Manifesto Radio Ep33 - Guest: Conejo

Manifesto Radio

Jose Martin, better known as Conejo, is a rap artist and cultural figure in his native Los Angeles who has released over 100 albums.

In the late 1980s, Conejo began crafting music alongside Black Eyed Peas DJ Motive8 and continued the relationship through the early 90s. His music helped paint a picture of the harsh reality of the lives of young gang members in inner-city L.A, and while Conejo's music didn't glamorize gang culture, the vivid depictions of his life presented deeply relatable stories that rapidly attracted supporters of his music. His lyrics provided a glimpse of the crime-infested environment and sad reality that plagued many immigrant families.

Unfortunately, the life Conejo was rapping about was still very much a reality at the time, leading him to become a fugitive of the law for the next 15 years. In 2016, the MC was captured and extradited back to the United States, where he found himself up against a myriad of wrongful felony charges and the death penalty. Fighting the case for two years while remaining behind bars without bail, Conejo became a free man in 2018.

Shortly after his release, longtime friend and famed film director David Ayer (Fury, End of Watch) offered Conejo a starring role alongside Shia Labeouf and George Lopez in the Los Angeles crime thriller, The Tax Collector, out August 7. The chance opportunity granted him another gig as the role of Oscar in the short-lived FOX series The Deputy, where he was also able to use his skills with the pen and assisted in writing material for the season under Cedar Park Ent.

With a new lease on life, Conejo finally was able to perform to sold-out shows across the country nearly two decades after his career began, drawing thousands of fans. His fans requested clothing and more music, which led to the creation of his clothing line, Bonarue, as well as his record company, The Sinister Kingdom Music.

Today, Conejo also hosts a successful podcast, Inside A Sinister Mind, where he details his time on the run. The show is available on all streaming platforms.

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