That Mexican Outta Texas, or That Mexican OT as he’s becoming widely known, made waves at his Austin City Limits (ACL) debut this year, showcasing a persona as bold and unique as his moniker. Hailing from Bay City, Texas, Virgil René Gazca, the man behind the OT brand, is rapidly carving out a distinct space in the rap scene. Despite his burgeoning fame, OT’s ACL appearance wasn’t about sharing the spotlight; it was about claiming it. In an interview just hours before his Sunday ACL Weekend Two set, he spoke to The Daily Texan, offering a raw and unfiltered glimpse into his burgeoning career and his perspective on his ACL experience.
When asked about representing Houston and Bay City at such a prominent festival, That Mexican OT dismissed the notion of regional representation. “I don’t give a damn about that — I care about being here and growing,” he stated plainly. For OT, it’s about personal growth and connecting directly with fans. “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 statement encapsulates his core ethos: authenticity and self-reliance.
His candidness extended to his feelings about performing at ACL itself. While grateful for the opportunity, OT admitted a preference for his own shows. “I’d rather just be at my own shows (where) I can be selfish with the crowd,” he explained. Festivals, with their diverse audiences, present a different dynamic. Adding to his unconventional artist persona, he even joked about preferring to be elsewhere, saying, “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 nonchalant attitude, however, shouldn’t be mistaken for apathy; it’s a testament to his grounded nature and focus on personal comfort and control in a rapidly changing environment.
Beyond the individual artist, That Mexican OT emphasizes the importance of his close-knit team. Working with friends has been a transformative experience, strengthening their bonds beyond casual friendship. “It’s been great. I love them for sure. 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.” The shared journey and mutual support are clearly integral to his success and vision. He further elaborated on this growth, “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.’ 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.” This highlights his collaborative spirit and how he values shared learning and growth with his team.
With newfound financial success, That Mexican OT is already diversifying his portfolio beyond music. In a surprising reveal, he shared his upcoming venture into the beauty industry: “I got two nail salons I’m finna be opening up (in Austin and Houston called V’s Nails).” His reasoning behind this business move is as unconventional and pragmatic as his personality. “(I remember) when I was hungry, I would think, ‘What is a place that I would rob?’ And it was a nail salon …” he confessed. This dark humor underscores a sharp business acumen and a unique perspective on opportunity. He continued, “So I was like ‘Fuck it, might as well make a lot of money with them.’ 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 reveals a shrewd understanding of market trends and customer appreciation, combined with his characteristic candidness.
In conclusion, That Mexican OT’s ACL debut and his accompanying interview paint a picture of an artist who is authentic, ambitious, and refreshingly unconventional. He’s not just riding the wave of fame; he’s actively shaping his brand and future, both in music and business. His focus on self-representation, loyalty to his team, and unique entrepreneurial ventures position That Mexican OT as a rising star to watch, one who is determined to do things his way, on his own terms.
