuezo
Apple Music: Harlay Wuezo
Tap in with Johnny Baru:
Website: johnnybarumedia.com
IG: @johnnybarumedia
YouTube: @johnnybarumedia
Puro Jogo
IG: @PuroJogo
TikTok: @PuroJogo
what's good everybody. Welcome back to the puro yoga podcast. I'm your host, johnny baru. I'm a brand strategist and videographer based out of la. I've been helping athletes, creatives and entrepreneurs like yourself build and grow their personal brands with visual and strategic approaches. I'm focused on building a legacy and chasing greatness. You could have been anywhere in the world tonight, but you're here with me. I appreciate that. Now let's get it. Hi, what's good, everybody. My name is Johnny Baru and I'm your host for today's episode of the Puro Jogo podcast. I'm a brand strategist and videographer based in Los Angeles and I work with athletes, music artists and creative entrepreneurs. And I work with athletes, music artists and creative entrepreneurs.
Johnny Baru:First, I want to thank y'all for tuning in and listening. I appreciate every single one of y'all. First, I want to break down the approach we've taken with the Puro Jogo podcast. Essentially, we've turned it into a three-part project. First, we identify athletes, music artists and creative entrepreneurs who are interested in being a guest. Once a guest is selected, we film a mini documentary, usually between four to seven minutes in length. We then do a photo shoot that shows different layers of who the artist is. Lastly, we record a podcast episode, which is what we're doing here today. The idea with this one specifically, is to showcase the blend between the music, storytelling and visual content. By combining these elements, we provide an immersive experience for the audience to get to know our guests a little bit better.
Johnny Baru:Puro Jogo celebrates the hustlers who have made it through, driven by the desire to succeed. It's for the athletes, music artists and creative entrepreneurs who have pushed their way to where they are today without any traditional backing. We talk about their stories, their ups and downs, the wins and the struggles. The podcast's aim is to bridge the gap for creatives, athletes and entrepreneurs who have had to pave their own way without conventional resources or mentorship. With that being said, let me formally introduce today's guest. He goes by the name of Harlay El Wuezo Rez. He's a Salvadorian music artist, born in Inglewood and raised in South Central. He's a super versatile artist and someone I've gotten the pleasure of getting to know a little bit better over the past week. What up, hermanos, good to see you again. I tried to give a proper intro, but can you please introduce yourself to the audience and let them know who you are? Fill in any gaps that I may have missed along the way.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:No, I got you, I got you. So my name is Harlay Elueso Rez. I was born in Inglewood. I was raised in South Central LA, manchester and Gramercy. To be exact, I'm an 80's baby. You know how he does it, but you know what I'm saying. I was born in the 90's, though, but I'm an 80's baby, but yeah, that's me. You know what I mean. Just a chill kid Like growing up. You know what I'm saying. Funny, I always loved music, though that always been my, my main thing. You know. We're here today with my boy, john.
Johnny Baru:You know what I'm saying yes, sir, okay, um. So, like I said, we've gotten to know each other a little bit better right over the past week while we're working on this project. What has been your experience throughout this process?
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:uh, it's been dope. Like this is my first time doing, uh, like a documentary type. You know, uh, and it's been dope, it's been a dope process. Uh, like I try to not think that, like I try not think about it too much that there's a camera rolling yeah but it's cool, cool. You're a pretty chill dude, you feel me I appreciate you pretty chill guy. You know what I'm saying. We out here vibing, and yeah, it was pretty fun.
Johnny Baru:I appreciate you. I appreciate you for saying that. It's been a really dope experience for me too. I respect you as an artist, as a person and, like I said, we've gotten to know a little bit more like a different side of you, and I think that's really cool that we get to share that with the world. So what are you hoping people walk away with after watching your doc?
