He came from humble beginnings, but is now among the most popular artists in the Latin Urban music scene. Dalex has captured the attention of reggaeton  music lovers with his style and flow. But there is much more to know about this inspiring artist, including his hardships and the tough road he had to travel in order to achieve massive success. In an exclusive interview we explore his career, current success, future plans, and inspiring message.

The new heartthrob made his initial moves in the music industry with his viral hits, “Pa’ Mi’ (Remix)” and “Cuaderno,” which have gained more than 618 million combined views on YouTube, and counting. His single “Pa Mi (Remix)” reached #1 on the Spotify’s Global Viral 50 and #1 on Apple Music’s Top 100 list. Other mega-hits include “Linda,” “Bellaquita,” “Hola,” and his latest, “Jockey.” But the success does not stop there. Dalex was also named Billboard’s “Latin Artist on the Rise.”

HOMBRE: When did you decide to become a musical artist, and how did your career begin?
Dalex: From childhood, when I was 12 years old I decided I wanted to be in music. But I was very shy, so it wasn’t until I was 18 that I took a course to be a barber. It was then that I decided to become an artist. I started originally in groups and then became a solo artist.

H: What does it mean for you to be named Billboard’s “Latin Artist on The Rise?”
D: It was a blessing. Lots of years working hard, and to see it finally paying off makes me happy. I hope this serves as an example to all the young kids out there that they can make something out of their life. And they can make all their dreams come true by working hard.

H: What was it like to hit number one on Spotify and have so much success surrounding your music in such a short time?
D: It actually wasn’t a short time. I was working for years trying to make music. Sometimes you’re working on your career for a long time and then you stop and realize how far you’ve come. It makes you realize your blessings when you reach a certain level and see all of the years you’ve been working pay off. One day I had that dream and now it’s coming true.

Dalex with Sech

H: What anecdotes can you share with us about your collaborations with other artists to create your biggest hits?
D: I have a good friendship and chemistry with all of the people I’ve collaborated with. For example, with Sech we have several songs together. Everything flows naturally because of the chemistry. It wasn’t forced, you know, it was all natural, organic.

H: What inspires you when you write your songs?
D: Many things inspire my music. Moving my family forward obviously, and wanting to give good music to the public. I sing to women. I get to sing to them live, and they love it.

H: You had some tough times, including homelessness, how did you manage to overcome those challenges?
D:  By being persistent and keep working for your dreams. I’m from the south of Puerto Rico. There weren’t opportunities for music there. All of the studios are in the metropolitan areas. I couldn’t get to those places, I didn’t have a car. I had to travel to Orlando, Florida, where I didn’t have any family. I slept in the streets sometimes. I have my kids as well. Sometimes I couldn’t share much time with them…which was very difficult for me.
When I signed for the first time with ‘Jayma Dalex el duo,’ the person who signed us passed away and that was another blow. When I thought I was about to achieve success all those dreams came crashing down, but I had to keep working. Had to stay positive. Working hard and fighting for your dreams [is the way to get past obstacles]. There will always be a rock in the road, but with every single one of those you decide whether they make you strong or weak.

H: With which artists would you like to collaborate with in the future?
D: There are many artists. I would love to work with Daddy Yankee, Chris Brown, Post Malone, Rihanna and Don Omar.

H: What would you say sets you apart in the Latin Urban music genre?
D: I would say my style of writing, the flow that I have, that R&B style that I have sets me apart. And the sensual lyrics, always trying not to offend; all of those things distinguish me. I would also say my look.

H: What are some of the goals you want to accomplish next year, and beyond?
D: For the next year I will be coming out with my second album. The first was “Climaxxx,” which thank God went platinum. I’m working hard on the second one now. And I hope to be number 1 with that record. Working on the visuals, doing different things. Those are my plans.

H: What advice can you offer other young artists entering the music industry?
D: The advice I would give other artists is to work hard and reach for their dreams, and don’t believe anyone that says you can’t do it. If you work hard, you can make it.

The newcomer, the survivor, the successful hard worker; Dalex inspires his fans and his family with his work ethic and effortless flow. It’s safe to say we will be seeing a lot more from this artist, and can’t wait to celebrate with him in every small and large victory he accomplishes. Following his advice, we can see him trampling all of the rocks down the road, and driving himself straight down the line of success!