Adriel Cruz Interview: He’s refused to let standard industry categories define his artistic output. Over a career spanning more than two decades, the multifaceted creator took on roles as a rapper, singer, producer, comedian, speaker, live performer, and fashion designer.
“I’ve had the privilege of communicating hope and entertaining people for the past 22+ years,” Cruz shared. “Throughout that journey, different people have come to know me in different ways. Some know me as a rapper, a singer; others as a producer, speaker, comedian, live performer, social media personality, fashion designer, creative director, or simply a personality. I’ve never felt confined to one lane because creativity has always been the language God gave me to connect with people.”
Whether performing live, thrifting, or speaking at national events, Cruz pursued a one objective across every medium.
“I’m chasing the same goal: to create moments that leave people with more hope than they had before,” he explained. “God has opened doors I never could have orchestrated, from Billboard-charting music to songs featured on Netflix and speaking at conferences across the country. Every opportunity has reminded me that He’s the One behind every moment.”
Reaching the End of Self and Dismantling Perfection Culture
That overarching desire for impact directly birthed his new single, “I Don’t Know About You.” The track originated during a quiet season where Cruz realized how easily good things became substitutes for his walk with God.
Listen to the track here.
“We all have a tendency to look to people, success, relationships, or certainty for the peace that only Christ can provide,” Cruz stated. “When some of those things were stripped away, I was left with a simple question: Where am I really placing my purpose, my heart, my hope? That’s where ‘I Don’t Know About You’ was born. It’s a song about reaching the end of yourself and realizing that Jesus isn’t just part of the answer. He’s the answer.”
The track featured a new vulnerability: “I’m not alright.” Cruz used the lyric to directly challenge the toxic perfectionism that often plagued faith-based spaces.
“I believe honesty is where healing begins and I believe it means way more than a polished speech or position of perceived perfection,” Cruz emphasized. “So many can unintentionally create a false perfection culture because of the burden or demands of being a leader worth following. Saying, ‘I’m not alright,’ isn’t a confession of defeat or soaking in sorrow as easy as that can be. It’s an invitation for God to meet you where you actually are.”
Stewarding Influence and Evolving the Sound
Despite leading World Renegade Music, securing Billboard chart placements, and gracing national stages, Cruz refused to let external accolades dictate his self-worth. In fact, his biggest internal struggle involved fully recognizing the impact of his own platform.
“I don’t naturally measure my life by accomplishments,” Cruz reflected. “Billboard, speaking opportunities, different milestones—I’m grateful for them, but they honestly don’t define me. Ironically, I think my bigger challenge has been recognizing the influence He’s already entrusted to me. Sometimes my own thoughts about myself can become smaller than what God sees, and He has to remind me that people are being impacted in ways I don’t always recognize.”
Looking forward, “I Don’t Know About You” is marking the opening of a fresh creative era. Cruz is preparing to unveil a refined sonic direction he’s developed over ten years.
“Stylistically, I will be evolving into a sound I’ve been working on for the past decade,” Cruz revealed. “I’ve been writing from a much deeper place than I ever have before, which is also new to me. These songs I’ve had in the archives aren’t just ideas. They’re things God has been walking me through personally over recent years.”
He added, “I’m also excited about future creations as I am open to collaborations, getting back on stage, speaking opportunities, and continuing to create content that helps people hope more, smile more, believe more, dance more, or laugh more.”
This Adriel Cruz interview was sourced from Jubileecast. He is a member of Infiltrate Music.
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