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:After watching it I want them to walk away with knowing that I'm still a human at the end of the day. You know, like I get it like they. They see like the whole artist thing and like they thinking, oh, this, this dude is, is a straight artist because of what they see on social media or that's all they know about me, right? You know, if you go and you look me up, you're only gonna know my music stuff. But this documentary is like knowing me more in a deeper level, like how my day goes. You feel me um, and so like that's what I want them to take away from it is to know me more, a little bit more on the personal level okay, yeah, yeah, yeah, most definitely, and I think we did a good job of doing that.
Johnny Baru:um, you haven't seen the finalized product. We've still got to cut it and whatnot. You know what I mean. But between the three parts, I think people are going to get a better sense as to who you are and, like you said, part of the whole experience was to try to tell your story. Right, yeah, and we showed some pretty dope elements, like you said, we showed your daily routine, your life as an artist. We showed you clearing your head, working out you in the studio. That was cool. And we even showed a different side of you that maybe some of your audience doesn't even know, which. You work with kids that have special needs. So I feel like not everybody can do that kind of work. It takes a real special person, individual, to do that and I respect you for doing that.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:I appreciate that.
Johnny Baru:And I feel like we kind of got to see you switch out into like Superman, like where you give of your time and your heart to these kids during the day, but then at night you turn into this persona and this artist like crazy talented artists, by the way, I appreciate it bro. So thank you for what you do. I'm sure that the kids and the parents appreciate that as well. You know what I mean. But thank you for what you do with the kids, man, that's real special.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:Man, of course, of course.
Johnny Baru:And shout out to your boy Luis, we just got to shoot a segment with him, right?
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:Yeah, my boy, luis man Shout out to Luis bro.
Johnny Baru:We were making pancakes and. I think it's cool that he still has his sense of humor. When you asked him how good your pancakes were, you remember what his response was.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:Yeah, yeah, he was like they all right.
Johnny Baru:They all right, bro. And I put chocolate chip on him too, like well he, you know he put the chocolate chips in it, but he was like nah they all right. I was like man, forget you, bro, you know what I'm saying. Like, all right, I see it. He did you dirty on live, yeah, okay. So then can you tell me what your origin story is as an artist, like how did you get started with music and where your name came from?
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:well how I got started with music. Well, making music was, um, honestly, I started back in the days when my boy, wealthy, you know, I used to be in the projects freestyling and I used to see him freestyle and so that's what kind of like motivated me to start rapping, because I thought it was so dope, you feel me. But prior before that, when I was younger, um, music was always like I was always gravitating, like, gravitated like by it, like, um, especially like Outkast, like I loved Outkast. I had one of the albums and you know, and I wasn't allowed to listen to rap music growing up because my mom was christian and she was just like nah, you can't listen to that hell of strict parents yeah really strict.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:so what I would do, I would go in the room and then I'll turn off the lights and I would like just like, uh, like some earphones to the back of the speaker and so like I would just listen, like you know what I mean, and then, like I would just close my eyes in the dark and I would pretend you know what I mean. I was Andre 3000, like on the stage and I would see people. That was my way of like playing with toys or whatever, or playing with video games. I used to sit there for like hours and I used to do it in the dark because I would see like the light would be on on the other side. So if I see footprints, like I'll turn it off.
Johnny Baru:You know somebody's coming yeah man.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:So like, yeah, that's like, and I would never really pay attention to that, but I would always. Now that I'm older and I look back, I'm like dang, like like something was always there, that was like pulling me towards that.
Johnny Baru:So gravitated, you gravitated towards music.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:Yeah, it always called you yeah.
Johnny Baru:Okay, that's dope. Can we talk about, like when you flip that switch into your artists to your artists, like when you go from what I what I call your superman outfit, right where you turn into the artist, when you turn in and tap into Harlay or you tap into el Wuezo, because my understanding is you got two different kind of alter egos when it comes to music, right? Yeah um so creatively. What do each of those do for you?
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:so Harlay is pretty much the south central artist. You feel me south central resident, englewood born. You know what I'm saying. Like uh, Harlay is just like uh rapping in english, you know, with the, with the whole la lingo. You know that that's Harlay. You feel me like smoking, chilling, vibing, drinking. You know what I'm saying.
