Growing up Reynaldo Borges describes himself as a self-driven person who always wanted more. That drive, determination, alongside plenty of hardships, have placed him in the position he is in today.
“As far as I can remember I’ve always been self driven. I always wanted more for those around me and myself. When I was a kid I used to knock on random doors in the neighborhood trying to rake leaves or shovel snow for $5 dollars. I even delivered food with my uncle for extra money. Even as a youngin’ I was trying to make it happen.”
Today he is better known as Diamond Visuals a predominant videographer in Chicago. Who has worked alongside rappers such as eLVy The God, Lil Zay Osama, TrenchMoBB, Calboy, Lud Foe, skinnyfromthe9 and many other recording artists nationwide.
Diamond Visuals was raised in Logan Square and began to take an interest in filming music videos in the 8th grade. Titus Dockery, better known as Pyoor, asked him to film his music video with his mothers camera.
Diamond recalls not knowing much about a camera, nor how to film. He said he just stood there as a tripod when he recorded that first music video. At the time Diamond didn’t even know how to edit or direct a music video, Pyoor would handle that.
“He’s a pure person. Rey has been through a lot as a person but he channels that energy into his work ethic. He overthinks everything probably why his work reaches its full potential.”
Titus Dockery aka Pyoor
Recording Artist
Soon after he filmed a couple of videos for his friend he realized he was able to make money. Looking back around the time drill music began to blow up, Diamond recalls other videographers such as A Zae Productions making money out of it.
Diamond obtained his first camera out of pure luck. It was as if the universe lined up and granted him the tools to succeed. Off a penny bidding site, he won a Canon T3i for $7. From there on he began to teach himself the ins and outs of videography.
His first paid music video came around the time when he was a freshman in high school and charged $40 which at the time he thought to be outrageous. The artist agreed and Diamond filmed the video. Since he didn’t own a computer at the time Pyoor edited it and they split the profits 50/50.
In 2014 Diamond was shot in a drive-by shooting which held him back a couple of months from growing Diamond Visuals. Once he recovered in late 2014 and going into 2015 his grind went into full effect and began to work with eLVy The God.
In 2016 he lost his mother and although this was a destructive moment in his life he continued to prevail. “All the trials and tribulations I’ve faced over time have shaped me into who I am today,” said Diamond.
“Diamond has endured plenty emotionally and physically but throughout our eight years of friendship, he’s been in situations and circumstances that would break most people. Yet he continues to thrive.”
Julius Bernal aka JUjU From Da Norf
Recording Artist
Today at 21, Diamond has accumulated over 200,000 subscribers and a staggering 83 million views. He now directs, films and edits all of his videos. In July My Mixtapez released a four-part documentary series that was filmed by Diamond that explores and highlights five Chicago artists and how they impact hip-hop culture.
“Diamond is a businessman. He’s the best cameraman I’ve worked with thus far throughout my career. He’s always willing to work and is open minded when it comes to ideas about visuals. Real down to earth dude.”
Recording Artist
Most recently he has launched a separate channel called Recess TV in Oct. that has a focus on creative content rather than music videos.
Moving forward Diamond said, “2020 looks like a whole lotta crazy shit!” He plans on bringing together a lot of emerging artists and giving them a spotlight on his channel. He also plans on creating his very own clothing line which he’s calling IGULACI.
Watch Diamond’s latest music videos here.
