Honduran Rapper and FIU Student Pursues a Dream in Music

Oscar Romero, known by his stage name Remnant, is a rapper and musician from Honduras and Miami and a communications student at FIU. Photo provided by Remnant.

Guido Gonzalez/Staff Writer

There are people whose talents are broad to the point they simply call themselves “artists.” Oscar Romero, known by his stage name Remnant, is one of those people.

The FIU communications major is working towards building a name for himself as a musician, a rapper and, above all else, an artist.

Born in Honduras, Remnant came to the United States with his mother in 1998 when he was only a few months old. He grew up and continues to live in Miami.

Remnant was raised by his mother, moving from place to place.

“My mom, being a single mother, struggled at first to provide and make ends meet,” Remnant said. “We did have a family of friends who were always helping us.”

At a young age, Remnant took an interest in music, specifically hip-hop, reggaeton and whatever else was popular at the time.

Photo provided by Remnant.

“There’s even footage of myself being very young and reciting these songs word-for-word,” said Remnant. “Thankfully, at a very young age, I was able to channel my feelings through music, whether I was writing or listening to other music.”

Before diving deeper into music, Remnant first took up writing poetry.

“I didn’t really take music seriously until most of grade school,” said Remnant. “Rather, I would write and started off with poetry instead. It was there that I picked up the love for words and English.”

After high school, Remnant decided to pursue his dream in music, leaning towards hip-hop. He then adopted the aforementioned pseudonym for his performances: Remnant.

“I learned that word as a teen and fell in love with its meaning,” the artist said. “It means the last of a dying breed.”

Soon after, he went to a music store and bought equipment to help get himself started.

“I bought a microphone and an interface. I already had a computer so I downloaded their software and I started practicing little by little,” he said. 

Remnant does enlist the help of friends to collaborate and find the perfect beats and rhythm to accompany his lyrics.

“I have friends and other people I collaborate with,” said Remnant. “I’ve tried and attempted to make my own beats, but it’s not my forte. But whenever I’m with a friend who makes the beat, who produces and engineers, I’m there to provide feedback.”

Remnant has been dropping his completed songs into several platforms, starting off with Soundcloud four years ago. His songs are also available on YouTube, Apple Music and Spotify.

“It’s such a euphoric feeling!” he said. “It motivates me to make more.”

While crafting his music, Remnant actively avoids using basic and overused characteristics he finds in many mainstream songs, while also following three basic but effective principles in creating new and original content.

“I avoid listening to other people’s music because I want fresh inspiration,” Remnant said. “When I make my music, I focus on cadence, content and connection.”

The creative process is not without its obstacles, as anyone in the expansive field of art often faces.

“The most difficult part is facing writer’s block and delivering what I plan in my head,” said Remnant. “Ideas may seem good sometimes but not all turn out great.”

Despite the occasional hiccups, Remnant always strives to create something original and meaningful, while gaining inspiration from others.

Two of his biggest inspirations are famed rap artists J. Cole and Russel “Russ” Vitale, but for different reasons for each of them.

“J Cole’s style and content is a big influence on my work, and Russ’s work ethic is what inspires me the most,” Remnant said.

Remnant believes that with great talent, there must also be a sense of business to accompany that in order to be truly successful. Which is why he is majoring in communications to ensure a secure financial background for himself. 

“My plans are to finish school and pursue the dream of music, as well as other business ventures until it comes true,” Remnant said.

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