Anthony Cruz is quite the character–the Puerto Rican Larry David to be exact. Stopping short of having his own show on HBO, Cruz is certainly the odd man out. Growing up in Manhattan, the rhyme slinger is nothing like his counterparts. A beloved concoction of boom-bap and abstract progressivism, Cruz is more than willing to take his craft outside of the box. Most rappers feel silly when exploring their art, Anthony Cruz on the other hand is a fearless pioneer, leaving no stone unturned. Unfamiliar with the concept of “stay in your lane,” Cruz is swerving all over the road while still keeping his destination in mind. One can go on and on about his experimental nature, but when it comes down it, Anthony Cruz is a good rapper–no ifs, ands, or buts.
When I first met Cruz, I was awestruck, not by his kickass leather jacket, but by his outright humility. One of hip-hop’s best kept secrets, Cruz is a pure lyricist who never takes himself too seriously. His craft is not a job nor is it a hobby, it’s an adventure.
Armed with a hot coffee and a pair of Mishka shades that look as if they came with an Advil, Cruz sat with us to discuss his journey, his artistry, his upcoming project Fear and Loathing in New York, and his overall love for what he does.
Written by Akeem K. Duncan.↓
Akeem is our founder. A writer, poet, curator and profuse sweater, he is responsible for the curatorial direction and overall voice of Quiet Lunch. The Bronx native has read at venues such as the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, KGB Bar, Lovecraft and SHAG–with works published in Palabra Luminosas and LiVE MAG13. He has also curated solo and group exhibitions at numerous galleries in Chelsea, Harlem, Bushwick and Lower Manhattan.