Some people spend entire lifetimes figuring out what they were meant to do in life. In contrast, others are born with apparent enthusiasm toward a particular interest. In the case of rapper Dustin Terrell Cruze aka D.T.C, hip-hop music has always been a part of him for as long as he can remember.
Born Dustin Terrell Cruze in Knoxville, Tennessee, D.T.C always had the natural gift for wordplay. Together with his friend back in 2012, young D.T.C would fill their neighborhood streets with freestyle rap for hours every day after school. He carried his passion throughout high school and made music with his friends. The rapper also performed with several groups in his teenage years.
D.T.C was creating his music wholeheartedly, but it took quite some time to pursue music ultimately. “I also had a notebook I would jot notes in, but I wasn’t ready to let the world hear it,” confessed the rapper. Nevertheless, his lack of confidence did not hinder him from creating captivating tracks. By the end of 2018, the rapper’s name reached social media platforms as some of his friends were recording his impressive freestyles on their phones.
It was in 2019 when D.T.C finally stepped inside a professional studio to record his tracks. He recorded 10 singles in a recording studio called Studio Snack. The rapper compiled all ten of his incredible singles into one album. He released them as his debut album entitled Debut Tapes on July 31, 2020. After years of perfecting his craft, D.T.C captured listeners with his track as soon as it hit significant music streaming platforms. It was then that he reaped the fruits of his labor and gained notoriety in his hometown.
Since his debut, D.T.C has been known for his unique flow, incredible wordplay, and creative lyrics. He has topped local music charts and is ready to take his talents to greater heights. The rapper is pushing boundaries with his music. He aims to leave a lasting impact on music lovers across the globe.
D.T.C is inspired by Mac Miller, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Drake, Dreamville, Royce da 5’9, and KOTA the Friend. He aspires to be as successful, if not even more, than his idols. Furthermore, the rapper dreams of collaborating with big names in the industry to grow as an artist and reach wider audiences.
Asked what motivates him to stay on top of his game, D.T.C cited his family. “I grew up in a single-parent household,” said the rapper. He witnessed his mother struggling to make ends meet by working several jobs. D.T.C grew up on food stamps and community food drives. Throughout his difficult circumstances, music became the rapper’s constant companion. “Freestyling and writing were my outlets to escape the harsh reality of poverty,” said the rapper.
Today, through his success in the music industry, D.T.C is paying back his mother and grandmother for all their sacrifices. Taking care of the two most important women in his life drives him to create more meaningful music. “They are my inspiration to why I’m pursuing this so strongly,” confessed the rapper.
Indeed, D.T.C possesses an unmatched dedication and talent that separates him from the rest of the pack. Among the industry’s noise, the rapper’s music fills the void for the need for fresh voices paired with humility.
To learn more about the rapper D.T.C, visit his Instagram page and listen to his tracks on Spotify.