Johnny Baru:Not giving a fuck Like having a good time.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:El Wuezo res. El Wuezo res is my Latin side. You feel me? Okay, el Wuezo res, a lot of people like basil too. You know that's global. That's everyone. You feel me? El Wuezo rey is relax, baby. You know it's a whole different persona, two different people. You know, even when it comes to the music, when I'm rapping in English, you know I'm more like Harlay, and when I'm rapping in Spanish, it's el Wuezo.
Johnny Baru:Because, like, believe it or not, like when I'm thinking in English it's not the same way I'm thinking in English, it's not the same way I'm thinking when I'm writing in Spanish.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:Yeah, no Well formulating lyrics and stuff.
Johnny Baru:Is different.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:Because when I'm when I'm thinking of my lyrics in Spanish, I'm thinking of my Salvadorian lingo and the culture and the mannerisms and shit, but then when I'm rapping in English, I'm thinking Like a LA motherfucker. You know, Cause I am from LA South Central Right.
Johnny Baru:So an.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:LA, motherfucker, you know, yeah, because I am from LA, from South Central Right. So that's where the two differences go.
Johnny Baru:Well, like I said, man, I think you're a really versatile artist because you're able to tap into different genres, different languages, different cultures, like. I think that makes you a well-rounded artist and performer, so I appreciate it. Hats off to you. Can you walk me through your creative process when you make a new track, like what does that look like?
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:All right. So it really depends, right? So if I'm making like a track that I'm like singing or I'm going to do a melody, I really don't like writing to those kind of tracks, so those I kind of just go in there and I'll mumble a cadence, you know, and I'll, until I come up with a cadence that I think is is that I like, then I'll start adding words to it, you know. But it's say, if I'm doing more like rapping, um, I like to pretty much let the beat play and I just kind of like um in my head, just kind of I don't know, just because I'm more, I like to be descriptive in certain things and use I like to use a lot of metaphors and I try to be funny. So I don't know the way I think is just like, uh, I kind of start thinking of just like, uh, like, like funny things or or things that are that wouldn't be really cool to say, you know.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:Yeah, that might have happened to me, but I'll say it on the track and then they'll make it cool. I don't know, that's just the way I think when I'm rapping.
Johnny Baru:Yes, it's more playful, I feel.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:Yeah, like I'm more playful with it. And then the words, because I feel like it just comes like the flow patterns. I like to even play with that too, like I like to be very like intricate with it, you know.
Johnny Baru:So do you follow structure at all? I do, or is it kind of more free form?
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:No, I do follow structure.
Johnny Baru:I do.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:So what I do is, every time, what I do is every four bars I'll switch up the flow. Okay, so I'll do, I'll do like four bars, and then I'll switch something else, and then I'll do four bars, something else, and then I'll switch something else. So if it's like a 12 bar verse, like throughout the verse, what I'm trying to do is I'm switching it off. Unless I come up with something real catchy, like a flow pattern, real catchy, then then I'll keep it.
Johnny Baru:But that's when I'm rapping you know, okay, yeah, that's cool, that's crazy, that's crazy. Um, okay, so how would you measure the success of a track, not just in terms of like popularity, but like how it impacts your audience?
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:uh, really, I would say like how the person feels when they listen to it. And then, not only that, but if they know the lyrics more than I do like, and then they they tell me, bro, this, this, and then they like rap, the lyrics, I'm like damn, like that's crazy. And they really like that song because it's. It's happened, like before, where there's records that I really I probably I'm not a big fan of, but those are the ones people like and they know the lyrics to them and i'm'm like damn that's crazy.
Johnny Baru:So has anybody really shown you up like as far as like memorizing the lyrics and things like that?
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:Yeah, yeah, and I like trip out on that.
