L.A.’s upcoming Corrido and Reggaeton artist, Ivan Gallegos

Being a first-generation Latino student, Ivan Gallegos studies at Marshall’s School of Business at the University of Southern California but Gallegos’s true passion leads him to the field of music.

Under his artist name, IDG, Gallegos is a singer, songwriter, producer, and composer. His music derives from his upbringing and experiences. Born and raised in East Los Angeles, California, he tells of his experience in his single, “LA ZONA,” representing a point where he is ready to go for it and flourish.

Throughout his childhood, Ivan navigated the realities of both his parents’ involvement in gang activities, leading to their intermittent incarceration. Despite growing up in an environment saturated with drugs, gangs, and prostitution, he focused on music and sharpened his skills to become a multifaceted instrument and vocalist.

IDG embarked on a musical journey at nine years old, showcasing his talents. He mastered multiple instruments, including the guitar, vihuela, bass, piano/keys and tenor saxophone. He later secured a role at USC’s student-run record label “840 West Creative” as an A&R intern. Gallegos also joined the Mariachi Los Troyanos at USC, where he continues to contribute to the Mariachi community. He began performing in venues like USC’s Songfest, a student-run philanthropic organization and evenperformed for the Black Eyed Peas.

As he began his musical journey, he made a name for himself in the community. A prime example is the non-profit Project Dream (If I Don’t, Who Will) that he founded, which provides guidance and resources to marginalized communities impacted by gang violence, substance abuse and poverty.

The non-profit is more significant than the provisions; it is about showing love to the community, instilling the youth a sense of purpose, fostering talents, equipping them with the tools and guidance, to empower the next generation to become future leaders. From this non-profit his devotion to his community strengthened, prompting him to venture outside the state.

After a trip to Cuba, Gallegos started “Herencia Los Angeles,” with the goal to foster a vibrant and inclusive community.

Besides giving back to his community, Gallegos is now experimenting with genres like EDM and corridos/reggaeton fusion. He hopes to expand his producing approach into other genres and create an impact on the famous music scene.

Moreover, he envisions blending Latin Drill, infusing reggaeton drums, corrido melodies and Caribbean percussion into Drill music with trap lyrics. Emphasizing the unique role of 808 basses in Drill, IDG combines this characteristic with Latin music elements, creating a distinctive sound. Additionally, Ivan aims to blend Brazilian funk with reggaeton, incorporating a mix of Spanish and Portuguese languages into his musical gallery.

With the release of his single “LA ZONA,” featuring Albertyni, he hopes that listeners and community will connect with his music and feel connected to the Latine roots that shaped and inspired his music creation.