Conejo (Rapper)

Jose Martin (born September 9, 1974), better known by his stage name Conejo (Spanish for “rabbit”), is a Mexican-American recording artist from West Los Angeles, California. Conejo has released multiple albums, including City of Angels (1999) and Devil Playground (2006). He is also a member of Tattoo Ink, a Chicano rap group consisting of Venom and Bugsy, who are brothers of Conejo.

Conejo gained wider recognition after releasing Fallen Angel, accompanied by the song “Let’s Ride,” which was featured on The Shield, a television series produced by FX that was loosely based on the Los Angeles Police Department’s Rampart scandal. Conejo is the founder and CEO of Felony Case Records. In 2012, Chicano rapper Serio released the song “Don’t Hate Me Cause I’m Mexican,” featuring Proper Dos and Conejo.

The song focuses on racial profiling and the criticism faced by Latinos living in the United States. It specifically addresses Arizona Senate Bill 1070, legislation passed in 2010 that targeted undocumented immigrants and required individuals to carry proof of legal residency at all times.

West Side Harpys

Conejo, known on the streets as G-Rabbit or G-Rabbs, grew up on the West Side of Los Angeles in an area claimed by the Harpys Gang, a Latino street gang with documented criminal ties to the Mexican Mafia. His fascination with street life led to his affiliation with the West Side Harpys (25th Street). G-Rabbit has openly referenced his gang ties in numerous songs, including “It All Comes Back,” “My Block,” and “West Side Harpys.”

Industry Feuds

Conejo is also known for feuds with other Latino rappers in the Chicano music industry, particularly artists associated with Hi Power Entertainment, a record label founded by Capone-E. These artists included Torpedos, Miss Lady Pink, and Mr. Criminal, who were targeted in Conejo’s diss track “Hi-Coward,” featured on his Anti-Christ Mixtape.

In 2013, Conejo began feuding with Big Lokote, a Chicano rapper with alleged ties to Cuatro Flats, a street gang based in East Los Angeles. The dispute reportedly began after Conejo made subliminal references that Big Lokote interpreted as personal attacks. The two rappers exchanged insults through several diss songs.

In the song “Shallow Lames,” Big Lokote accused Conejo of lacking street credibility and alleged that he was a police informant and a heroin addict. In response, Conejo addressed the accusations in “Cause It’s Real,” challenging Big Lokote to provide legal documentation supporting his claims within 14 days.

Murder Case and Arrest

In 2001, Conejo and Edger Luna (also known as “Looney”), both identified as members of the West Side Harpys, became two of Los Angeles’ most wanted individuals following the murder of 25-year-old Mario Gutierrez. On October 31, 2001, Gutierrez was attending a house party in West Los Angeles when a physical altercation broke out between the party’s DJ and a group of individuals affiliated with the Harpys.

Gutierrez attempted to intervene by firing a gun into the air in an effort to stop the assault. The group allegedly disarmed him, dragged him outside to the sidewalk, and shot him multiple times, resulting in his death. Jose Martin and Edger Luna were identified as suspects, and arrest warrants were issued.

On February 26, 2002, Conejo attended a rap concert at the Galaxy Concert Theatre promoting peace within the Latino community. The event also featured O.T.W. (Out The Wood), a Chicano rap group consisting of Steve “Cartoon” Rivera and Lucky, who were known members of Inglewood Trece, a Latino street gang based in Inglewood, California. Shortly after the event, Rivera was shot and killed in the theater’s lobby.

Following a review of surveillance footage, Conejo was identified in the audience by Santa Ana detectives and was named a person of interest. The all-ages hip-hop concert served as an album-release event for The Ollion Project, a compilation featuring various Chicano rap artists, including Conejo and O.T.W. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) later described Conejo as a Mexican gangster whose reputation preceded his lyrics.

On November 30, 2016, Conejo was arrested in Mexico by agents of the State Preventive Police (PEP) in coordination with the National Institute of Migration (INM). He was subsequently extradited to California to face fugitive charges, including suspicion of murder.

Post-Charges Career and Recent Projects

After spending approximately two years in custody while fighting murder charges related to a 2001 case, Jose Martin (Conejo) was released in 2018 after all charges were dismissed. Following his release, Conejo resumed his music career and expanded into acting and other media ventures.

Music

Since 2018, Conejo has remained highly active as a recording artist, releasing multiple projects and continuing to build an extensive discography. His post-release work includes albums such as Agenda 32 and subsequent releases distributed through independent and major-label channels. He has continued to perform live, including recurring concert events in Southern California, which helped re-establish his presence in the West Coast underground rap scene.

Film and Television

Conejo transitioned into acting following his release. He appeared in the 2020 feature film The Tax Collector, directed by David Ayer, alongside Shia LaBeouf and George Lopez. The role marked his first major appearance in a studio film. He later appeared in the FOX television series Deputy, where he also contributed creatively behind the scenes.

Media and Entrepreneurship

In addition to music and acting, Conejo launched several independent ventures. He operates his own music platform and creative brand, The Sinister Kingdom, and introduced a clothing line known as Bonarue. He also hosts the podcast Inside a Sinister Mind, where he discusses his personal history, time as a fugitive, and experiences within music and street culture.

Conejo has appeared on multiple podcasts and interview platforms since his release, discussing his legal case, career resurgence, and personal transformation. His post-charges period represents a shift toward sustained creative output across music, film, and independent media.

Film

• The Tax Collector (2020) – Appeared in the crime drama directed by David Ayer.

Television

• The Shield – Song “Let’s Ride” was featured in the series.

• Deputy – Appeared in the series and has stated in interviews that he contributed creatively.

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Studio Albums & Mixtapes (Solo)

Links

• Official Twitter Page
• Conejo Planet

News

• Rapper Conejo’s Arrest Stuns The Latin Hip Hop Community