Chino Pacas, barely 18, has emerged as Mexico’s hottest new rap sensation. This Gen Z artist took the music world by storm in early 2023 and turned his raw talent into Billboard Hot 100 success within months.
His professional music journey started in Mexico during February 2023. His songs caught fire on TikTok, launching him into stardom. The breakout hit “El Gordo Trae El Mando” landed at number 84 on the Billboard Hot 100 and racked up more than 100 million Spotify streams [-5]. His popularity soared quickly, and by April 2023, his Spotify page attracted over 10 million monthly listeners.
This piece dives into the story of this rising hip-hop star – from his real name and age to his background and path to fame. We’ll also look at how his social media success paved the way to a Best New Artist nomination at the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards [-5].
Chino Pacas: Real Name, Age, and Where He’s From
Jesús Omar Tapia Herrera performs under the stage name Chino Pacas. This young artist’s personal story has intrigued fans ever since he shot to stardom. He turned 18 in 2023, making him one of the youngest stars to achieve such remarkable success in Latin music.
The artist’s musical style and identity draw deeply from his roots in Guasave, a municipality in Sinaloa, Mexico. His hometown’s rich cultural heritage and musical traditions shape his unique take on corridos tumbados – a genre that has struck a chord with millions of fans worldwide.
At 5’8″ (173 cm), Chino’s youthful looks connect naturally with his Gen Z fanbase. He has built a powerful presence in Mexican and international music markets quickly. His rise has been nothing short of meteoric.
The story behind his stage name adds another interesting layer to his identity. People call him “Chino” (Spanish for “Chinese”) because of his slightly slanted eyes – a common nickname in Latin American culture. “Pacas,” which refers to bundles of money, reflects the themes of financial success that run through his music and videos.
Life was different not long ago. Chino was just another teenager with incredible musical talent and big dreams that would launch him into stardom.
The Journey to Fame: From TikTok to Billboard
Cristian Humberto Ávila Vega shot to stardom after sharing his original songs on TikTok in 2022. His unique deep, raspy vocals caught Jesús Ortíz Paz’s (JOP) attention. The lead vocalist of regional Mexican band Fuerza Regida signed the young talent to Street Mob Records.
Chino Pacas dropped his first single “El Gordo Trae el Mando” on January 27, 2023. The track became a viral sensation on TikTok. The song especially appealed to listeners with its memorable lyric “Y mi compa Mario, que nunca me ha dejao” (“And my compa Mario who never leaves me”). His talent made history as he became the youngest Mexican artist to enter the Billboard Hot 100 at age 16.
The song’s success grew from its original position at number 84 to peak at number 58. The track earned an impressive 34× Platinum (Latin) certification with 2,040,000 sales+streaming figures. The hit also climbed to number 11 on Hot Latin Songs and number 44 on the Billboard Global 200.
Chino’s next big move came through his work with Calle 24 and Fuerza Regida on “Qué Onda.” The song marked his third entry on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching number 61. This musical partnership turned into a soaring win as the track achieved Diamond certification in Latin markets.
The teenage sensation’s meteoric rise grabbed Drake’s attention. The Canadian rapper signed him to PFL label, paving the way for his debut album “Que Sigan Llegando las Pacas”.
Personal Life, Family, and Net Worth
Music runs in Cristian Humberto Ávila Vega’s family. His roots trace back to Apaseo el Alto, Guanajuato, Mexico, before he moved to Tampa, Florida at age 12 with his mother and older brother. His mother’s career as a Disney-certified travel agent adds an interesting dimension to the family’s story. His brother Diego Arturo Ávila Vega shares his passion for music and performs as Turo Pacas, building his own career as a rapper and songwriter.
The young artist stands 5’10” (178 cm) tall and weighs about 146 pounds (66 kg), matching his growing influence in the industry. Social media shows him with different women, but he remains single officially. A recent social media update featured someone described as “his new girlfriend”.
His financial success tells an impressive story. He earned around $123,600 in 2023. His income grew substantially in 2024 to $223,500. By August 2025, he had already earned $129,700. Some sources claim his net worth reaches $2 million, but these reports lack solid verification.
Chino looks forward to future projects with “15 to 20 songs sitting in the vault” and plans to release an album “dedicated to the ladies”.
Conclusion
TikTok turned Chino Pacas from an unknown teenager into an international sensation overnight. At just 18 years old, his rise to a Billboard-charting artist ranks among the most impressive success stories in recent Latin music history. His deep, raspy vocals and authentic regional Mexican style strike a chord with millions of Gen Z listeners in Mexico and the United States.
Chino’s career started in early 2023, yet he has achieved what many artists chase for years. His debut single “El Gordo Trae el Mando” went viral and earned multiple platinum certifications. His collaborative efforts with acts like Fuerza Regida strengthened his position in the industry. Drake’s recognition shows his influence reaches beyond regional Mexican music circles.
His brother Turo Pacas’s musical pursuits highlight the strong family ties in Chino’s life and career. This family bond and his authentic cultural representation make fans connect with his music and personality.
The future looks bright for Chino with many unreleased tracks and plans that span different themes. His quick jump from social media fame to award nominations shows how digital platforms revolutionize music discovery and star-making. Though early in what promises to be an exciting career, Chino Pacas has proven himself as one of Latin music’s most promising young talents to watch.
FAQs
Q1. Who is Chino Pacas and what is his real name? Chino Pacas is a young Mexican singer and songwriter who rose to fame in 2023. His real name is Jesús Omar Tapia Herrera, and he specializes in the urban sierreño subgenre of regional Mexican music.
Q2. How old is Chino Pacas and where is he from? As of 2025, Chino Pacas is 20 years old. He was born and raised in Guasave, a municipality in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico.
Q3. What is the meaning behind Chino Pacas’ stage name? The nickname “Chino” reportedly comes from his slightly slanted eyes, while “Pacas” refers to bundles of money, reflecting themes often present in his music and videos.
Q4. What was Chino Pacas’ breakthrough song? Chino Pacas’ breakthrough single was “El Gordo Trae El Mando,” released in January 2023. It went viral on TikTok and debuted at number 84 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Q5. Is Chino Pacas related to any other musicians? Yes, Chino Pacas has a brother named Diego Arturo Ávila Vega, who performs under the stage name Turo Pacas. Turo is also pursuing a career as a rapper and songwriter.