Johnny Baru:I'm like I don't even know the lyrics to this. That's crazy. I bet that's a good feeling, though. It is a good feeling, and then I start to think damn I just need like a million more of those, of those kind of people you know. You need soldiers, man, yeah, okay, cool, um, okay, here's a big question. Being a salvadorian artist, that's a big flag to wave, especially when it comes to terms of like representation and like the latino community, um, how do you approach the responsibility of representing your culture through your music?
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:Like. How do I approach, like to represent my culture as being a Salvadoran?
Johnny Baru:Yeah, like your roots, yeah.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:So, like I mean, I sprinkle a bunch of things throughout my music. You know, when I'm writing I try to use a lot of the lingo that we use. You know, like I try to use, or I'll say, certain things that represent my culture, how I grew up. Like there's a track where I'm talking about you know what I'm saying Because growing up that's how we used to eat. I don't know, I don't know about other people, you feel me, but we used to put la tortilla en la sopa, you know. But I'll say stuff like that to where some people might hear me say it and might be like what is he talking about? But if you're Salvadorian, you're going to know what I'm talking about.
Johnny Baru:Yeah, I feel like it makes you more relatable. Like my parents are from Guatemala, I was born in Compton, born here, but that's where my roots come from and, like I said, like I mentioned, the representation is important Because you have a lot of Mexican artists, you have a lot of artists, you have a lot of, like, puerto Rican artists, but it's rare. In my opinion, like, after messing with y'all, I don't see it as rare because you got there's a big squad of Salvadorian artists, right, but yeah, before you, before you, there wasn't very many Central American artists and that representation, I think, is important. It's a, it's a wave that's happening right now. So it's dope to see and I appreciate y'all for making music.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:Man like man, of course you. You gotta always remember where you come from most definitely, most definitely.
Johnny Baru:Um, here's an even bigger question in terms of like, what kind of legacy would you like to leave through your music?
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:the kind of legacy I want to leave is that, for example, if I make a record that like it's about like a heartbreak or something, and then a person that might be going through that is like bro, this guy is speaking to me like, and I could help you go through that, like, that's what I want to.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:You know, that's what I want to be remembered for, because I mean, from what I remember, like the, the artists that I listen to when I'm going through, when I want to hear, like the artists that I listen to when I'm going through, when I want to hear something motivational, or when I want to feel motivated, or when I'm going through something, I always turn to music.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:I don't know, I feel like a lot of people do 100% and as an artist, you know, it's almost like they're there for you. So I want to be remembered as somebody that put out a great body of music and that touched people, and not only that, but that just never gave up. You know what I mean and always fought for, because I'm always going to fight for what I believe in and I always believed that this was my purpose in life and this is my purpose in life, you know, and that's, that's my leg, this is my legacy. You know I want to let like other people know that, whatever it is that you feel like you know you're gonna go through situations in life. But hey, man, if this is what you are meant to do, then this is what you're to be meant to do.
Johnny Baru:So most definitely man, and I think music is something that makes you feel emotion, like I tell people all the time. Music touches my soul in a way that I didn't even know it was possible. You know what I mean. Like it helps me. It helps me keep grounded, like you said, inspires. It motivates me, it provokes happiness. You know what I mean. It pulls me out of funks and stuff like that. Like there's been times where you're low-key, depressed. You know what I mean and a song, something as simple as a song, can pull you out.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:So I think that's dope. Yeah, man, it's crazy.
Johnny Baru:So, without traditional backing by, let's say, like a record label, assembling a supportive team becomes critical. How did you go about building your team, and what qualities are you looking for with people that you collaborate with?
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:First off, like you're going about building a team you got to. They all got to believe in you got to believe. You guys all got to believe and you got to believe. You guys all got to believe in the same goal. You know that's number one.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:And like the people who are on my team, like, shout out to IQ, shout out to JP, shout out to the whole LA Tino family. You know what I'm saying. Shout out to whole LA Tino family. You know what I'm saying. Shout out to all the producers. They just all are like hardworking people First off, like driven, like we're all about like this goal and we're driven for it, like we're not going to put no excuse you know what I'm saying. And and just as long as everybody's on on the same page and we all like looking out for each other, like that's all I'm looking for, because you're gonna meet people that are gonna come, you know, and they just you know they're gonna try to see what they can get out of it, but everybody in the team brings something to the table, you know.
