Podcast Summary: Chente Ydrach — "EL PAPÁ DE LOS INFLUENCERS DE PR" — JAY PAGAN
Date: September 29, 2025
Host: Chente Ydrach
Guest: Jay Pagán
Location: Gallimbo Studios
Overview of the Episode
This episode of "Masacote" features a laid-back yet deep interview between comedian Chente Ydrach and his guest Jay Pagán, a pioneer in the Puerto Rican influencer scene. The conversation dives into Jay’s trajectory from Vine stardom, his time with international influencer collectives, contractual traps, rebuilding after professional setbacks, and reflections on the industry’s evolution. The episode also veers into commentary on influencer culture, the challenges of sustaining internet fame, and humorous jabs at fellow creators. The tone is humorous, candid, and often reflective, offering both insider perspective and practical advice for up-and-coming creators and musicians in Puerto Rico.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Vine Era and Early Internet Fame
[00:00 - 07:00]
- Chente’s introduction reminisces about Puerto Rico’s Vine heyday and namechecks notable alumni (Logan Paul, Eladio Carrión, Daniel el Travieso, and of course, Jay Pagán).
- Jay shares his origins: Growing up in Corozal, moving to the city, and discovering Vine as a creative escape while feeling isolated.
- “Yo me mudé para la metro...no quería salir mucho...y descubrí Vine.” – Jay [03:45]
- Vine’s tight-knit local scene: Only about 7 active Puerto Rican creators at the time.
- Transition to Facebook and the realization that monetization opportunities were lost due to starting late.
- “Lo moneticé muy tarde. Hoy te OK papi, yo perdí.” – Jay [06:36]
2. The Pitfalls of Contracts and Networks
[07:01 - 16:30]
- Chente and Jay warn creators about predatory networks and contracts, discussing how these entities lure young talent with promises but often take control of content and revenue.
- “Eso es cabrón, una víbora que te va a chupar la sangre y no te va a dar nada…” – Chente [09:04]
- Jay’s experience: Signed a music/creator contract that essentially placed his career on hold—stripping him of autonomy, earnings, and even content rights.
- “No podía subir vídeos, no podía colaborar…básicamente no puedes hacer nada.” – Jay [17:02]
- “Mi contrato fue música, compositor, influencer.” – Jay [10:27]
- Discussion of industry-wide issues: Even established artists get stuck in bad deals.
- “Todo el mundo se está quejando de los contratos.” – Jay [14:01]
- Legal advice: Not any lawyer will suffice—creators need attorneys specialized in entertainment/music.
3. Cultural Dynamics: Influencers & Recognition
[21:03 - 23:37]
- Stigma against influencers: Jay recalls feeling dismissed by musicians/industry gatekeepers in early days.
- “Los artistas no querían coro con nosotros...Ahora los influencers comandan la promoción.” – Jay [21:21]
- Changing times: Now influencers have sponsorship power, and even major artists start their own podcasts and digital content platforms (Jay Wheeler, Arcángel, Nicky Jam).
- Bad Bunny’s Impact: Jay credits Bad Bunny with shifting attitudes among artists towards being more approachable and present on social media.
- “Creo que al él ser el número uno, él les dio esa actitud y los demás…se han ido dejando llevar conejo…” – Jay [23:05]
4. Commentary on Gallo The Producer
[23:45 - 34:39]
- The crew dissects the evolving persona of Gallo The Producer, noting his shift from outrageous, brash promos to a more sanitized, commercial tone.
- “Eso no es Gallo. Ese mamao Jonathan Rosario…” – Chente [27:41]
- Gallo calls in live to clarify: He’s toning down his style for commercial/career reasons and hints at shifting from character-creator to entrepreneur/promoter post-boxing career:
- “Gallo de Producer se va a convertir en un empresario, productor de eventos, promotor…” – Gallo [31:36]
- Memorable on-air moment: Chente forces Gallo to cut loose and revert to his old self to sell tickets in his signature irreverent style, resulting in laughter all around.
- “Te quiero que vendas la obra esa diciendo mera chorreo mierda de cabrones…” – Chente [32:59]
- “Ojalá y que cuando te estés comiendo el pavo se te atragante la garganta y te quedes ahí también, por mamón que eres.” – Gallo [33:19]
5. Jay Pagán’s International Journey and Setbacks
[37:37 - 62:30]
- Joining Dosogas: Jay exhaustively recounts how he linked up with the Uruguayan/Mexican viral team Dosogas, moving to Mexico at 17, performing in shows across Latin America, reaching tens of millions of views, and being a pioneer as a Puerto Rican in that scene.
