Bryant Myers

Bryant Myers has built his reputation on authenticity. The Latin trap pioneer was born in the Loma Alta neighbourhood of Carolina, Puerto Rico, in 1998, and he grew up running in the streets as his mother struggled to put food on the table. This early hardship fuelled him; he reportedly joined a gang but also began writing lyrics on the sly, with the idea that they might help him escape the hood. He was just 15 when he began releasing his first songs online, earning a large underground following for his raw, explicit lyrics and distinctive voice. He renamed himself for the Halloween character Mike Myers, and in 2015, he released “Esclava”, which he recorded with his cousin Anonimus. The song won him fans among Puerto Rico’s rap community, and a 2016 remix with Anuel AA and Almighty blew up thanks to the increased star power. He found himself suddenly in demand and embarked on a relentless schedule of releasing singles and collaborations, working with Ozuna, Farruko, Bad Bunny, Arcangel and others. Unlike many trap artists, Myers raps in a hoarse baritone with no effects or delays; that lack of AutoTune makes him stand out, as do his sometimes controversial lyrics. His 2016 single with Maluma, “Cuatro Babys”, raised hackles for its alleged glorification of violence against women, but the 2018 release La Oscuridad saw him softening his tone and embracing romance.