May 18, also known as Andy “may18” Matos, is a New York City producer and artist who’s built his career on raw emotion and unfiltered storytelling. His journey started nine years ago with a second-hand laptop and no formal training, but through persistence and self-education, he’s become a producer, rapper, and singer whose music connects with listeners dealing with loss, struggle, and survival.
Andy Matos, better known as May 18, has found his place in the music industry through personal narratives, detailed production work, and a natural blend of rapping and singing. His music pulls from his own experiences with loss and hardship, creating tracks that speak to people navigating similar challenges. It’s honest work that doesn’t shy away from vulnerability.
Matos got into music production fresh out of high school nine years ago. With no formal training but a clear need to express himself, he found an old laptop from someone in his neighborhood. That’s where he discovered FL Studio, the digital audio workstation that became his classroom. He taught himself everything: beat making, engineering, melody composition, lyrical technique, and vocal delivery. His path proves that dedication and self-education can lead to real skill, even without traditional training.
In his catalog, tracks like “Broken,” “4+8,” “Dios,” and “High As Hell” stand out for their storytelling as much as their sound. “Broken,” his latest single released on February 15th, shows how far he’s come as an artist. The track opens with guitar strums and a melodic vocal intro, then moves into Matos’s lyrical depth and distinctive cadence. It’s a song that captures pain, love, loss, and resilience without overexplaining any of it.
Matos’s music reflects his life directly. It’s a collection of moments that capture human experience at its most raw. Through his work, he aims to convey survival and resilience. “Through everything, I’m still alive,” he says, a statement that resonates with listeners who find connection in his music. His songs aren’t just compositions but extensions of his memories and experiences, shaped by a determination to keep moving forward.
The NYC native has built a following locally and globally through platforms like Instagram, United Masters, and YouTube. These platforms have been crucial for showcasing his work and connecting with his audience on a personal level, where he shares his process, his influences, and the stories behind his tracks.
Andy “may18” Matos’s story is one of transformation through music. It’s about finding something meaningful in hardship, turning pain into art, and maintaining the drive to express and connect. As Matos continues to develop his sound and expand his catalog, his audience waits to see where he goes next and what emotional territory he’ll explore through his work.
In an industry where authenticity often gets sidelined for commercial appeal, Andy “may18” Matos has stayed committed to genuine expression. His music isn’t just heard, it’s felt by listeners who find something real in what he creates from his New York City perspective.
