Brooklyn Roots, Independent Hustle: Dom Cruz on Music, Growth, and Staying True

Artist Name: Dom Cruz

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

Q: Can you tell us about your background? Where did you grow up, and how has that influenced your music?

I spent my early years in the Williamsburg Projects of Brooklyn, New York. I’d say that’s where I developed my interest in music. My mom would play the radio a lot while cleaning or cooking. My older brother had a CD and tape collection that was growing fast. Naturally, I was aware of the radio, and stations like Hot 97 were pivotal in curating my taste. It felt like I heard music everywhere I went—through our apartment window from outside, in the stores, and on the way to school. From the freestyle music my mom played to The Notorious B.I.G. and Jay-Z that my brother played, I was bought in. I wanted to hear everything and understand it all. Ultimately, being from one of the cities that pioneered hip-hop, it’s only right that it is my first love. The sound and atmosphere of New York in the ’90s and early 2000s is exactly what my music feels like. Even though I went on to live in the South and on the West Coast and love their sound, my core is still New York hip-hop.

Q: What was your early introduction to music and hip-hop? Do you have any specific artists or experiences that inspired you?

My introduction to hip-hop was my brother’s CD collection. Life After Death by Biggie is the first album I remember listening to. Before school, he’d bump it, and while it was playing, I’d read the tracklist and go through the CD booklet. I fell in love with damn near the whole album as a 9-year-old, but “Notorious Thugs” really captivated me. I vividly remember the days BIG and Pac died. Everything about the culture was right in front of my face from the jump. Other artists that have inspired me over the years are DMX, Jay-Z, Jadakiss, 2Pac, Kendrick Lamar, Blu, and Jay Electronica.

Q: How would you describe your style and sound? What sets you apart from other artists?

My sound is the spectrum of emotions and life itself. It’s very human and relatable, yet authentic to the point that only I could do what I’m doing. There are times where you can hear inspiration or influence from my favorite artists, but overall, I’ve got something unique here. I believe the life that I’ve lived and my vulnerability is what sets me apart. Not only did I grow up in the heart of NYC during its peak when it comes to hip-hop, but I’ve gone on to live in very important cities like Atlanta and Miami, and spent some time right outside of LA. When you consider that I’ve hustled in the streets and have succeeded in the corporate world to a certain extent, it’s just different. Add in the fact that I became a father at a really young age and have had to maintain and care for myself and others for so long, and it just adds to who I am as an artist.

Q: What challenges have you faced as an independent artist in the hip-hop scene? How have you overcome them?

There’s all types of challenges, from finances to relationship-based shit. It takes time and money to create bigger and better art. I believe in the DIY process and mindset, but at the end of the day, I’m mostly just an MC. I can make beats and record myself, but I believe in empowering engineers, videographers, and producers. That costs money, and money takes time. So the process in itself is a challenge. Hustling to take care of myself and home has always come before music, so my whole life is a process of infinite perseverance and solving problems. Overall, having faith, self-belief, and a few solid individuals around is what has helped me keep going.

Q: How do you promote your music and connect with your audience? Do you have any tips for other independent artists?

Music videos, building relationships, and shows are the big three for me. We’re in the digital era, and everyone’s on their phone 24/7. So if we can make something that captures the eyes, then the ears and the heart, we’re good. That’s been my philosophy. I’m very aware that the internet is not a real place and it’s not the end-all, be-all. Real-life connections are where it’s at. I enjoy building with the people I collaborate with and my supporters.

As far as tips, I’d say being yourself and having some sort of plan is key. Be authentic so that you can attract the right people, and have a plan so that you have a compass. There’s going to be a lot of people that are going to make suggestions, leave comments, and low-key try to influence you. With a plan, you can always go back to it and remind yourself of why you’re doing this and where you want to go.

Q: Are there any upcoming events, shows, or releases you’d like to share with our readers?

November 21st, I’ve got a show with Noa James, Sham Black, and Trizz down in San Diego. The first single to my next album with Blkgod9 is dropping late 2026–early 2027. I just got back the first draft of one of our videos, and it’s crazy! We’re continuing to up the bar and push ourselves to create bigger and better. There’s a lot to look forward to, and I’m super excited to share it in the next few months!

Q: How can people support you and your music as an independent artist?

All support is welcome. At the end of the day, I’m grateful and understand that I’m in a privileged position to be able to release music and play shows. There’s a lot of people that want to do this but just can’t. I will say, though, Bandcamp is where it’s at. Follow me on domcruz.bandcamp.com. Buy my music, buy my merch, come to shows, and if you can’t, just follow the best you can. Instagram, YouTube, Apple Music—whatever floats your boat. My art is everywhere, and I hope y’all stick around ’cause it’s only getting better.

Instagram: @domcruzmusic

Twitter: @DOMCRUZMUSIC

Website: linktr.ee/domcruzmusic