Fueled by ambition, determination and hard work, Ryan Castro represents the new generation of urbano hitmakers. His highly-anticipated debut album, El Cantante del Ghetto, is not only a reflection of the qualities that have catapulted Castro to the top of the charts, but it also serves as a mirror that showcases the culture of his neighborhood of Pedregal in Medellín, Colombia.  

“My career and my music are being respected as I dreamed it would be,” Castro says in an interview with Billboard News while sitting in a makeshift bus stop in a studio in Miami. Along with the new album, set to drop on Thursday (May 9), Castro will also unleash the music video for the project’s focus track, “Pueblo De Medallo,” with Latin trap pioneer Arcángel. “For me, it is a triumph to be able to say that I have a song with Arcángel and that it is the focus track of my album.”

The Colombian hitmaker also opens up about the hustle to get to where he is now. “I learned a lot about not letting my emotions take over, or get ahead of myself and my own process,” adds Castro about what performing in the streets taught him at the beginning of his career. “I have been able to really enjoy everything I have been doing.”

The 18-track set is a testament to his journey, from street busking to global stardom, shaped by classic reggaetón, dancehall and trap. El Cantante Del Ghetto, a personal tribute to his roots, humble upbringing and the dynamic community of his hometown, is a name that resonates with authenticity and connection.

Watch the full Billboard News live interview above.