Bio
MangoThaMusicArtist, born Ricky “Mango” Manglona, is an independent rapper, singer, songwriter, and creative with California roots and a home base in Washington State. A U.S. military veteran with more than two decades of service, Mango brings a lifetime of experiences, international travel, and cultural influences into his music. His career includes collaborations with Baby Bash, M-Status, and artists and producers from around the world, while his award-winning visual work demonstrates his passion for storytelling beyond music. Blending hip-hop, R&B, West Coast influences, and global sounds, MangoThaMusicArtist is focused on creating authentic music without boundaries.

 

Where are you based?
I’m currently based in Washington State, but my roots are in California. I was born in Vallejo and spent much of my younger years in Fresno before eventually moving to Washington. I consider myself a West Coast artist with a global mindset because traveling and collaborating internationally have become such important parts of my music and creativity.

How long have you been making music?
I’ve been making music for more than 20 years. I started recording around 2005 with my longtime friend, artist, and producer M-Status. Life and my military career took me in different directions over the years, but music never left me. In 2021, I really began a new chapter as MangoThaMusicArtist with the release of “Real One” featuring Baby Bash and M-Status, and I’ve continued building from there.

What genre would you consider your music to be?
Hip-hop and R&B are probably the foundation of my music, with a strong West Coast influence, but I don’t like putting myself into one box. I’ve experimented with Latin-inspired music, melodic records, international sounds, and different styles of hip-hop. I want MangoThaMusicArtist to be an artist where you don’t automatically know what the next record is going to sound like. If I connect with the music and it feels authentic, I’m willing to explore it.

What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
Music has always been an escape for me. I started writing creatively when I was young, from fiction to poetry, and eventually that creativity found its way into songwriting and recording. Music has been there through some of the happiest and darkest periods of my life. After more than two decades of military service, a deployment to Iraq, relationships, fatherhood, travel, entrepreneurship, and everything else I’ve experienced, I have a lot of stories to tell. At this stage of my life, pursuing music isn’t about trying to fit someone else’s definition of what an artist should be. It’s about creating something meaningful, enjoying the process, connecting with people, and leaving behind a body of work that represents who I was.

What are your biggest musical influences?
Growing up in California, West Coast hip-hop had a major influence on me. Tupac is one of the artists I really respect because he wasn’t afraid to show different sides of himself through his music. As I’ve gotten older, my influences have expanded beyond individual artists. Traveling, experiencing different cultures, and collaborating with musicians around the world have all influenced the way I approach music today.

Are you signed to a label or are you an independent artist?
I’m an independent artist, and I’m proud of that. Being independent means wearing a lot of hats, but it also gives me creative freedom. I’m involved in songwriting, music production, video concepts, directing, videography, graphics, marketing, and the overall direction of MangoThaMusicArtist.

What have been the biggest challenges in your music career?
My biggest challenge has always been balancing music with real life. I’ve served in the U.S. military for more than 20 years, including a deployment to Iraq, while also balancing family, business, travel, and other responsibilities. There have been times when music simply couldn’t be the first priority. Being independent is another challenge because you’re responsible for so much more than recording songs. You’re essentially running a small business while trying to remain creative. I’ve learned to overcome those challenges through resilience and adaptability. My military experience taught me that conditions are rarely going to be perfect. Sometimes you have to use what you have, adjust the plan, and keep moving forward.

How many songs or albums have you released to date?
To date, I’ve released more than 25 songs across singles and EP projects as MangoThaMusicArtist. My catalog has continued growing since I returned to releasing music consistently in 2021, and it includes hip-hop, R&B, Latin-influenced records, melodic music, and collaborations with artists and producers from different parts of the world. For me, the catalog is really a reflection of my evolution and my willingness to keep experimenting.

Can you tell us a few things about your latest release?
My latest release is “Real One,” featuring M-Status and Baby Bash, and it represents a major moment in my journey as MangoThaMusicArtist. This record is special to me because it brings together longtime creative chemistry with M-Status, who I’ve been working with since the early days of my music, and a legendary voice like Baby Bash, who helped bring a smooth, West Coast vibe and timeless energy to the track. “Real One” is about loyalty, authenticity, and recognizing the people who stay solid through different phases of life. It reflects real experiences—friendship, trust, growth, and the importance of keeping genuine people around you in an industry that can often feel fake or temporary. Having M-Status on the record made it feel like a full-circle moment because of our history together in the studio, and Baby Bash added a level of artistry and recognition that elevated the song to another level. The collaboration represents unity across different eras of West Coast music while still pushing my sound forward as MangoThaMusicArtist. I wanted the record to feel honest and relatable because everyone understands what it means to find a “real one” in life—someone who stays consistent, supportive, and true no matter what changes around them.

Any plans for new music or upcoming projects we should know about?
Absolutely. There’s always something being created. I’m continuing to work on new music, visuals, and international collaborations while experimenting with different genres and sounds. One of my goals is to keep expanding MangoThaMusicArtist globally by collaborating with artists and producers from different countries and cultures. I’m also putting more energy into filmmaking and the visual side of my music. Having my “Been Thru It All” music video receive a Chinook Award at the 2024 American Advertising Awards motivated me to push that part of my creativity even further. The next chapter is really about evolution. I don’t want people to know exactly what they’re going to get from the next MangoThaMusicArtist release. I want to keep surprising listeners, taking creative risks, and building a catalog that represents all the different chapters of my life.

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