- Big venues: Performed in massive events like Luna Park (Argentina), Pepsi Center (Mexico), and received Nickelodeon award nominations.
- “…14,000 personas. Explotado completo.” – Jay [50:07]
- Personal/professional costs: In pursuit of authenticity and loyalty, Jay admits he left comfort/financial security abroad to return and take chances in Puerto Rico, sometimes at great professional expense.
- “Por estar acá con mi corillo Supernova...me fui para PR para clavarme literal.” – Jay [66:56]
- Lost opportunities and reflection: Jay shares regret over missing opportunities—especially after contract lockup caused him to disappear from the scene for nearly 6 years, losing his YouTube channel, momentum, and rightful earnings.
- “Pasando a la marcha de mal, completamente mal…ningún fui donde tres, cuatro abogados diferentes.” – Jay [59:27]
- “Seis años donde pichaban también…Se te va la vida cabrón.” – Jay [60:15]
- Motivational undertone: The discussion draws parallels with the book “¿Quién se ha llevado mi queso?” about recognizing when to move on for new opportunities.
- “¿Nos quedamos aquí esperando a que llegue el queso o nos vamos a explorar por ahí…?” – Chente [63:01]
6. Advice for Creators & What’s Next
[70:05 - End]
- Jay’s coming chapter: Working on new music, embracing his talents as a composer, and overcoming personal and “spiritual” obstacles to success.
- “Por alguna razón hay algo pasando…yo creo que el diablo ha jugado papi, una parte fundamental…” – Jay [70:06]
- Reflections for young artists: Don’t let pride or narrow focus blind you to collaborations and opportunities in adjacent fields; stay humble no matter how much you blow up.
- “Hay un 90…95% de cosas de las que tu mente predispone que va a suceder no pasan.” – Jay [74:48]
- Thanks & closure: Jay thanks Chente and the Gallimbo crew; Chente shouts out Jay’s new social channels.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
On Networks & Contracts
- “...una víbora que te va a chupar la sangre y no te va a dar nada, pero un chamaquito ve y dice diablo...” – Chente [09:04]
On Artist Development & Legal Advice
- “El plan de tu carrera como tal…es una vida…están jugando con los sueños de la gente, literal.” – Jay [12:13]
- “No es solo que tengas, tiene que ser un abogado de la industria de la música…” – Co-host [14:26]
On Feeling Stuck
- “Yo filmé un mayo y papi, en agosto…dije, muchacho, yo lo que estoy es mera.” – Jay [16:36]
- “Seis años donde pichaban también…Se te va la vida cabrón.” – Jay [60:15]
Jay on Missed Opportunities
- “Si en esa edad yo hubiese tenido esa mentalidad de aprovechar todo eso, brother, papi hubiese coronado…” – Jay [73:28]
- “Hay cosas que papi, eso ni existe, hay cosas, hay un libro que dice que el 95% de cosas de las que tu mente predispone que va a suceder no pasan.” – Jay [74:48]
Chente on Media Savvy in Politics
- “Los medios cada día son más importantes. Trump está donde está porque es un tipo que sabe comandar los medios.” – Chente [35:09]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- [00:00] Introduction, Vine’s impact, Jay's early exposure
- [07:01] Warning about contracts/networks
- [10:23] Jay signs restrictive music+influencer contract
- [17:02] Realization of being locked in, contract repercussions
- [21:03] Changing dynamic: Influencer vs. artist status in PR
- [23:45] Gallo The Producer segment and live call
- [37:37] Dosogas, international career, joining major Latin teams
- [50:07] Luna Park & Nickelodeon, first Puerto Rican influencer at major international events
- [59:27] Six years lost in contract limbo
- [63:01] "¿Quién se ha llevado mi queso?" metaphor, moving on in life
- [70:06] Jay’s plans, mindset shifts, advice for creators
- [75:09] Jay’s social media shoutout and closing thanks
Overall Tone
The episode balances humor, anecdote, nostalgia, and honest critique. Jay’s humility and openness about mistakes and missed chances serve as a cautionary yet hopeful tale, while Chente’s irreverence and sharp commentary keep the conversation lively and relatable.
Next Steps:
- For aspiring creators: Protect your rights, read the fine print, consult industry-specific lawyers, and be adaptable.
- For fans: Follow Jay Pagan’s new chapter and support Puerto Rican talent reclaiming their space in the digital world.
- For all: “No le tengan miedo a buscar su propio queso — y no se queden esperando.”