Johnny Baru:Yeah, and I've been burned plenty, bro, so I've gone through those negative experiences and watching what y'all have built is pretty dope to see, okay. So have there been moments where you had to trust your instincts over industry norms, and how has that shaped your career?
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:to trust your instincts over industry norms, and how has that shaped your career? Um, my, yeah, I I have um, because there's been times where people told me that all I could do is just rap and just stick to doing rap. Or you know, like, don't, don't try doing like melodies or singing stuff. And you know, like I was like nah, because I don't want to just put myself in that box and I'm not saying I'm the best singer or I mainly sing, but I mean I've done records like Prendete is a great record.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:That's a fire record, you know, and that would have never came out if I would have sat there and listened to people or been scared to try it or shout out to.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:FIFA and Chris O'Bannon, like, again going back to the team, that I have people that believed in me, that pushed me and said, nah, man, like you got this, you know what I mean Like let's get it, and then there you go. So you know, I've, I've, I've had those experiences and you know, you just never know with the music you feel me. At the end of the day, people are going to choose.
Johnny Baru:You know what I mean, what they like right, right, and I kind of remember where I was headed with that. So, like the fact that you guys are all flying under the same mission, like it's dope that you guys support each other, right? So you started to speak on that, like you're one part of the group that FIFA put together, right? Fifa is another artist that I hope I get to work with in the future, but you guys formed a group called El Latinos and I've gotten to see glimpses of what y'all have built there, where you guys support each other. If you have a show, they pull up on you. If they got a show, you pull up and support um, and I think that's dope, like even when you guys try to pull and get set time for each other, like that's a big deal, man. Um, I was raised with the mentality, so shout out to my pops and my moms for instilling that in me, you know yeah, that's what's up, um, but I feel like you guys fully embrace that.
Johnny Baru:I think, uh, like you guys support each other in ways that it's not seen in the music industry, and I think that's a that's that's a really big deal. We need more coalitions, more groups, more communities that support each other, and I think I think what you guys have built is really cool. So congrats on that. I appreciate it. Um, as creatives and entrepreneurs, sometimes we don't know when our next check is coming. You know what I mean, and that's a really hard path and journey to take. Yeah, and you know I'm a creative as well, so, like, I'm not a musician, but you know I shoot photo and video and all of that. So it's a really hard path to take, and I feel like, if you have a group of friends like the way that you guys have built, where you guys respect each other's craft, I think it makes all the difference in the world. So, so, that being said, can you speak to how you have felt being a part of LA Things?
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:Like it's been a big part of my my journey, you know, as an artist, because as soon as I started working with LA, things was like we're mainly with FIFA, like that's where I started doing the Spanish. I mean the Spanish. Like he's the one that's where I started doing the Spanish. You know what I mean the Spanish, like he's the one that got me to do my first Spanish record, which is Abusadora, and you know I still wasn't sold on it the first time. You know what I mean, you know what I'm saying.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:But he would always push me like, hey, man, you gotta do the Spanish, bro, you gotta do the Spanish. Like you're hard in English, like do that same in Spanish. Like that same flow, like that same. And I was just like not really sold in it until like later down the line, I started doing it. And you know, like you know we, you know FIFA's always been a big support and the whole Latinos camp camp, like ratchet mas fortuna, uh daisy, everybody. You know I got love for everybody. Um, they've all been very supportive. You feel me. So, you know, at the end of the day, like, like, yeah, it's been a big part of where I'm at today yeah, okay, cool, um, I've seen you perform that record.
Johnny Baru:By the way, nausadora and y'all go crazy.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:Oh, that's crazy.
Johnny Baru:Appreciate it, man Like it's dope to watch Like I got to be. I forget where I watched you perform it, but I was backstage Like I was watching you guys perform from the back.
