Tony Sunshine
Tony Sunshine (born April 23, 1977 as Antonio Cruz in the Bronx, New York) is an American R&B singer, songwriter, musician, producer, voice actor, dancer, actor, entrepreneur and rapper of Puerto Rican descent, famous for singing on many Terror Squad's songs.[1] He sang on tracks such as Cuban Link's "Still Telling Lies", Fat Joe's "All I Need" and Big Pun's "100%". He released his own single on Jive Records titled: "Oh My God" featuring Diddy and Dirtbag in 2004.
Tony Sunshine | |
---|---|
Birth name | Antonio Cruz |
Born | New York City, New York, U.S. | April 23, 1977
Genres | Hip hop, R&B |
Occupation(s) | Recording artist |
Years active | 1997-present |
Labels | Jive |
Associated acts | Terror Squad, Fat Joe, N.O.R.E., Heavy D, Mr. Serv-On, The Beatnuts, Big Pun, Donell Jones, Joe, Jennifer Lopez, Ashanti, Remy Ma, Just Blaze, Dr. Dre, Showbiz, Buckwild, Rockwilder, Younglord, Knobody, Sean C, Irv Gotti, L.E.S., The Infinite Arkatechz, |
Biography
Raised in the Bronx, Tony was taken in at the age of 13 by Big Pun, who attempted to secure a recording contract for the teen. He took the name Tony Sunshine, and eventually became a member of Terror Squad. Big Pun was like a big brother to Sunshine, also respected and understood his unique talent.[2] Tony has collaborated with R. Kelly, Ginuwine, T-pain, Fabolous and Capone-N-Noreaga.
Music
Tony Sunshine has sung vocals for Big Punisher on songs like "100%", "Laughin at You", and "My Dick". He has also appeared on some of Fat Joe's songs including "TS Piece", and "All I need". Terror Squad's debut album entitled Terror Squad was released in 1999, Tony Sunshine appears on several songs on that album also. Tony Sunshine working with music producer Aytekin storch,
Fat Joe was able to finalize a record deal for Tony in 2005 with Epic and Sony BMG. Tony Sunshine was released from Sony BMG in May, 2006 and was signed to Urban Box Office. In November 2006, UBO folded, leaving the future of Tony Sunshine's 2007 debut release uncertain. Tony released "She's Like The Wind", that featured fellow New York artist Lumidee. There is an English version and a Spanglish version.
Tony Sunshine finally left Terror Squad in June 2008. Stated on a Myspace blog:
Everybody keeps asking me why I am no longer down with the Terror Squad. To answer everyone's question, let me start by saying that there is no beef. I left Fat Joe's camp like a gentlemen. I wish him and his family nothing but the best. But it was time for Tony Sunshine to stand on his own two feet and become a leader of his own movement. So now I'm a free agent. But I recently signed a management deal with Darrin 'Dee' Dean. The C.E.O. of Ruff Ryders Entertainment. And the rest is about to become history. I have a new road manager, d.j., street team, etc. So expect to see a new and improved Tony Sunshine for 2008. This is going to be my year. Not my summer! Dee has me currently working in the studio with producers like Swizz Beats & Neo Da Matrix. So expect new hot music from Tony Sunshine very soon. I need my fans to understand that I was going through a lot of industry bullshit. And that is the reason you have not heard new music from Tony Sunshine. But it is 'FINALLY' over. And I 'FINALLY' got the clearance to do me. And that's exactly what I'm going to do.
In 2010, Tony was signed to Jive Records and is preparing his first full-length album with productions from Swizz Beatz and T-Pain. His first single "Say Hey" was released in July 2010 and was produced by Swizz Beatz.
Fast Forward to 2015, Tony has just released his new comeback mixtape where he skillfully blended R&B and Hiphop. Working with different producers and exploring his sound, his new mixtape "No Filter" has gotten acclaimed reviews on blogs, and online print. It is rumored that Tony is now working on a brand new LP with original material.
In 2016, Tony Sunshine reunited with Fat Joe and the Terror Squad. Tony Sunshine is working on a solo EP scheduled for release in late 2017, as well as highly anticipated joint ventures.
References
- Birchmeier, Jason. "Biography: Terror Squad". Allmusic. Retrieved 26 November 2010.
- DubCNN Interview
- "Tony Sunshine – It's Going Down (DD35 Exclusive)". BallerStatus.com. May 7, 2015.