Virgin Islands International Featured Artist: Cruz Rock

Cruz Rock was born on the beautiful island of St. Croix, to his mother who is from Trinidad and his father is from Puerto Rico/St. Croix. As a child he was always fascinated with music and art and was naturally gifted especially at art. Cruz Bwoy was the original name and rock was added when he connected with a DJ Sound called T Rock Sounds from St. Thomas. It then changed to Cruz Rock. His career began when he received a scholarship to attend college as an artist after winning several awards for his work. He spent 5 years of his life in Ohio, attending the Columbus College of Art and Design. His first year in college, he began paying more attention to music. He was different from everyone else and all of his peers were intrigued by his island accent. They wanted to hear him sing Reggae music at talent shows and small events. At that time he never knew it would get that far.

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At the age of 19, he performed at a club in Ohio and impressed the local crowd and some promoters. One of them approached him about taking music seriously and eventually became his manager. He then introduced him to the bigger shows in Ohio and soon enough he was rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest acts in the state and international acts that came in to do concerts. A year later, he was approached by a Rap group called T.O.G. It consisted of about 30 members, who were using their talents to build a buzz around the city and beyond. Some of the artist were signed to major record labels and already been seen on MTV. They made a movement and while attending college he became a star in Ohio and other surrounding areas. Producers from Jamaica were sending him riddims to sing on after hearing his music. Eventually everyone wanted to get his flow on their record. He formed a small group called the "Virgin Islands Pride" which consisted of some other artist from the Virgin Islands that lived in Ohio as well. Cruz Rock movement was big, but eventually he felt like he wanted bigger, he would have to leave Ohio. After graduating from college, he headed to Florida, where he spent a short time performing and creating new fans. Then he migrated to New York where he landed a job working behind the scenes for Tempo/MTV. It was a great job because he met influential people and at the same time, shared his music with them. Cruz Rock had access to music video producers and that would eventually turn into him making his own videos.

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His first video was called "Joy" and premiered on Tempo TV. He eventually came back home to help build the industry and this is where true magic began, all of his biggest hits were coming straight from the Virgin Islands. The artist received support and people were excited to see a local with big music videos in the industry. Temperature Rise ft. Jah Desta and Waiting on Me ft. Fyah King were the first two biggest hits that brought him to the lime light in the Caribbean. Ajanie of King Dreamz Ent, Dean Pond of RYM Shot Productions and Justo of Carrion Records played a major role in helping him progress to the next level. Cruz Rock was named Number one break out Caribbean artist in Canada's L3 Magazine topping all of his competition. Appearing on the Dig-Cel and Nikki Z top 20 countdown. His music played heavy across the globe including Australia, UK, Japan, Korea, France, and more. Following his appearances on television, magazines and music charts around the globe he eventually began to receive requests from Puerto Rico. They were intrigued by his Dance Hall flow and him being one of them. The artist was requested on a track with multi-platinum selling artist Lennox of Zion y Lennox and platinum producer Duran The Coach.

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That moment created some of his biggest recognition in the Latin world. It sparked his desire to pursue and create what he now calls "Latin Dance Hall" or "Dance Hall Latino." This was followed by his red carpet appearance and award winning album Soul Rebel at the Indie Music Awards in Hollywood California. He then received a nomination for best New International Act. In Columbia where he attended The Luna Latin Music Awards, followed by his tour in South America. His music appeared in box office Movies like "Los Domirriquenos 2" which can now be seen on Amazon Prime. He was featured on French Airlines, Air Austral and many other platforms.

We've heard about his rise to fame and where it all began, we asked the artist who inspires him the most and response was simple. He's inspired by his mother, she's a strong woman. Cruz Rock is also inspired by anyone who came from nothing and achieved greatness.

Temperature Rise was his first big hit and the video was hot. In The Spirit featuring Vaughn Benjamin is one of his favorites of all time, because of the legendary collaboration. It's one of his biggest Reggae hits. If Everyday was Summer is another video he loves. It has a fun and humorous side to it. Ready For Your Love because of its cross over appeal. El Palo and Sabrosa are two of his latest hits and some of his favorites. It is the transition and new chapter of his career, now being a Latin artist and embracing his father's culture.

We asked the artist: How hard was it to leave home to further your career?

His response: It's always hard to leave when you come from nothing and trying to be someone in this life. My struggles financially were my biggest issues at first, but also my biggest motivation. We're now faced with a worldwide pandemic which is affecting us all and our daily lives. It has put a damper on his live shows the most. It also puts a hold on traveling in a very important time in his career. However creatively it is giving him some time to make new music and work on his craft.His record and music deals are still moving forward and that is a positive note.

We also asked the artist: Would you do it all again from the Beginning? (Referring to his road to becoming an artist?)

Artist Response: Of Course lol, but only if I could retain my knowledge of what to do and what not to do. Which is impossible so I create a new me every couple years and treat it as if it was the beginning.

Cruz Rock has a new song coming out with the legendary "Beanie Man" and Grammy Award winning producer Tony "CD" Kelly alongside Ajanie of King Dreamz Productions. It will be part of his new Latin & Dance Hall EP Album which will be available this summer.

Cruz Rock latest video "Sabrosa" is now available on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yncj6BNxYuQ

Follow him on Instagram & Tik Tok @Cruz Rock

Add him to your Spotify Playlist @Cruz Rock

Written By: Minoca A.

Information to make this article was provided by: Cruz Rock

Pc: Cruz Rock