Johnny Baru:That's hard so you jumped off the stage. Fifa goes all over the place. Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, so, yeah, I remember. Off the stage, fifa goes all over the place, you know. Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, so yeah, I remember that's cool. Um, okay, so, as artists, we're all trying to make a dollar out of 15 cents. Um, what strategies have you implemented in order to continue to keep making your music, even without, like, a backing of a big budget or a label?
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:uh, really like i'ma just keep it real, like. Uh, really like I'm gonna just keep it real like uh, holding a job you know what I mean like still grinding, finding ways, like even strategizing ways with, like with the whole clothing brand which I'm gonna start to get more involved in a little bit more, which is doing little marketing, where I'll do something like that special edition, like when I dropped the Guala bucket hats yeah, I remember that.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:You know where, I only dropped a limited amount and if you copped those Guala hats, that was it, you know. And so doing stuff like that being creative, I mean I sold out the first week, you know, and I was just like I saw people still wanted it, but it was because I'm never gonna make those bucket hats again. So now I'm just thinking of ways to just strategize and, uh, apply that same um, those same ideas, but with, like, maybe like a shirt or some socks, you know. So, you know, we, you know we'll, we'll see you like later, later down the line, what I, what I come up with, you know, with with the whole, how about the Gualas movement?
Johnny Baru:I need you to know that bucket hat idea for me from a strategy standpoint. Like I think that was a genius idea, bro. Like I think if you can implement that into different pieces of merch or different experiences for your audience, I think that would be dope. You know what I mean.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:No, I really appreciate it. Like you know, I'm just sometimes I just be thinking like what can I do different? Like just thinking outside the box and shout out to Nip for that, because Nip was the one that I get very. When it comes to thinking like that, I just think about, like Nipsey. You know how he like promoted the Crenshaw merch and the whole marathon and you know how they were both different brands, but it was under the whole. You know what I'm saying yeah, yeah, yeah.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:It's dope, you know. So yeah, shout out to Nip for that, like you know. So yeah, shout out to nip for that, like you know, that's dope.
Johnny Baru:Oh, okay, we're getting close to the end, but so I know you've had versions of mentorship along the way with good people like iq. How has that experience been for you and how has that contributed to your journey as an artist man like I'm gonna just be honest with you right now, bro.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:Like uh, there would not be a Harlay or no artist if it wasn't for iq. Bro, we would not be here right now sitting down having this interview, if it wasn't for iq can you tell me more about that man, like, all right.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:So when I, when I decided I wanted to be a rapper because before, like I was telling you, I met wealthy, you know it was just freestyling, whatever, you know rapping, um, but then when I decided, okay, I want to record songs like this is what I want to do um, I knew this girl that, um, she gave me, uh, two numbers, right, one number. One of the numbers was for choco. Shout out to choco. You know what I'm saying?
Johnny Baru:like, you know, and the other one was iq.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:But uh, I called choco's number first and he didn't pick up, you know so, whatever. Then the other number that I called was iq's, you know so I called it and at the time I was, what, like 18 years old. You feel me like I was just fresh out of high school and I was like, damn, I want to rap, you know. So I called iq. Like he was like, yeah, pull up. And you know he was living, like you know, in a back spot, like, and then he had like some recording equipment and then, uh, yeah, bro, from there the rest was history. Like like, I recorded my first like real record with IQ, you know he, you know he got me signed two years later and you know I was able to record in a multimillion-dollar studio because of IQ, early on, like early on, and I got to work with Jalil Beats you know, like it's crazy. And I met FIFA through IQ.
Johnny Baru:That's crazy.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:I didn't know that yeah so that's what I'm saying, like there would not be any of this if it wasn't for iq. So I would definitely like I owe him a lot when it comes to this music stuff, bro, you know like he I owe him a porsche. That's what he says.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:But you know, but yeah, man, I, I owe it to him, bro, bro, because like he really took that big brother role. You know, because I didn't have a big, I got big brothers, but they're way older than me, like they, you know, they're not worried about what I'm doing, you know, but like he really took that big brother role and like, put me on game, like he'll be like nah, that's whack. Like nah, that's whack. Like you, that's whack. Like nah, that's whack Like you know what I'm saying?
