Ramon “King Tito Love” Cruz

Written By Ramon "Tito" Cruz
Close up headshot of Tito, a Black, Dominican man with a thin mustache, wearing big black shades, a red Yankees snapback cap, and a gold chain over a red t-shirt.

Tito was born in the Dominican Republic and spent his early years traveling between the island and Brooklyn. He studied to become a bassist, earning several consecutive spots in the All-City Orchestra and entrance to the Gifted and Talented program of Erasmus Hall High. Tito was shot 7 times at the age of 22. A founding member of the Reality Poets, he is featured in the group’s debut album, OPEN DOORS Reality Poets Vol.1, and performed in their original play FADE. Tito passed away in fall 2024.

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Ramon "Tito" Cruz

I grew up in the ‘80s in Bushwick, when it was the murder capital. As a young guy, I went to a public school. My dad was a music teacher. When I was 22, I was shot in the leg. When I came out of the hospital, my mom said, “Stay home. You need to rest your leg.” But I didn’t listen. When I tried to get back at the guy who shot me, I was shot 7 times. For hours, I was on the ground, praying. I stayed alive, but I lost the use of both my legs.

We need to educate people about the consequences of gun violence. Kids are left without a father. Kids never get to grow up. Life can be beautiful without violence! Stay focused and live your life, I tell them. Life is what you make of it. I was dying to die. Now I’m dying to live.

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Andres “Jay” Molina