Tiagosta Cruz is a rising Urban Latino artist from Puerto Rico. At an early age, he got his hands into any music that he could. As early as 8th grade he joined the orchestra and bands in school, playing percussion instruments such as the congas.
From 8th grade to 12th grade he was into everything, choir, band and a specific group called a rondalla; a rondalla is a group typically featuring stringed instruments and is customary to Latin cultures. Tiago was also involved in choir and he began his journey writing lyrics at the age of 16. He began developing his craft by getting together with his friends, each bringing new raps every time they got together. Cruz moved to the United States at the age of 21 and attended and graduated, Full Sail University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Production.
The clear-mindedness and the desire to grow a talent that he already possesses into something greater is refreshing to see from an up and coming artist. Tiago came to the United States on his own to face challenges anyone on their own would, such as finding transportation and a place to live. His Family is still established in Puerto Rico, and while it is challenging being away from his family during devastating times such as the storm Maria, he supports his family especially his mother and her happiness living in Puerto Rico. While supporting his family, Tiago came to the US passionate about the content he had in hand and continues to grow beyond measure.
Tiago recently visited Full Sail to be featured as a panelist on “The Turntable.” I got the chance to sit down and talk with him about his journey through music.
Tiago also produces and I wanted to know what sparked the desire to produce his own music, Tiago responded: “He noticed how much dependency you have in arranging the songs, what the voice sounds like and the instrument that are used and if you don’t know the language you become limited as an artist in that aspect. When you produce your music, you have more control.”
When asked how the content of his music has changed in reference to what he has been through on his journey so far, Tiago responded:
“Since he was pushed to move in a more independent way the content is reflective of no longer being in a mindset of partying and forgetting about what’s happening in the world.”
“He was passionate about his music when he came here, [but the challenges of establishing himself, getting a car, finding an apartment and paying bills required him to grow so much more than music.” It was refreshing to hear him say that “if you are not growing as an artist your music will be stuck in limbo.” Cruz has a desire to evolve greatly as an artist and plans to do so throughout his music career.
Tiago wants his music to get into the hands of everyone that he can. He is aware of the Latin boom within the music industry and wants to “add his grain of salt and color to the movement” (Tiago). In his recent feature on “The Turntable” with 3300+ Climbing, we received a special performance from Tiago that can also be found on his YouTube channel. Tiago’s music can be found on all music platforms.
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