Johnny Baru:Keeps you humble, yeah, bro.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:And to this day he's still here.
Johnny Baru:Yeah, man, we're here at Black Bull Studios recording in his studio currently right now, yeah, man, shout out to Black Bull Studios, man. Like I think it's cool when you have somebody who's willing to like que te de la mano. You know what I mean. Like bring you up a little bit and elevate you and say, okay, well, I know a little bit about this, so let me help you out and try to get you further. You know what I mean.
Johnny Baru:Like yeah um, I believe wholeheartedly that we go farther together. You know what I mean and that's my. My brand is built off of love, bro, and that's how I ended up linking up with y'all. You know what I mean and and I think you meet good people and you get a lot of work done when you have a good experience in collaboration. You know what I mean Versus having some sort of like salty taste in your mouth when you collaborate with people who do you dirty and I've been done dirty plenty. So I appreciate y'all for linking up with me and collaborating with me on the project. Like I'm super grateful for that man. Of course, bro, anytime.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:Thank you man I appreciate it all right, so this is the last question for the extended portion.
Johnny Baru:All right, let's go. All right. So for aspiring independent artists listening to your journey, what advice would you give to them? To like the people who are trying to make it as artists, what advice would I give to them?
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:to like the people who are trying to make it as artists. What advice would I give to them Is work hard and never give up. You know, never give up and don't get. Don't get mad with like, don't feel attached to anything. You know mad with like, don't feel attached to anything. You know I will really say that because, um, once you get attached to anything like like it's just you. You, you get your hopes up, you know, and it's better to just keep grinding like that, like that's just the best advice I would say and never give up. You know, once you got those two things on lock, it don't even matter. You know, because you're going to figure it out One way or another. You're going to figure it out.
Johnny Baru:And that was part of what you recorded on that record that we did here in the studio.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:Oh yeah, you know what I?
Johnny Baru:mean, Like you want to talk about those lyrics, Like what that meant for you.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:Yeah, like I mean on the record, I was, you know, just talking about how, like for the right price. You know, like loyalty is only measured by the next meal. Pretty much, you know and like in this, you know, especially in this game, in this music industry, it could get very cutthroat. You know and like in this, you know, especially in this, in this game, in this, in this music industry, it could get very cutthroat. You know, 100, you know. That's why I'm I'm very blessed by the people I'm around. But yeah, it could get very cutthroat, bro, like you know, especially if you are here starving, the quicker people gonna fold, just like when you ain't got enough stacks, the stacks fold quicker.
Johnny Baru:You know what I'm saying yeah, but you know, like, even when you said, uh, don't get attached to records either, you know what I mean. Like yeah like as from an artist standpoint, like that's great advice. Like I, when you said that earlier, like when we were here recording it, I heard that lyric and I was like oh shit, okay, like that makes sense. You know what I I mean.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:Yeah, because I mean it happens like where we make music, I've done it, where I make music and I love this song so much, but hey, it's not it. Or maybe I might have done a song with somebody and they took me off the record. Am I going to get emotional about it? Am I going to get mad about that? Maybe I would. You know what I mean. Like, what happens is if I get attached to the record and they cut me off, what's going to happen? I'm going to feel like disappointed.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:I might even stop rapping. Right, you might get heartbroken, you know what I mean, but I feel like, yeah, there's no attachments, and I feel like it's just better.
Johnny Baru:It may sound kind of like harsh, but sometimes it's kind of better to live like that and it makes you develop thick skin as an artist and I think, like, like I said, it makes you more versatile, and I think that that's that. That's that's amazing, bro, that's a good mentality to have thank you um, so now that brings us to the next section, which is a rapid fire section okay, let's bring it so you're gonna hit me with like quick answers. But if you want to expand, you totally can okay, I got you all right.
