Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassius Cruz.
Cassius, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am a rapper, music producer, and audio engineer. I first began my musical journey at 5 years old when my Auntie Lynn started teaching me how to play and read piano music. Along the way, I picked up saxophone, drums, guitar, and several other instruments; although I am a master of none, but can still make do. I remember listening to Hip-Hop and Rap for as long as I can remember because of my dad, who passed on in 2010; rest in peace forever. Some of the rappers I remember him introducing me to includes Run DMC, Paperboy, Newcleus, NWA, The Beastie Boys, and even 2 Live Crew. It wasn’t until like around 5th or 6th grade during the Limewire days, I really dove into Rap music discovering a whole new world. I never thought I would be actually interested in being a rapper until freshman year of high school. My friend Chuck’s uncles were in the band P.O.D and they had one day given some old studio recording equipment to him. He told me and some other friends to come over and play around with it. We used to take the bus to his house downtown afters school and rap any rap instrumentals we could find on YouTube. It also escalated into having rap battles at lunchtime.
At this time, rap was something that was fun and just a hobby. I actually wanted to either be a pro boxer or a Navy Seal at this time. That all went out the window when Wiz Khalifa made weed cool to me and other rappers glorified other substances and lifestyles. I went down a different path and kind of hit some low points in my life. Ended up dropping out of high school because of possible expulsion. My uncle had lectured me and let me know my life was going no were at the rate I was going. I ended up getting my GED a few months after I left high school. Then, I walked into a recruiting office for the Navy. I took an ASVAB test and almost became a corpsman. My best friend said it wasn’t like me to join the military and his family had recently done this self-empowerment course that they wanted me to try, so they paid for me. Through those courses and some reflection time, I discovered how music has always been one of the most solid things in my life because it was always there for me for every moment and feeling I’ve experienced. Music was the only thing that ever truly understood me when I felt lost and alone. I wanted to be that same difference for people going through similar things as I did. I solidified that I wanted to embark on a music career and be professional at this time. I got tired of relying on other people for studio time so I took an audio engineering program and am now a certified audio engineer. I got tired of looking up YouTube beats or buying beats, so I became an instrumental producer. I cut out all the middlemen and made myself capable.
Along my journey, I’ve got to work with amazing artists and professionals, opened up for acts such as A$AP Rocky and Sean Mendez, traveled doing shows, and have some big opportunities coming up like performing in Tokyo and San Diego’s Wonderfront festival. All my friends who I kick it with toughly present-day are all people who have been introduced in my life through the music. I’ve been developing myself as an artist since 2010 and just now today think I’m very close to begin branding a sound within me I discovered that uniquely fits me after almost a decade of experimenting with my sound and finding my voice.
Other things I’m currently up to now is running a clothing brand called Hustle Minded Individuals, shooting music videos, and in the works of starting up an independent label.
This is kind of the short rundown of how I got to where I am now.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. I’ve lost loved ones along the way, experienced some violence in the streets, struggled with substance use, dealt with mental health issues while dealing with issues that adversity and classism brings. I’ve had fallouts with friends and business partners along the way, suffered heartbreaks, and lived through situations where I thought I would’ve died. At some points, I wanted to give up altogether. Sometimes, I felt like there was no love in the world until I created it for myself. The discovery to know myself for who I truly am was tough. I’m still learning new things about myself to this day, but I would have to say it was definitely rougher back then.
We’d love to hear more about your music.
So, my name in rap that I am branding is the name Cashy. I learning to operate as Cashy as I would do any other business. Other businesses I run is clothing with Hustle Minded Individuals with my partner Kelvin Ku, audio recording and engineering services for other artists, producing for other artists, shooting music videos, and I always do a little bit of reselling on eBay and other online shopping services. I am also part of a music collective called Tribe 20:4. I think I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset. What I am most proud of is my ability to make no excuses and my ability to be self-sufficient. I never blame anyone for my current states and situations; I take full responsibility for my life. I am also proud to see growth every day and see all that I have sowed organically come to fruition. I am currently in the process of starting a music label and getting all the legal stuff situated. What sets me apart from others is that I truly can put on for myself as an individual and elevate exponentially working in a team environment. Teamwork makes the dreamwork, and at the same time, I am substantially capable of being my own team.
What were you like growing up?
I’ve been told by many around me that I was very wise for my age, although it seems I’m the biggest fool in life when I internalize my thoughts. I’ve always been loyal to those I love, and I have a heart that only wants to give back to elevate people’s lives. I’ve always been interested in philosophy and mindsets and even named my first EP Young Philosophy, It’s about my philosophy and emotions I experienced being young. I always knew I didn’t want to let my family down or the world. I grew up always presenting everything I can at the table. My biggest pet peeve is the feeling of being a useless liability. I’ve always been very spiritual, pondering the meaning of life.
I’ve always been somewhat introverted, but kind of force myself into social situations to get myself out of my shell. I get quiet or awkward during small talk.
Another thing is I’ve always been a dreamer and am now learning how to manifest them.
Pricing:
- Audio recording and engineering services $45/hr minimum of 2 hours
- Clothing coming soon for Hustle Minded Individuals
- Simple music video projects starting price $150+. Up for discussion
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @cashysd @hustlemindedindividuals @hustlemindedindividuals
- Twitter: @cashy_sd
Image Credit:
Miles Caliboso, Zuma, Dane Amar, Johnny Hikari, Jennielyne Arevalo
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