Meet Messiah El Artista: Dominican Hip Hop Artist Talks New Single, 2016 Projects And More [EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]

Messiah El Artista comes from a musical dynasty, where his father, grandfather and uncles are all artists and musicians. Born Benito Emmanuel, Messiah moved from his native Dominican Republic to Harlem in New York City at the young age of 2. It was in New York that he discovered his love for music and more so, his passion for hip hop.

Today, the aspiring Dominican artist is making the rounds with mix tapes, hit singles such as "Tu Protagonista" and sold-out shows. He's all the rage in Latin America, having a strong fan base in countries such as Costa Rica, Colombia, Chile, Peru and more. Needless to say, he's a renowned Spanish-speaking rapper in Dominican Republic and The Big Apple.

With hopes to keep invading the music biz in 2016, Messiah is ready with new music, future projects and the debut of his first-ever full-length studio album. Check out everything the hip hop artist told us in our exclusive interview below.

LATIN TIMES: Congrats for closing out 2015 with your first unplugged concert in New York's Stage 48! Did you ever think it would be a sold out show?

MESSIAH EL ARTISTA: I won't lie, I did have a little bit of doubt in the back of my mind. Even though all of my shows in the past six months have been sold out, this was a big event. I knew the numbers were going to be good, but to be sold out at capacity and people did not even get in, that was insane! It was the third time I performed at Stage 48, including a show with Yandel, but to make those numbers all by myself was something incredible for me.

LT: Wow, that's huge! Speaking of concerts, what would you say is your dream gig?

MEA: I'm from New York, I was raised here all my life, and not once did I go to Madison Square Garden. The first time I went, I was opening up a show. Last year I performed four times and even shared stage with many artists, such as Plan B. If we keep working hard and moving forward, ideally it would be to perform at MSG again in 2016. You never know. Sky is the limit.

LT: I see you're making the rounds with a new single, what can you tell me about "Ay!"

MEA: 'Ay!' is a phrase that I said once when I was in the studio. It went viral, girls went crazy and they even created the hashtag on social media. 'Ay!' is the new street single and club record that I'm promoting. It's Messiah's new wave right now.

LT: You have photos with the big dogs on Instagram. What is the best advice you've received from Daddy Yankee or Nicky Jam?

MEA: I'm actually doing something with Nicky Jam and Daddy Yankee also confirmed something. They were my favorite artists growing up, and to have them tell me that I'm a leader in something that I started, is awesome. Daddy Yankee told me that he's proud of me for starting a movement on my own. It's unbelievable.

LT: Starting a movement can be pretty tough, but what would you say is the most rewarding thing about the music industry?

MEA: Whatever you want to accomplish, just keep focusing and you'll do it. That's the biggest thing for me. I accomplished my goal, I'm doing something that I wanted to do. I wanted to create a movement. I give New Yorkers a voice, something they can relate to.

LT: I see you have some mix tapes out, when can we expect a full-length studio album?

MEA: I already finished half of the album, I need a couple of more songs, but definitely it will be ready in April or May. The album will be called 'Messiah El Artista' because I'm giving them who I am ---the first Spanish rapper who came out of New York.

LT: What New Year's resolutions do you have for 2016?

MEA: I'm ready for what's to come. I want to see what 2016 has for me! I'm ready to keep making music, ready to continue with my team and see what's next!

LT: Fair enough! To wrap things up, describe your music in three words for me.

MEA: Epic. Legendary. Endless. I want my music to be endless, I'm in this industry for the long run. I want people to remember me. Artists die, legends live forever.