Few artists can claim the kind of layered career that Jose “Conejo” Martin has built for himself. Known first as a rapper who painted gritty portraits of Los Angeles street life, Conejo has also carved out a reputation as a respected actor on the big screen. Now, he’s expanding his artistry once again, this time by diving headfirst into the world of rock with his brand-new album, Sygil.
Conejo’s roots in hip-hop run deep. For decades, he has represented Los Angeles and Mexican communities with unfiltered lyrics that resonated with audiences often overlooked in mainstream music. While many have associated his work with the “Chicano rap” label, Conejo has consistently pushed back on that identity. He’s said it clearly: “Soy mexicano, not chicano.” Deeply rooted in Jalisco, Mexico, Conejo makes music that reflects his heritage without compromise. For him, “Chicano Rap is dead, but real music lives forever.” With Sygil, Conejo isn’t abandoning rap; he’s reimagining himself. The album blends heavy guitar riffs, raw vocals, and Conejo’s signature lyrical grit, creating a sound that feels both experimental and deeply personal.
Outside the recording booth, Conejo has made a powerful impact as an actor. Many fans were introduced to him through his breakout role in David Ayer’s The Tax Collector, where his intensity and authenticity commanded the screen. That collaboration has now come full circle, as Conejo recently filmed another project in England with Ayer, titled A Working Man. His growing filmography shows that his move into acting hasn’t been a detour from music, but an extension of his storytelling craft, a way to bring the same energy he delivers in his verses to film roles seen around the world.
What sets Sygil apart is Conejo’s refusal to play it safe. The project takes risks, weaving influences from punk, classic rock, and alternative metal. At the same time, his lyrics remain rooted in the realities that shaped him, stories of survival, identity, and transformation. To bring the album to life, Conejo has been performing alongside a live band, creating an electrifying new concert experience for his fans. He has already taken this energy across borders, touring Europe and South America, where crowds have embraced his bold reinvention. These performances highlight that Sygil is not just a studio project but a fully realized stage production.
Sygil is not just about exploring a new genre; it’s about continuing Conejo’s legacy of reinvention. As an artist who has already proven himself in rap and acting, this project shows that his creativity has no ceiling. He’s not afraid to disrupt expectations or push his craft into uncharted territory. His rejection of labels, his embrace of Mexican roots, and his declaration that “Chicano Rap is dead” all show that Conejo isn’t chasing trends; he’s setting his own standard for authenticity.
With Sygil now added to his resume, Conejo stands as a rare multi-hyphenate artist: rapper, actor, and now rock frontman. His career reminds us that art thrives when boundaries are crossed and risks are taken. Whether on stage with his band or on screen in international films, Jose “Conejo” Martin continues to prove that he is more than a product of his environment; he is a creator who shapes culture itself.
