Emerging from Bay City, Texas, Virgil René Gazca, known to the music world as That Mexican Outta Texas (OT), has rapidly carved out a distinctive niche in the rap scene. His raw energy and authentic persona have resonated with a growing fanbase, and his appearance at Austin City Limits (ACL) marked a significant step in his burgeoning career. Despite the festival atmosphere and shared spotlight, That Mexican Ot remains laser-focused on his personal journey and artistic growth, as he revealed in an interview with The Daily Texan just hours before his ACL Weekend Two set on Sunday.
When asked about representing his hometowns of Houston and Bay City on a prominent stage like ACL, That Mexican OT’s response was strikingly individualistic. “I don’t give a damn about that — I care about being here and growing,” he stated bluntly. For OT, the performance wasn’t about geographic representation, but about personal progression and connecting with new listeners. His excitement was palpable as he anticipated expanding his audience and delivering his signature performance. “I’m excited to meet with new fans. I’m excited to go up there and do what I like to do. It’s not about representing nothing. It’s about being me and representing me. Just Virgil.” This declaration underscores his commitment to authenticity and self-representation above external pressures or expectations.
Delving deeper into his feelings about performing at a festival like Austin City Limits, That Mexican OT expressed a preference for the intimate and dedicated environment of his own shows. “I’d rather just be at my own shows (where) I can be selfish with the crowd,” he admitted. Festivals, with their diverse crowds and shared attention, present a different dynamic. He humorously added a relatable touch, mentioning his desire to be elsewhere in that moment. “(Here,) they all at a festival, so there’s a mixture of everything. And then, I don’t want to be outside right now. I’d rather be asleep right now … I’d rather be on my four-wheeler right now.” This candidness reveals a grounded artist who values personal comfort and control over the chaotic energy of large-scale events.
Beyond the individualistic drive, loyalty and camaraderie are central to That Mexican OT’s journey. He spoke warmly about the evolution of his relationships with his close collaborators. “It’s been great. I love them for sure,” he shared, emphasizing the deepening bond with his team. Their collaborations have transcended casual friendship, evolving into a shared pursuit of growth and knowledge. “We was already close and shit, but now we’re not just bullshitting and having fun together no more. We’re learning shit, and we’re gaining shit together.” This collective learning and mutual support system is a cornerstone of his burgeoning success. He further illustrated this point by highlighting the shared financial learning experience: “I’m still new to having a fuckload of money. I go to the bank and I learn this shit, I come back and I’m like, “Hey, this how we do it.” This collaborative approach extends to all aspects of their endeavors, fostering a strong sense of unity. “It’s cool. It’s more than a brother love … I give a ton of effort, and my boys give effort. It makes it feel even more special.”
Looking towards the future, That Mexican OT is not just focused on musical growth but also on strategic business ventures. Revealing his entrepreneurial spirit, he disclosed his upcoming projects: “I got two nail salons I’m finna be opening up (in Austin and Houston called V’s Nails).” This unexpected move into the beauty industry stems from a pragmatic and somewhat humorous perspective. “(I remember) when I was hungry, I would think, “What is a place that I would rob?” And it was a nail salon … So I was like “Fuck it, might as well make a lot of money with them.”” Beyond the financial motivation, his appreciation for women also plays a role in this business decision. “And I love women. Women make this world go around. I’m big fans of them, so I appreciate being around them all day and enjoying their time and their energy. And they’re paying me? Come on.” This blend of humor, business acumen, and genuine appreciation for his clientele paints a picture of a multifaceted artist with a unique approach to both his music and his entrepreneurial endeavors.
That Mexican OT’s interview provides a compelling glimpse into the mindset of a rising rap artist. His focus on personal growth, authentic self-expression, the strength of his team, and shrewd business moves sets him apart in the contemporary music landscape. His performance at Austin City Limits was not just another festival gig, but a step in his ongoing journey of self-discovery and expansion, all while staying true to himself as Virgil, That Mexican OT.
