Meet AJ Ramos | Music Executive, Content Creator and Multimedia Public Figure

We had the good fortune of connecting with AJ Ramos and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi AJ, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
In a world that is changing so quickly. Life is all about taking risks. If you never take a risk, you will never achieve your dreams. The biggest risk is not taking a risk. You learn to live and live to learn.

Taking risks has played an important role in my life and career. One of the biggest risks I took is dropping out of the Rutgers University Pharmacy program. I entered the program with a full scholarship for Pharmacy and graduated with a Bachelors in Criminal Justice and Minor in Journalism and Media Studies.

In my Junior year I got the opportunity to intern at MTV and worked part time at Univision Radio. It was then when I realized I wanted to work in Music. I was making $5.15/hr at the Radio Station as a street team member. I was a Senior in College and now I had to make another choice. Do I work at the radio station for minimum wage or do I go pursue a “real salary job” or attend to “law school.”

I decided to work at the radio station for minimum wage and now have 17+ years of Experience in the Music Industry working in Terrestrial /Satellite radio for 10 years for companies like Univision, SBS, CBS and Telemundo. In addition, 7+ years in the Music and Tech space with companies like Spotify and my current role at Google/YouTube.

Success and happiness is on the side of taking risks. I followed my frightened heart and kept digging. Glory to God.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I love to spread love, joy and positivity everywhere I go. I am proud of having the opportunity to help, support and be part of the progress and process of people. Whether they are an artist, executive, friend, family member, follower or stranger. The more love you give to the universe the more you get back.

I am proud of all the hard work I have done to push Latin Music and Culture in my 17 years of being in the music industry. My first 10 years in the industry were spent on radio (terrestrial and satellite) and television. I helped establish the first Reggaeton radio station in the United States, La Kalle 105.9FM, and worked with some of the most credible communication networks including Univision, SBS, CBS, Sirius XM, and Telemundo.

In 2015, I joined the first Latin music team at Spotify, where I led Latin music curation for Urban, Tropical, and Christian genres. We created one of Spotify’s top playlists “Beast Mode,” where I opened the doors for Christian Urban artists Andy Mineo, Lecrae, and Jon Bellion.

During my 4 years at the forefront of revolutionizing music consumption, I developed unprecedented partnerships with artists like Ozuna, Juan Luis Guerra, Bad Bunny, Redimi2, Daddy Yankee, J Balvin, Alex Zurdo, Funky, and more, who entrusted me to navigate the new and unknown world that was music streaming in its inception and the importance of digital presence. Since then, I’ve done a pivotal job in educating Latin artists/communities about digital platforms, artist marketing, playlists, podcasts, and streaming. His relationships have also grown into meaningful and honest friendships.

In 2019, I joined YouTube Music/Google as Artist Relations Manager, US Latin. I’m currently building and fosterin strong relationships between the platform and recording artists, and facilitates partner activation strategies that offer impactful visibility and growth. From 2020 to 2021, I held the role of Global Lead of Culture for Google’s ‘HOLA’, the LatinX employee resource group (ERG) within the company. In 2020, I became the first-ever Salvadoran executive, and the youngest that year, to be named in Billboard’s Power Players list.

Despite all these highlights. There has been a bunch of lowlights. In fact, if I had a dollar for every time someone said “no” I’d be a millionaire. I overcame many challenges by working on my relationship with God, creating boundaries and realizing that inner peace is everything. Comparison is a thief of joy. Imposter syndrome is real. No one is going to believe in you until you believe and invest in yourself.Believe in you, build your relationships and be a good person. Pay your dues and work while you wait. Passion and purpose over position. Your network is your net-worth.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Thursday we would hit Key Biscayne for a bike ride/jog and order an acai bowl after. Thursday night we would end up at LIV on for Latin Nights. Friday drive down to the Keys. Catch a vibe all day.
Saturday – Hotel One vibes than hit Wynwood and El Otro Tiesto
Sunday – Vous Church, Beach Vibe and Beeker and Gray.
.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Want to shoutout the man upstairs GOD for always being there for me. Shout to my Mother. Maria Gonzalez is my motivation Due to all her sacrifices I am living the American Dream. I am a product of an immigrant. Shoutout to everyone who supports me and has been following my journey professionally and personally. Last but not least, to everyone who believed in me and gave me an opportunity to grow. Thank you Danays Vichot for giving me my first music industry job. I’m forever grateful.

Website: www.ajelkallejero.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajelkallejero/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajelkallejeroramos/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ajelkallejero

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AJElKallejeroRamos/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoZOEyBIpHWjwrsT0lcEGWA