Today we’d like to introduce you to Tigre Rector.
Hi Tigre, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey has been built on resilience, creativity, and learning how to create opportunities when the doors weren’t being opened for me.
I started as a DJ, passionate about music and creating spaces where people could connect through hip-hop, R&B, and culture. Along the way, I experienced the politics and colorism that can exist within the Austin hip-hop community. As a Black woman in an industry where certain rooms and opportunities can feel controlled by men, I’ve had to navigate being underestimated, overlooked, and sometimes treated differently simply because of the way I look or because I’m a woman.
Instead of allowing those experiences to stop me, I decided to build my own lane.
As a single mother of three, I’ve had to be intentional about my budget and resources. I couldn’t always afford to hire people to do everything for me, so I taught myself. I began learning how to produce, mix, and master tracks so I could have more creative control over my music and my business. What started as necessity became another part of my passion.
That journey also inspired me to create Solid Bella’s Productions—a space centered around creativity, independence, and creating opportunities for women and people who may not always get a fair chance in the industry. Everything I’m building is bigger than me. I’m doing this for the Solid Bellas and for my children, to show them that you can create your own table when you’re not invited to someone else’s.
I also created ATX Most Wanted, a platform designed to shine a light on local businesses, artists, musicians, DJs, and creatives in Austin. I want to help amplify the people who are actually building the culture in our city and give them a platform to be seen, heard, and supported.
I’m still learning and growing every day, but that’s what makes my story meaningful. I didn’t have everything figured out when I started. I simply refused to let being a Black woman, a single mother, or being underestimated in the music industry determine what I could become. I’m learning the business, learning the craft, creating my own opportunities, and building something that I hope will last far beyond me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it definitely has not been a smooth road. One of my biggest struggles has been navigating the politics and colorism within the Austin hip-hop community while trying to establish myself as a Black woman in an industry that can be heavily male-dominated. There have been times when I’ve felt overlooked, underestimated, or not taken seriously simply because of my appearance, gender, or because I didn’t have the same connections or resources as others.
Being a single mother of three has also shaped my journey. My budget has always been something I’ve had to consider, so I couldn’t always afford to pay someone else to produce, mix, or master my music. Instead, I taught myself those skills. I learned through trial and error, invested what I could, and kept improving.
I’ve also dealt with people—especially men—who made situations uncomfortable or complicated, and that pushed me even harder to become independent in my craft. I realized that if I wanted to have control over my music, my events, and my vision, I had to learn how to do more for myself.
Those struggles are a huge part of why I created Solid Bella’s Productions and ATX Most Wanted. I wanted to create something where local artists, businesses, DJs, and creatives could have a platform and feel supported. The road hasn’t been easy, but every obstacle has taught me something and made me more determined to build something meaningful—not just for myself, but for my children and the Solid Bellas coming behind me.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work is centered around music, entertainment, production, and creating opportunities for people in my community. I’m a DJ, producer, and entrepreneur, and I specialize in creating experiences through music while also helping artists, businesses, and creatives get the visibility they deserve.
As a DJ, I’m known for bringing energy, versatility, and personality to the room. I don’t just play music—I pay attention to the crowd and create an experience. I’ve also taught myself how to produce, mix, and master tracks, which has allowed me to become more hands-on and independent with my creativity.
One of the things I’m most proud of is creating Solid Bella’s Productions and ATX Most Wanted. ATX Most Wanted was created to highlight local businesses, musicians, DJs, artists, and creatives in Austin who deserve to be seen and heard. I want to help build a stronger community by connecting people, promoting local talent, and creating a platform where others can grow.
What sets me apart is that I’m not just building a career for myself—I’m building a legacy. As a single mother of three, I’ve had to learn how to make something out of limited resources. I’ve had to teach myself skills, navigate an industry where women can be underestimated, and continue pushing forward despite the obstacles.
I bring the perspective of a woman who has had to create her own opportunities. My goal is to use music and media to open doors for other people while continuing to grow as an artist, producer, and business owner. I’m proud that I didn’t wait for someone else to give me a seat at the table—I started building my own.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest advice to anyone starting out is to stop waiting for someone else to validate you or give you permission to begin. Start with what you have, learn as you go, and don’t be afraid to teach yourself.
I wish I had understood earlier that talent is only one part of the journey. You also have to learn the business, build relationships, protect your name and your work, and understand your worth. Not everyone who says they want to help you has good intentions, so learning how to recognize genuine opportunities and set boundaries is important.
I would also tell people not to let rejection, colorism, industry politics, or being underestimated convince them that they don’t belong. Sometimes being excluded from certain spaces is what pushes you to create your own.
Most importantly, be patient with yourself. I’m still learning how to produce, mix, master, DJ, build a platform, and run a business while being a mother. I’ve learned that you don’t have to have everything figured out before you start. You just have to be willing to keep learning and keep showing up.
Your beginning may not look like someone else’s, but that doesn’t make it less valuable. Build your own lane, protect your vision, and remember why you started.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @therealdjtigre
- LinkedIn: Tigre Rector
- Youtube: The real dj Tigre
- Soundcloud: The real Dj Tigre
