By: Amen Sterling/ Natprivalova
Tony Sunshine is the pioneer of the melodic wave that the rap game is riding high upon. Bronx’s very own Tony Sunshine has been an innovator in hip-hop with his Latino R&B, Rough Brother roots. His voice and talent earned him a spot as one of the original Terror Squad members on Fat Joe’s rap collective after being heard once by Joe. The name behind the polarizing voice wasn’t always the case. Initially, he went by the moniker, Lupe after he lost his belt during the shoot of Fat Joe’s “Keep it Real” video. His belt replaced onset, would have the name Lupe inscribed, and it became his alias then on. It was around Big Pun’s Source interview where he referred to Lupe as “Tony Sunshine” and the rest is history as we know it.
Tony Sunshine gained recognition for his distinctive and flavorful voice, able to harmonize melodies and rhythms into his flow in a way no one could replicate. His style and sound were among the originators of melodic rap that has now become a stable for artists alike. He was living in the future before the future even knew how to live. His talent shined among collaborations with his fellow Terror Squad allies on projects like their mixtape and notable track on Big Pun’s second album “Yeah Baby.” The song in question, “100%” became a statement of how versatile an artist Tony evolved to be. It adds to the legacy of the late Big Pun and remains a diamond in Tony Sunshine’s extensive catalog.
With his recognition growing, Tony has had the pleasure of working along with some of the music’s greats, and they the honor of working with him. Tony Sunshine has since continued to create music, while alongside his wife used his success and status in the industry to give back to his community, sending care packages to those in need. Tony would suffer a deep loss in December 2020 with the passing of his mother. In memory of her life, he in turn dedicates his life’s work to her and memorializes her legacy in his #WANDASSON movement.
TONY SUNSHINE SITS DOWN WITH HOST OF PEPTALK DE'MOLAY TO TALK ABOUT HOW HE CAME UP WITH HIS NAME "TONY SUNSHINE" HOW HE DIDN'T LIKE IT AT FIRST
As 2021 progresses Tony Sunshine is planning the release of a lot of new music for fans, with the intention to break into the Spanish Reggaeton market as he continues to influence the hip-hop community. Tony Sunshine has always been a beacon in the music industry and continues to shine upon hip hop with his talent. Follow his movement and fall in love with his music via the links: