New York City’s South Bronx has long been known as a hotbed for music, with icons such as Jennifer Lopez and Romeo Santos emerging from its vibrant streets. Today, a new generation of artists is rising from this culturally rich neighborhood, aiming to leave their own mark on the music industry. Among these artists are two Dominican-American brothers, CRILL & CLOS, who have been captivating listeners with their unique blend of musical genres and bilingual lyricism. Born and raised in the South Bronx, the duo has been heavily influenced by their Dominican heritage and the diverse sounds that surrounded them growing up. Their journey, from recording casual verses with friends to developing professional tracks, is a testament to their dedication, passion, and natural talent.
The Origins of CRILL & CLOS
CRILL (Chris) and CLOS (Carlos) didn’t just stumble into music; it’s been a part of their lives since childhood. Their stage names came about organically, bestowed upon them by friends and family. CLOS is a natural evolution of “Los,” which was short for Carlos, while CRILL emerged from a chemistry class, where a friend playfully shortened Chris to “Crill.”
But beyond the nicknames lies a deeper connection to music. The duo’s father was a member of La Línea, a Spanish music group active in the late 90s and early 2000s. It was through their father’s musical endeavors that CRILL & CLOS were exposed to the ins and outs of the industry at a young age. They literally grew up on music, and the money their father made from performing helped to support their household. This early exposure, combined with the diverse musical landscape of New York and their Dominican roots, laid the foundation for the eclectic sound the brothers now produce.
Their upbringing in a Dominican household meant that CRILL & CLOS were constantly surrounded by a variety of genres and languages. From traditional Latin music to hip-hop and R&B, the brothers soaked it all in, and it’s no surprise that their music reflects this wide range of influences. As CRILL & CLOS matured, so did their passion for music, eventually leading them to experiment with songwriting and production in their teenage years.
A Serendipitous Start
The duo’s musical journey officially began one day when they teamed up with a friend named TREVTRILL. On a whim, they found a beat on YouTube and laid down a verse. What started as a spontaneous collaboration soon turned into something much more serious. From that point on, CRILL & CLOS dedicated themselves to improving their craft, refining their sound, upgrading their equipment, and, most importantly, having fun throughout the process. Over time, their hard work paid off as they began to gain traction with their music, catching the attention of listeners and fellow artists alike.
Embracing Diversity in Music
CRILL & CLOS are not content with simply following trends in the music industry. Instead, they seek to bring back the diversity that once defined popular music. In an era where genre-blending is becoming increasingly common, the brothers stand out by seamlessly weaving English and Spanish lyrics, as well as incorporating elements of Latin music with modern hip-hop and pop sounds. As they put it, they aim to impact listeners on a deep level, offering not only entertainment but also a sense of inner peace through their music.
Their upcoming release, AMIGOS, is poised to be their biggest project yet. Set for release in late September, the song will be the duo’s first official Spanish-language single, accompanied by their debut music video. The song promises to showcase their Dominican roots while also highlighting their ability to transition effortlessly between English and Spanish, further solidifying their reputation as versatile artists.
By embracing their heritage and expressing it through music, CRILL & CLOS hope to break new ground for bilingual artists, showing that you don’t have to choose between one language or culture when creating music. Instead, they believe that the fusion of languages and genres can result in something truly special, appealing to a broader audience while staying authentic to their identity.
The Road Ahead
For CRILL & CLOS, the release of AMIGOS marks a new chapter in their careers. They have big plans for the future, including more international collaborations, festival appearances, and even radio interviews. But beyond the individual success they seek, the duo is also committed to creating a platform for other diverse artists to share their voices with the world. They envision a musical landscape where bilingual and multicultural artists can thrive, pushing boundaries and challenging norms in the industry.
Promotion and fan engagement are also at the forefront of their plans. CRILL & CLOS are teaming up with professionals within the music industry to elevate their production quality and deliver high-quality content to their audience. Fans can expect to see more interaction from the duo, whether through social media, live performances, or interviews. They are determined to make their mark not just as musicians, but as cultural ambassadors who can connect with listeners on a global scale.
Connecting with the Fans
As CRILL & CLOS prepare for their official launch, they remain focused on their mission: to engage with their listeners and impact their lives through music. By creating songs that resonate on both a personal and cultural level, they hope to foster a sense of connection with their audience that goes beyond the typical artist-fan relationship. Their music, with its mix of genres and languages, offers something for everyone, and the brothers are determined to use their platform to promote diversity and inclusivity within the music industry.
The release of AMIGOS is just the beginning for CRILL & CLOS. With more projects in the pipeline, including their debut music video and plans for future releases, the duo is ready to take their careers to the next level. Their passion for music is matched only by their drive to succeed, and it’s clear that they have the talent, determination, and vision to achieve their dreams.
To follow CRILL & CLOS on their journey, fans can connect with them on Instagram at CRILL & CLOS, as well as their individual accounts: CRILL and CLOS.
With their sights set on global recognition, CRILL & CLOS are ready to make their mark on the music world, one bilingual hit at a time.
