Prince Royce
Here is an in-depth profile of Prince Royce — his life, music, philosophy, and memorable quotes — written in the style of an author biography article.
Prince Royce – Life, Career, and Memorable Quotes
Learn about Prince Royce (born May 11, 1989) — American Latin music star, bachata innovator, and multilingual artist. Discover his early life, career milestones, musical vision, and favorite quotes.
Introduction
Geoffrey Royce Rojas (born May 11, 1989), known professionally as Prince Royce, is an American singer, songwriter, and occasional actor whose career has become synonymous with modern Latin and bachata pop.
He is celebrated for blending traditional bachata rhythms with R&B, contemporary pop, and crossover influences — positioning himself as a cultural bridge between Latin and mainstream markets. Over the years, Royce has earned multi-platinum sales, dozens of chart-topping hits, and widespread influence across Latin music scenes.
Early Life and Family
Royce was born and raised in The Bronx, New York City, as the second of four children in a Dominican immigrant family.
His father, Ramón Rojas, worked as a taxicab driver, and his mother, Ángela de León, worked in a beauty salon.
From a young age he was drawn to music: he participated in school choirs and sang in talent shows. At age 13, he began writing poetry, which gradually evolved into songwriting.
He adopted the stage name “Prince Royce” around age 16, experimenting with early compositions and making musical connections in his surroundings.
Musical Career & Achievements
Beginnings & Breakthrough
When Royce was about 19, he met Andrés Hidalgo, who became his manager and helped guide his early musical path. Hidalgo later introduced Royce to producer Sergio George, who signed him after hearing just a few demos.
In March 2010, Royce released his eponymous debut album Prince Royce, which delivered two major singles: “Stand by Me” (his bachata rendition of the Ben E. King classic) and “Corazón Sin Cara.” The album topped the Billboard Top Latin Albums and Tropical Albums charts.
“Corazón Sin Cara” reached No. 1 on the Hot Latin Songs chart, making Royce a breakout Latin star.
Continued Growth & Crossover
His second album, Phase II (2012), incorporated a wider sonic palette beyond bachata, including mariachi and pop influences. It produced hits like “Las Cosas Pequeñas.”
In 2013, Royce signed with Sony Music Latin and RCA to further expand his reach. That year, he released Soy el Mismo, led by the single “Darte un Beso.”
In 2015, he attempted a more mainstream English-pop orientation with Double Vision, featuring “Stuck on a Feeling” (featuring Snoop Dogg) and “Back It Up” (with Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull). Though it drew mixed critical reception, it represented his willingness to cross markets.
His fifth studio album, Five (2017), marked a return to his Latin core, with the hit “Déjà Vu” (with Shakira) becoming one of his most successful singles.
In recent years, Royce continues to release new music, tours, and experiments with genre blends while staying rooted in bachata.
He has amassed accolades: multiple #1 radio hits, many Billboard Latin awards, dozens of nominations, and a large international fan base.
Artistry, Style & Influence
Prince Royce’s music is often described as modern bachata or urban bachata — combining the guitar, percussion, and romantic sensibility of traditional bachata with influences from pop, R&B, and contemporary production.
His influences include Latin legends (Marc Anthony, Gloria Estefan, Ricky Martin) as well as American R&B and pop artists like Usher and Jay-Z. He also cites the group Aventura as a foundational inspiration.
Royce navigates dual cultural identities: English and Spanish, American and Latin. In his work he often contrasts how he approaches singing in English vs Spanish, and how language shapes expression.
He also places importance on connecting with his roots — representing the Bronx, the Dominican Republic, and Latino identity in his music.
Personality & Values
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Work ethic & perseverance: Royce has spoken about working jobs (e.g. for Sprint) to fund his early music efforts.
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Humility & representation: He often emphasizes that he wants to represent New York, the Bronx, and the Dominican community in all his work.
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Versatility & openness: He is open to exploring multiple genres and crossing over, rather than being boxed into one style.
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Connection with fans: Being on stage, connecting in performance, and emotional resonance are important to Royce.
Memorable Quotes by Prince Royce
Here are several quotes attributed to him that reflect his perspective on music, identity, and ambition:
“I sang everything — R&B slow jams, Spanish slow jams, romantic reggaeton — and I really didn’t care which I got signed for.”
“The way I think or sing about something is very different if it is in Spanish or English.”
“I always sang in English. It’s just that nobody heard me.”
“I represent New York, I represent the Bronx, I represent the Dominican Republic. And I always have that in mind with everything that I do.”
“There’s just something about being on stage and being with the people … once that camera turns on, you find the strength to keep it cool, look good … act like you aren’t scared.”
“At 17, I was working at Sprint in the Bronx so I could make money to fund my own music.”
Lessons from Prince Royce’s Journey
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Use early work to build your dreams
Royce’s story shows how modest jobs and sacrifices can help fund and fuel creative ambitions. -
Embrace cultural duality
His identity straddles two linguistic and cultural worlds; rather than choosing one, he integrates both in his art. -
Be open to evolution
Successfully shifting between styles (bachata, pop, R&B) demonstrates resilience and breadth. -
Maintain roots amid growth
Even as he achieved commercial success, Royce consistently references his community, cultural heritage, and place of origin. -
Performance is emotional connection
Approach the stage not just as spectacle but as space for true emotional exchange — his quotes about projecting strength in vulnerability speak to that.
Conclusion
Prince Royce is not just a Latin music star — he’s a cultural bridge, a versatile artist, and a voice for dual identities. His trajectory from a Dominican-American youth in the Bronx to the global stage reflects commitment, humility, and an ongoing dialogue between tradition and innovation.