Johnny Baru:So, uh, when it comes to genres, do you prefer making like a dembow record or a reggaeton record? Reggaeton okay, a home at home, studio or professional, that one's easy right um analog versus digital digital okay, um, let's see collaborating with a rapper or a singer a rapper okay, a feature in a hip-hop track or a catchy upbeat like record catchy upbeat record. Okay, spontaneous freestyle or thought-out lyrics thought thought out lyrics and then intimate performance or a massive crowd, or like a festival a massive crowd okay, um influences from classic artists or, like modern musicians classic artists okay, black and white visuals or like crazy colors.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:Crazy colors Okay.
Johnny Baru:Live instruments in your performances or like digital beats.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:Live instruments.
Johnny Baru:Fire Strings or like horns Damn Strings, okay or like horns strings okay, vinyl records or like streaming streaming let's see. Okay, here's the last one. The last one is pupusa versus tacos versus pan con pollo. One's got to go.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:One's got to go, yeah, or do I got to choose one.
Johnny Baru:No, no, no One's got to go. You get to keep two.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:Pupusas.
Johnny Baru:And what's the other one? Oh, you're getting rid of pupusas.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:Yeah, and I'll keep the tacos and the Banco Pollo. You know what I'm saying, Like Banco Pollo, you can never say no to that.
Johnny Baru:And the tacos. Like I love tacos bro.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:You can't go wrong with tacos.
Johnny Baru:I got you. Look I make a fire. Ass Banco Pollo.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:I know you were telling me.
Johnny Baru:My wife pollo. I know you were telling me my wife is salvadorian, or? Half. She's half salvadorian, half mexican. So that's I. I pieced it together with a bunch of recipes and whatnot, like I did a lot of research man, let me tell you, bro, you, you tell me what's the ingredients, I'll buy it you make it, bro, I gotta keep. I gotta keep the secret sauce to myself, bro.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:Oh yeah, all right, I'll give you the money, you go get the stuff and then you make it and I'll be the judge. I'll be like, all right let's go Hasta el panto. What was that?
Johnny Baru:I got you, I got you All right let's go. Let's do that yeah cool. Well, I appreciate you taking the time to sit with me.
Johnny Baru:I appreciate you for collaborating with me on the project. You're a good dude. I appreciate the friendship. You have no idea what that means to me. Going back to building good relationships and collaborating with good people, that means a lot to me. The relationship means more to me than anything else, above money, above anything. It means more to me. So I appreciate you. I consider you a friend now and thank you, yeah likewise, too, bro.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:You already know we, like I consider you a friend, especially all this time. Like I felt like I met you in forever. Like you know you, you're a good dude, bro, like you, like you know your whole story too, like and what you're doing out here, you're taking a gamble and a risk and, like I said earlier, like a team that believes in you and I consider you part of the team, bro, look, we here.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:Thank you bro you believe in me and like look what we doing now, you know what I'm saying. So, man, like, look what we're doing now, you know what I'm saying. So, man, like, I wish you nothing but blessings on your journey, brother.
Johnny Baru:Likewise, man, I appreciate it and you know, let's keep getting this work and see what other projects we can cook up together.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:Man, let's get it, thank you.
Johnny Baru:Appreciate you All.
Harlay El Wuezo Rez:Right, that's it, man, let's go. Bro, appreciate you. Yeah, man, let's go man, appreciate you.
Johnny Baru:Yeah, man, make sure to follow and support Harlay and weso on instagram at Harlay weso at h-a-r-l-a-y-w-e-z-o. As always, stay locked in for another episode coming soon. Make sure to like, comment and subscribe, and feel free to hit me with any questions on instagram or tiktok under the handle at purojogo p-u-R-O-J-O-G-O. Tap in with me there Until we meet again. Stay hustling, build your legacy and keep chasing greatness. We're out.