Rauw Alejandro has captivated the music world with his genre-bending sound and passionate performances, but it’s his deeply personal journey—from aspiring soccer player to global icon—and his highly public romance with fellow superstar Rosalía that truly define his evolving narrative. This comprehensive guide explores his innovative career, the intense fan speculation around his relationship, and how both aspects continue to shape one of Latin music’s most dynamic artists.
The world has watched as Raúl Alejandro Ocasio Ruiz, known professionally as Rauw Alejandro, transformed from an aspiring athlete into a global music sensation. His journey is a tapestry woven with eclectic sounds, chart-topping hits, and a high-profile romance that has captivated millions. For fans of Latin music, understanding Rauw Alejandro means delving into his roots, his sonic evolution, and the significant chapters of his life, especially his relationship with Rosalía.
The Roots of a “Motopapi”: From Puerto Rico to the World Stage
Before the stadiums and global charts, Rauw Alejandro dreamt of scoring goals, not hits. Growing up, he was a dedicated soccer player, even participating in a semi-professional league in the U.S. However, an injury prematurely ended his athletic ambitions, steering him towards a different kind of stage. With both parents being singers, music was a natural path. He began by exploring Spanish-language R&B, drawing inspiration from icons like Usher and Michael Jackson, creating “melody-driven songs.”
This early R&B foundation soon evolved. “I couldn’t not do reggaeton,” he told Rolling Stone, highlighting the genre’s deep roots in his culture. His transition into trap and reggaeton ignited a fervent response from fans, laying the groundwork for his eclectic sound. His 2020 debut studio album, Afrodisíaco, showcased this fusion, featuring collaborations with major stars like Rosalía, J Balvin, and Camilo. The album’s success led to a 2020 Latin Grammy nomination for Best New Artist, where he also shared the stage with reggaeton matriarch Ivy Queen, solidifying his rising status.
“Dile a Él” and the Whisper of Romance: Rauw Alejandro and Rosalía’s Journey
As Rauw Alejandro‘s career blossomed, so did whispers of a burgeoning romance with Spanish superstar Rosalía. Since March 2020, “eagle-eyed fans” meticulously pieced together clues from their social media, speculating about shared locations, matching clothes, and even the appearance of Rauw‘s car in Rosalía‘s photos. The intense fan curiosity was only amplified by their initial discretion, turning every subtle hint into headline-worthy speculation.
Their first official musical collaboration, “Dile a Él” (2020), further fueled the rumors, with Rosalía lending her distinctive vocals for the chorus. While Rauw acknowledged her contribution as a “great team” effort in his Rolling Stone profile, many fans sensed a deeper connection. For over a year, they managed to keep their personal lives largely “under wraps,” allowing the mystery of their relationship to grow and become a central talking point within their respective fan communities.
Public Love and “RR”: A Relationship Unveiled
The veil of secrecy finally lifted in September 2021 when Rosalía publicly confirmed their relationship with a viral TikTok video. This was swiftly followed by an Instagram post celebrating her 28th birthday, sharing intimate domestic moments with Rauw. He reciprocated with a heartfelt message, declaring, “Though the sun may set, with you, the day never ends. Happy birthday, baby.” Their public debut together on the red carpet came weeks later at the 40 Music Awards in Palma de Mallorca, where Rosalía presented Rauw with an award, and he affectionately thanked his “beautiful girlfriend,” his “muse.”
Their romance became a significant part of their public personas, with both artists sharing glimpses of their life together through social media posts of global travels and shared experiences. Professionally, their influences intertwined; Rosalía‘s unique vocalizations graced Rauw‘s tracks, and his writing credits appeared on her album Motomami. The culmination of their creative and romantic synergy arrived with the highly anticipated joint EP, RR, released on March 24, 2023.
The RR EP, a three-song collection, offered fans an intimate look into their bond:
- “Beso“: This track, previewed extensively on TikTok, featured their harmonious vocals over a deconstructed reggaeton beat. Its music video served as the official announcement of their engagement, ending with a tearful Rosalía showcasing an “asteroid-sized diamond ring” after Rauw‘s proposal.
- “Vampiros“: Leaning into Rauw‘s signature late-night club sound, reminiscent of his album Saturno, this song explored their mutual taste for “unexpected, left-of-center production,” showcasing their experimental teamwork.
- “Promesa“: A bolero-influenced track, a genre Rauw has explored before (e.g., “Aquel Nap Zzzzz”), with lyrics painting a pristine portrait of their love, offering fans a glimpse into their romantic adventures and promises for the future.
Beyond the Romance: Rauw’s Evolving Sound and Global Acclaim
While his relationship with Rosalía captured public attention, Rauw Alejandro continued to push musical boundaries. In June 2023, he collaborated with Argentine producer Bizarrap on “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 56.” The track, blending Latin house and dance-pop, garnered significant attention, notably for sampling Shakira‘s distinct breaths from her 2009 single “She Wolf.” The release was a global hit, charting in multiple countries including a peak position of 1 in Spain, according to Billboard.
This collaboration also teased another joint effort, “Baby Hello,” released just two days later. Rauw‘s versatility is a hallmark of his career, as he explained to Rolling Stone in February 2021, revealing plans for new tracks that mix “rock with hip-hop, drums n bass, electronic music, even music that’s a bit more classic because I’m a huge fan of boleros, thanks to my dad.” His recently released album, Cosa Nuestra: Capítulo 0, serves as a prequel, further exploring the sounds and influences introduced in his previous record, Cosa Nuestra, deepening the juxtaposition between his Puerto Rican roots and time in New York, as detailed by Elle.
Beyond his musical endeavors, Rauw Alejandro has gained recognition for his broader cultural impact. He received the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Award for Vision, celebrated for his creativity and global influence, and has also been named a Prada fragrance ambassador, solidifying his presence in the fashion world.
The Chapter Closes: Rauw Alejandro and Rosalía’s Enduring Legacy
Despite the public engagement and seemingly robust relationship, reports emerged in July 2023 from People magazine that Rauw Alejandro and Rosalía had ended their engagement. This news sent shockwaves through their fan bases, with some interpreting Rosalía‘s teary-eyed Instagram post shortly before the announcement as a “premonitory” sign of their breakup. The couple had even immortalized their affection with tattoos: Rosalía with “RR” on her foot and Rauw with “Rosalía” above his navel, serving as a permanent reminder of their shared history.
While their highly publicized romance may have concluded, the impact of Rauw Alejandro and Rosalía as a power couple in Latin music remains undeniable. Their joint projects, intertwined careers, and the openness with which they eventually shared their love created a unique narrative that resonated with millions. As both artists continue to chart their individual paths, their collective legacy as innovators and cultural icons will undoubtedly endure.
