Princeton Perez, an American artist and content creator, hails from Downey, California, where he grew up in a “full Mexican household.” From a young age, he dreamed of exploring the world and using his talents to bring joy to others. “I knew I was put on this earth with a purpose, and I wanted to make people smile,” he says.

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Perez’s journey into the entertainment industry began early, with occasional commercial bookings during his childhood. A pivotal moment came when he was around 11 years old and landed a role in the music video for “Cupid’s Chokehold” by Gym Class Heroes, featuring lead vocalist Travie McCoy. This opportunity led to several fortuitous encounters that shaped his career trajectory. “From there, I got discovered by Debbie Allen, and she gave me a free scholarship,” Perez explains. 

Following this, he caught the attention of choreographer Dave Scott, who granted him access to his dance classes. It was through Scott that Perez was introduced to the boy band Mindless Behavior. “Dave introduced me to the group, and I auditioned for that, and it kind of took off,” Perez recounts. His time with the group marked a significant chapter in his music career.

From Introspection to Expression: Forging a Unique Musical Identity

Perez’s musical style is a reflection of his personal journey and the influences that have shaped him as an artist. Describing his current musical era as “suave,” Perez’s sound is a blend of R&B, pop, and Latin elements that celebrate his identity as a Mexican and Black man. “I just feel like I’m embracing more of myself, so my music just represents that,” he explains. “It’s very on the edge of little R&B, little pop, mainly Latin.”

The inspiration for his music stems from a period of introspection and self-discovery, prompted by a challenging romantic relationship. “I was in and out of this relationship, and it was forcing me to dig deep into myself to figure out why I was the way I am basically,” he shares. Seeking guidance and understanding, Perez turned to his grandparents and mother. “I wanted to dive deep into my history, and I found so much strength in my Mexican culture,” he reveals. This newfound connection to his roots became the driving force behind his latest project. The result is a sound that Perez describes as “suave, authentic, and sunny.” 

The Path to Authentic Content Creation: Self-Discovery and Growth

Despite the uncertainties that come with striking out on one’s own, Perez remained driven and optimistic. “I was very motivated, I had so much hope for me and I wanted to control my career,” he says. After leaving Mindless Behavior, he found solace in photography and poetry. “I just had so many feelings after the group that I didn’t know who to talk to,” he shares. “I just kind of felt like I needed to transform myself.” To navigate this new phase and driven by a need for self-expression and growth, Perez turned to social media to carve out a career path. 

Perez’s content creation strategy seamlessly blends his fashion sense, lifestyle, and music to create a cohesive and authentic narrative across his various platforms. “I wanted to make my social media and my music and my fashion like one situation where it all makes sense,” he explains. 

TikTok has played a significant role in shaping Perez’s approach to content creation, allowing him to showcase a more lighthearted and relatable side of his personality. “I feel like TikTok has helped me kind of open up a little more of my personality,” he shares. By embracing the platform’s potential for candid self-expression, he has deepened the bond with his audience.

In his content, Perez strives to find a balance between being authentic to himself and engaging his audience, acknowledging that it’s an ongoing challenge. “I guess the biggest challenge was trying to find that balance between being authentic to yourself, but also doing things that kind of make sense for your fans or your audience,” he admits. 

When it comes to brand partnerships, Perez seeks collaborations that align with his values, promote positivity, and allow him to interact with his fans in meaningful ways. “Any brand that is all for peace and love and self-love and making people feel good,” he adds, emphasizing the importance of collaborating with companies that share his commitment to spreading uplifting messages. As he has grown and developed a clearer sense of his identity, he has become more selective in his partnerships, ensuring that the branded content he creates remains true to his values and resonates with his audience. 

Advice for Aspiring Content Creators and Artists

For aspiring creators, Perez emphasizes the importance of authenticity, finding one’s niche, and maintaining consistency. While he acknowledges that everyone’s journey is different, he believes that these key elements are essential for success in the creative field. “There’s so much advice you can give to somebody because everybody is different,” Perez begins, recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities that each individual may face. However, he quickly zeroes in on the most crucial piece of advice he can offer: being true to oneself. “I think the biggest advice that I would say would be about being authentic,” he stresses.

Beyond authenticity, Perez encourages aspiring content creators and artists to identify and cultivate their unique niche. Whether it’s in music, content creation, or any other aspect of their career, he believes that finding “that special something” that sets them apart is key to building a strong foundation for success. “Once you find your niche, build on that and stay consistent,” he advises. He also emphasizes the importance of consistency in pursuing one’s goals, underlining the need for dedication and perseverance in the face of challenges and setbacks.

Upcoming Project: A Celebration of Joy and Self-Discovery

As Princeton Perez looks to the future, he has set his sights on two main goals: releasing his highly anticipated upcoming project and embarking on a solo tour. The project, born from a place of introspection and self-discovery, promises to be a celebration of joy and resilience in the face of life’s challenges.

“The project was created off of, feeling lost, but also not really caring that you’re lost,” Perez explains. The album’s essence is about embracing life’s ups and downs and choosing to find happiness and light, no matter the circumstances. Perez’s music serves as an invitation to his listeners to join him on a journey of self-discovery and unbridled joy. “I would tell anybody watching that if you want to have a good time, if you’re going through anything, but you don’t want to sit down and cry about, you want to be in the sun, have a good time and listen to a new project that’s coming out there?” he shares, encapsulating the spirit of his forthcoming work.

In addition to his musical aspirations, Perez remains committed to his role as a content creator, aiming to spread positivity and laughter through his social media presence, and he eagerly anticipates the opportunity to connect with his audience through live performances. 

As Perez embarks on this new chapter in his career, he continues to dedicate himself to sharing happiness, staying true to himself, and encouraging self-discovery through each song he creates and every post he shares.