Joshua “Jack9” Ramirez Interview: Director of 3,000+ Latin Music Videos
Joshua “Jack9” Ramirez doesn’t describe his career as planned. He calls it an “accidental blessing.”
After being laid off from Wells Fargo in 2009, what could have been a setback became the turning point that launched one of the most prolific music video directing careers in Latin music. Armed with nothing but a camera, YouTube tutorials, and friends who refused to let him quit, Jack9 shot his first music video, a project he openly admits wasn’t great. But within weeks, the phone started ringing. He was hooked.
Born in the Bronx during the boom bap era of hip-hop, transitioning from rapper to producer to visual storyteller, and eventually dominating the Latin market after relocating to Orlando, Jack9 built his career not on luck but on relentless learning, strong relationships, and what he calls “the power of no.”
Today, with over 3,000 music videos directed, Billboard-charting work, RIAA acknowledgments, a Telly Award, and a Latin Grammy nomination, he remains focused on one thing above all: impact.
LaMezcla sat down with the visionary behind Secret Art Studios to talk about faith, freedom, collaboration, trends, mentorship, and why he refuses to compromise his standards.
Q1: You’ve described your career as an “accidental blessing.” Can you take us back to how it all began?
Joshua “Jack9” Ramirez:
I am what you would call an “accidental blessing.” I was let go in 2009 from my job at Wells Fargo, which—honestly, in a weird way—was the best thing that ever happened to me.
Around October 2009, an artist named Fvthr (pronounced Further) asked me to do a music video. Him, Carlos Palacios, Ruben Santos, and Rico Ferrer basically forced my hand to shoot a video using a camera I had lying around the house. With no training at all, we shot a pretty horrible video. I went on YouTube to learn how to edit a music video. After two weeks of editing, we put it up, and people started calling. It was instant. I was hooked from the very beginning. I’m still grateful that I had friends who pushed me to go for it.
Q2: You come from the Boom Bap era of Hip Hop. How did your early background in music shape your directing style?
Jack9:
I’m from the Boom Bap era of Hip Hop. I was a rapper first, living in the Bronx. Then I became a producer in Pennsylvania and eventually transitioned into video years later. Because I understand music as a whole—not just from a camera perspective—it gave me an edge in connecting with artists.
Moving to Orlando is where my career really took off in the Latin market. People often ask who I’ve worked with. My answer is always: it’s easier to say who I haven’t worked with because that list is much shorter. Not coming from the Latin world also gives me an edge to bring a different sazón to artists.
Q3: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced early in your journey?
Jack9:
I honestly never look at anything as a challenge. That’s not me bragging. I just feel that if it’s teachable, I’m going to learn it. My journey is simple: never stop learning.
Q4: With so much experience, how do you choose the projects you take on today?
Jack9:
I worked toward something powerful: the power of no. If I don’t like the song or feel the artist’s vibe, I won’t do it. I’m not for sale. You want to impress me? Make a dope record and market it the right way.
Q5: You’ve received major accolades throughout your career. What recognition means the most to you?
Jack9:
The only accolade I’m chasing is inspiring others and showing them the real industry. What matters to me is doing good business, traveling the world, and showing my children that they can do this too.
Q6: You’ve expanded beyond directing into producing and entrepreneurship. How did that evolution happen?
Jack9:
I’ve been able to branch into other things because of relationships I’ve built over the years. I go straight to the source. Like the streets say—I’m the plug.
Q7: Tell us about Secret Art Studios. What inspired you to build it?
Jack9:
Secret Art Studios was born after a failed partnership in Orlando. In 2020, we found an empty warehouse five minutes from home, signed the lease the next day, and shot our first video a month later with Jay Wheeler. The space is special because of the family energy—we want artists to feel at home.
Q8: What does creative collaboration mean to you?
Jack9:
Collaboration requires trust, respect, honesty, and the courage to speak up. Most importantly, have an amazing time doing it.
Q9: You’ve seen every trend in the industry. What stands out to you about today’s visual landscape?
Jack9:
I’ve seen every trend—from the ’90s hip-hop era to today’s AI wave. I believe in evolving while keeping honest emotion in the work. In 2026, that balance shows in my project with De La Ghetto and Arcángel.
Q10: How would you describe your visual signature?
Jack9:
My visual signature is deep shadows and contrast, but I’m always willing to step outside my comfort zone. If we’re not laughing, we’re not working.
Q11: What’s been one of the most memorable or challenging shoots in your career?
Jack9:
The worst shoots are when artists show up late. One of the wildest experiences was the Wow Remix for Flow La Movie, with surprise appearances and constant additions. I loved Flow deeply—his loss was devastating.
Q12: What new creative spaces are exciting you right now?
Jack9:
I’ve fallen in love with documentary filmmaking. It’s freeing—just a camera, a story, and honesty.
Q13: You’re known for mentoring creatives. Why is that important to you?
Jack9:
I love influencing the younger generation. I’m not a gatekeeper—I’ll hand over the key. The more seeds you plant, the more you harvest.
Q14: What advice would you give aspiring directors and creatives?
Jack9:
Don’t take advice from people who haven’t worked in this industry. Keep young people around you to stay connected and OGs around you to stay grounded.
Q15: What does the next chapter look like for Joshua “Jack9” Ramirez?
Jack9:
Two words: God’s will.
For Joshua “Jack9” Ramirez, success isn’t measured in plaques or nominations it’s measured in influence.
He speaks openly about inspiring the next generation, refusing to gatekeep, and building spaces where artists feel at home. Secret Art Studios wasn’t just a business decision it was born from resilience after a failed partnership and built on family energy, trust, and creative freedom.
From the boom bap era to the AI wave, Jack9 has seen every trend. Yet his philosophy remains simple: evolve, stay honest, keep learning.
When asked what the next decade represents for him, he answers with just two words:
“God’s will.”
And if his journey so far is any indication, that will includes continued innovation, mentorship, and shaping the visual language of Latin music for years to come.
