Mexia

Mexia may bleed Norteño, but his heart is all hip hop. Hernán Hernández, Jr. is the son of Hernán Hernández, bassist and backup vocalist of Los Tigres Del Norte (the skunk-haired one). Mexia (pronounced Mex-eye-ah) grew up in the East side of San Jose, California, spending his days skateboarding, writing rhymes and sometimes watching his father and uncle Jorge on TV.

We talked to the rapper-singer about his hairstyles, life in San Jose (the heart of Silicon Valley) and growing up as a little tiger of the north.

What was it like growing up in San Jose?

I had very humble beginnings growing up on the east side of San Jose. I was raised by two major influences, my mom and my dad they showed me a lot of love. My parents always worked real hard on raising me right and teaching me the right things. Growing up in San Jose is real cool. It’s a small city but it’s real diverse and the people here are really in tune with what’s going on in the world musically, politically and socially. I've lived here my whole life and I’m even raising my own family here. I can honestly say that there is no place like home.

Did you friends know you were the son of a famous musician?

Yeah, a lot of my friends knew who he was but they were cool about it. He was always just Mr. Hernandez to them. Every now and then I’d get questions like: “Do you trip when you see him on TV or sing 'La Puerta Negra,' dude?” But the fact is, I’m very proud of who my father is. I’ve never been ashamed of that.

Did you grow up listening to hip hop or Norteño?

I grew up listening to all types of music. My mom and dad would play everything from Marvin Gaye to Los Relampagos. Norteño music is in my blood, it’s the first style of music I learned to play. My father taught me at a young age. Growing up in the '80s, hip hop was making a name for its self. I have a cousin that’s a DJ and I remember he would always let me listen to all his new records, including Planet Rock, Gucci Crew – whatever was hot. I fell in love with the culture and the art form. Hip Hop did change my life, but I still love that feeling I get when I hear a corrido. Like I said, it’s in my blood.

Los Tigres Del Norte's music could be considered rebel music, what do you call yours?

My music is a limitless fusion of all my influences. I love to talk about all types of subjects. I’m also really conscious of the lyrics I write and perform. I always have a positive message; I also like to have fun and experiment with my music and really not concentrate on categorizing it. All I want to do is make great music for everyone to enjoy.

Your father has that signature white streak in his hair. Was that an influence on your hairstyle?

That’s funny, I never thought about that but I guess subconsciously it is. It’s my homage to my Dad. I’ve always thought his hair is cool. They do say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

We hear your brother Raúl is also releasing a solo album. How do you guys support each other? Is there healthy competition involved?

Yeah my brother Raul Antonio will be releasing his project this fall. He’s a talented musician and singer-songwriter. We always support each other in everything we do. We work really well together in the studio, whether we're recording, writing lyrics or just bouncing ideas off each other. We have a real cool relationship outside of music, too. We are a very close family and we hang out a lot. Yeah, there is a little healthy competition but we keep each other motivated. He’s a great brother and an even better friend to have on my side.
                                                                                
Do you think hip hop will ever be as revered by Mexicans as Norteño music?

Of course I do, Mexicanos listen to everything nowadays. There is also a big hip hop movement in Mexico. Yeah, we do love our rancheras, botas y sombrero but we just need to show everyone that Mexicans can be good at hip hop, but most importantly be successful at it. You never know, I just might see my Tio Chuy bumping Jay-Z rocking a New Era and some Nikes. The new generation in Mexico and the U.S. are constantly pushing the envelope. Nothing is out of reach for us now.

Mexia's debut single, Descontrol, is available on iTunes now.