“James Cruz is a self-made recording artist from New York who is going to put Queens back on the map. I began my journey by hosting events and parties throughout the tri-state area with childhood friends under the name GuessWhoEntertainment. Our success brought us options and we decided that music was the next step in our progression. I have always been poetic and through the suggestion of a good friend, I made my music public and have been smooth in-person and in your ears.” JAMES CRUZ

The Interview

Question #1: What are some of your favorite artist who inspires you?

LL Cool j for his longevity and versatility, Eminem, Andre 3000, bone thugs n harmony and the fuschnicks for their different Flows and originality. (Of course the Greats Big, 2pac, Jay Z & Nas)

Question #2: Name some artist that you would like to work with in 2012 since we’ve just entered a new year?

I honestly would love to work with Chris Brown or Trey Songz on an R & B feature.

Question #3: Describe your style in 3 words?

Passionate, determined, Confident.

Question #4: What can people look out for coming from you this year?

More Music, More Videos, More pictures, my goal is to keep the consistency going; I also will be dropping my 2nd Mix tape TBA.

Question #5: Tell the people something they wouldn’t know about James Cruz.

 I never worked a 9 to 5 job in my life.

Question #6: How do you feel about the current state of Hip Hop right now?

Hip hop is at a great state right now , some say it’s dead but I just think it’s changing and opening up different lanes for everyone , You have your lyricist , Hip pop Artist ( Hip hop mixed w/ pop ) , GangstA rap , story tellers , Swag rappers …etc. ( The list goes on but I don’t think anyone should limit them self to just one thing ) But you should know which lane is yours and make it your main one .

Question #7: What’s your favorite album of last year and what album are you looking forward to this year?

Watch the throne was my favorite album this year just the overall production and of course the great artist, when you can go through a whole album without skipping a song you know it’s a classic.

Question #8: Speaking of albums what’s the first album you ever bought?

 The First album I bought myself was N.O.R.E by Norega , which had ” Banned from TV ” , ” I love my life ” , and  ” Super thug” on it . I wasn’t a album collector at first but my older brother purchased every album that ever came out, But yea the first album I purchased was N. O. R. E

Question #9: Do you plan on becoming an international rap artist? If so how do you plan on taking your rap career international?

Yes I do plan on becoming an international recording artist, if there is a way to perform on the moon then I want to do it. And I plan on taking my career international by keep building my fan base and keep making good music.

Question #10: Describe “DOPE” and what it means to you in your own words for our Dopeness Magazine audience.

“DOPE ” means something is cool.