Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Xavier Cortez Jr, known as King Tez.
Hi Anthony, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up, I’ve always had a love for music, but it wasn’t until my older cousins introduced me to Hip Hop/Rap at an early age. I remember listening to “Still Tippin’“ with Mike Jones, Slim Thug, and Paul Wall and watching the music video on MTV. I don’t know why, but I remember that video so vividly. Since that moment, I really started to dive deeper into the culture of Hip Hop. Fast forward to around high school, is when I started writing down lyrics/bars in my private time. Never showed those to anyone though. Upon graduating and going to college in 2015, is when I really started to take my music career serious. Started doing research over the culture, studying favorite artist such as Kendrick, J Cole, Drake, 50 Cent, Eminem, Big Sean (just to name a few), and really started developing my pen and flow.
From that point, I got an opportunity to perform at a Fashion Show with my roommate/best friend Marcus Jackson at the University I went to (University of Northern Iowa) which was sponsored by MTV2. During that event is when I got connected with Lyrikal TMG, an artist and super producer who had worked with many talented artist such as E-40 and Too Short just to name a couple. Since then, I’ve been working on my craft, getting shows, and releasing albums independently.
Fast forward some, I graduated college in 2019 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Marketing with an emphasis in Digital Media and Advertisement and moved back to San Antonio to further my music career. From that point, I have been working with my producer Mike Spinz, who is a lifelong friend responsible for producing the majority of my work to date. Also, around this time is when I met my engineer Manny G who is another good friend of mine who owns a studio (TOK 865) where I record all my music to date and also my photographer Joseph Guillen. Not to mention my marketing friend, Will Sayasenh who I run a lot of my ideas by before executing and also a mentor of mine Brad Thompson.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road, but I will say my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has continually blessed me along this path. Some struggles I have encountered were finding/surrounding myself with like minded individuals that were willing to invest in the long-term vision. That vision being; being successful so that we can sustain our families and create generational wealth. Another struggle, but an important one, would be learning the business side of the industry. The music comes easy in my opinion, it’s the how can we eat and make a living off of this for many years to come. In addition, learning that not everyone has your best interest at heart. It’s really a dog eat dog world, but that’s when having a team that believes in you comes into play. I would also say the whole Covid situation was definitely a different, unforeseen struggle that impacted the industry for all musicians. But it also allowed me to write a lot of music during that time and reach out and engage with my following through social media. So it wasn’t all too bad. Those are just a few struggles to name some. Oh and I forgot to mention, being a Latino in this industry. I definitely feel like my people been overlooked/slept on by a lot…. but our time is coming!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a songwriter, recording and performing Hip Hop/Rap artist, and creative director. My specialty, in my opinion, would be my lyrical capabilities in my rap, but also the ability to make good music that inspires and motivates others. While also making it relatable.
I would say I’m known for my Slogan/Adlib/Catch Phrase “MIRA” which is a Spanish word meaning to see, have sight or vision, and intention.
I’m most proud of the city that I’m from (210 all day) and my Latin/Mexican roots.
My bilingual transitions in my music definitely set me apart from others.
Also be sure to checkout/download my latest album “Sincerely Yours” which was executive produced by Mike Spinz and mixed and mastered by Manny G. Available to you and for your listening experience on all major, digital streaming platforms.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t really believe in luck. It’s more so good energy and bad energy. You get what you put out and you attract what you think. So far, everything that has happened I’ve manifested and it’s still just the beginning for me.
Pricing:
- Features: $300
- Feature + Music Video Appearance: $550 (Varies if traveling is required)
- Songwriting: $600
- Creative Directing: $100-200
Contact Info:
- Email: kingtez.mgmt@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/210kingtez210/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/KingTEZ210/
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/210kingtez210?lang=en
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/KingTez
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3ELUL3Vey3pSX7D1aKxtoy?si=o1AmTqVNRyqVkuh4Nt5A3Q&dl_branch=1
- Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/king-tez/1465340991
Image Credits
Joseph Guillen (@anewviewtx)
Lyrikal TMG
