How did you get your name?

It is my biological last name, I was adopted by my father when I was 2 years old. As I got older and reconnected with my real dad, I wanted to show support for my culture so in turn, I made my stage name CruzZ.

How did you get into creating?

I've been creating music since I was 10 years old. I started playing the guitar at that age and fell in love with music. It became my escape from the messed up reality that was my life. I started writing at 12 years old and once I turned 18 I started posting music online. I have been professionally making music for 5 years now.

How has creating changed your life?

Creating music changed my life in many ways, it helps me cope with the hardships I've faced in my life. It also gives me a chance to relate with other people who are feeling the same way as me, and that will hopefully inspire others. Being an Artist has made me money, taken me to new places, and connected me to more people, and I plan to keep on creating for a while. This is only the beginning of the change.

Where are you from?

I am from New Haven County, Connecticut. Specifically, I claim the town of Madison, Branford and the City of New Haven. I also lived in Charlotte, North Carolina for a while and that is where I started releasing music professionally.

How did growing up in your neighborhood/city affect you?

I was an outcast growing up until I was in high school. I became an underdog, nobody expected me to do well and that ended up making me motivated. My surroundings turned me into the person that I am today, I was caught up in bad situations which almost left me dead multiple times. When I reached 15 years old I needed to help my mom with the bills and at that point I started contemplating other options to bring in money. That led to more bad choices up until I had ruined my life. I made the decision to grind my way out of poverty, mental illness, drugs and violence. When you listen to my music that is what you hear.

What did you do to advance your skills/knowledge?

I learned from others who had more experience than I did. Getting feedback from others is a vital part of being an artist, once I was able to accept critique on my music I was able to learn from that. Along with that practicing is what advanced my skills.

What does your current setup look like?

I have a home studio, along with other professional studios that I use to record my music. I mix and master all of my songs from home with a Mac book Lab-top.

Who inspires you? Why do they inspire you?

Kendrick Lamar, A$AP Rocky, Kanye, XXX, Juice Wrld, Sha EK, Lil Wayne, Jay Critch, Piff Marti, and Tory Lanez to name a few. I draw inspiration from all genres and all types of culture. It is important to have multiple artists that inspire you for different reasons. I combine all of the music that inspires me to create my own sound.

What is your goal when you create?

My goal when creating is to be better than I was the last time I made a song. Music is about progression and my goal is to be the best artist in the world. Another goal I have is to create music that my fans can relate to.

Why do you create?

Because music is what keeps me alive, making music for myself and others gives me a sense of purpose in my life.

What is the best advice you would give someone with a dream?

Keep going, don't let anyone control your life, and never give up.

Tell us about your most recent release

My most recent release is my album Already Dead Vol. 1, it is an entire compilation of drill songs. My goal with this album was to portray the dark energy that I have been carrying with me for many years. The album talks about gun violence, drugs, death, and simultaneously has a vibe that would make you dance in the club. I really enjoyed making this album and I have heard from fans that this was my best work so far.

Check it out

https://open.spotify.com/album/0ILM4QWuuu1SqGyz4N7MDt?si=mQ647tCXTTKFMCGz2Xo9Lw

Connect

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cruzzog203/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cruzzog203

Facebook.com: https://www.facebook.com/THREALCRUZZOG/

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