From: officialflagrant
That Mexican OT’s upbringing in Bay City, Texas, and the significant influence of his family, including his parents and grandparents, profoundly shaped his outlook on life and his musical career [00:46:06]. His experiences from a young age, often marked by challenging circumstances, contributed to his distinctive authenticity as an artist and individual [01:34:51].
Childhood and Family Environment
Growing up, That Mexican OT was surrounded by a dynamic and at times tumultuous environment [01:22:38]. He describes seeing a lot of “fed up s” as a kid [01:22:38].
Parental Influence
- Mother: His mother had him at a young age and was often “out there being a kid” herself [01:43:42]. She was involved in drug dealing, specifically crack cocaine [01:07:07], and was known for her “savage” and fearless demeanor [01:44:12]. He recalls her being “no fear” and “savage” even at 5’3” [01:44:12]. She once hit his cousin with a brick of cocaine for asking about money [01:43:51]. Despite the challenges, his mother was supportive of his rapping aspirations [01:46:08].
- Father: His father, named Chuck, spent time in prison [01:39:12]. He was a professional trainer, knowledgeable about the human body, and even owned a gym called “Conquer Fitness” [01:26:38]. He trained people in Austin, including a news lady [01:26:42]. His father is described as “brilliant at everything he do” [01:38:20] and possesses a strong, almost “God-like” energy [01:09:09]. He instilled discipline and physical prowess, training his son in boxing and bodyweight exercises, enabling him to do backflips even when heavier [01:26:55]. Crucially, his father was his biggest fan and believed in his rap career more than he did himself, often telling him he was “too f***ing brilliant” [01:37:50]. His father never asked for money, only for his time [01:39:38].
Extended Family and Guardianship
That Mexican OT was primarily taken care of by his uncle and aunt, Theo and Sam, who were younger than his parents [01:39:35]. He spent a lot of time observing his female relatives, which gave him insight into women’s behavior [01:47:20].
Grandparents
- Grandpa Chico: His great-grandpa Chico was a renowned cowboy who died at 99 years old [01:39:37]. He won a “Black Cowboy of the Century” plaque for Southern Texas [00:53:21]. Chico was an expert at breaking horses and managing his own farm in Markham [01:42:31]. He was a tough, rugged man who rarely showed emotion [01:42:15].
- Grandpa Gilbert: His grandpa Gilbert was a strong influence, especially after a harrowing experience running from the police [02:00:02].
- Nanny: His nanny raised him and was also a source of “game” (wisdom) [01:47:20]. She used to walk the track where women were known to be victims of violence, which later had its bleachers knocked down [01:44:45].
Musical Influences and Career Foundations
That Mexican OT’s musical journey began at a very young age, strongly encouraged by his family [01:12:12].
- Early Start: Both his parents believed he would be a rapper from the age of four [01:45:16]. His dad would wake him up before school to rap battle other grown men [01:48:16].
- Family of Rappers: His uncles on his mother’s side, including Uncle Moe and Cousin Homer, also rapped [01:47:43]. He started rapping with them and considers himself “the tiger with the rap” [01:48:13].
- Developing Musicality: He wrote his first song about his mom after her passing [01:25:19]. Many of his current songs incorporate lyrics he wrote in eighth grade [01:48:54]. He describes his skill as a “musical fluency” and an instinct for musicality that comes from doing it since he was young [01:46:00].
- Diverse Tastes: His father listened to a variety of music, including The Eagles, Rage Against the Machine, Metallica, Green Day, and The Offspring [01:52:10]. These diverse influences are evident in his own music, which spans rap, country, and blues [01:07:07].
Personal Development and Challenges
His childhood experiences, including drug exposure and living in challenging neighborhoods like Bay City, profoundly shaped his personality [01:44:12].
- Self-Worth: For a period, he “despised and hated everything of himself” due to negative comments from family and peers [01:36:10]. He believed the negative talk and felt “broken” [01:36:18].
- Overcoming Anger: He harbored significant anger due to feeling “robbed from everything” in his childhood [01:23:45]. He recognized this anger was unhealthy and worked to overcome it, realizing that holding onto it felt draining [01:23:22].
- Authenticity and Confidence: He started embracing his true self, including his cowboy lifestyle and attire, when he “just gave up on it” and stopped trying to look like a conventional rapper [01:34:30]. This shift led to greater success, as people are drawn to authenticity [01:36:01]. He maintains a “supreme confidence” in his ability [01:34:03].
Future Aspirations
That Mexican OT has clear goals for his future, blending his musical career with his deep connection to his Texas roots [01:07:07].
- Cowboy Lifestyle: He plans to acquire land, cattle, and a garden, living out a full cowboy lifestyle [01:33:07]. He views his cowboy hat and boots as his “chain” and “pen,” representing his unique identity [01:33:37].
- Family: He desires to have a large family, specifically a “whole football team” of kids [01:43:47]. He wants to give his children the childhood he felt he missed out on [01:43:55]. While he doesn’t plan to get married, he definitely wants to have children [01:50:50].
- Personal Life and Relationships: He is currently in a relationship, and acknowledges the challenges his increased fame and touring present to his partner [01:44:35]. He understands that it’s tough for them when he’s not home and when more people demand his attention [01:44:48].