Damian Tineo was born April 21, 1983 in the jagged neighborhood of the Castle Hill/Soundview section of the Bronx, New York. Late at night he would escape this world with his mother, as she would sing him to sleep. Before his mother’s untimely demise, she was able to see Damian at the age of eight years old, perform “Give Me One Star”. Her inspiration provided Damian fortitude and enabled him to deliver to the audience lyrics filled with soulful accounts of life’s hardships and a true grit reality.
By the age of nine and after the loss of his mother, Damian was raised by his grandmother and aunt in an environment nurtured by music. While in his youth Damian’s step-father, Kenny Bravo and his uncle Sergio George, allowed Damian to accompany them to the recording studios. Damian was appropriately titled “Qasuál” by playboi of stay focused entertainment due to his natural disposition and ability. Qasuál was fascinated by “watching the greats’ record and just wanted to get in the middle of the commotion”. Qasuál discovered he had natural talent and a penchant for singing and performing by the age of eleven that consumed him. In junior high Qasuál formed his very own jazz ensemble that performed personally for the school chancellor and special school events. Qasuál’s step-father then enrolled him in the Julia Richmond Talent Unlimited School Complex for the performing arts. This atmosphere allowed Qasuál to embrace music and he flourished by winning countless competitions and awards. Qasuál performed in many contests, charity events, grand openings, plays and musicals at venues as large as Carnegie Hall, BB King’s, Madison Square Garden and Giant Stadium to more intimate functions for celebrities such as Glenn Close, Sade and Bette Middler. By the age of 16, Qasuál had achieved stellar status by winning the Mi Gente contest and took first place in the New York State School Music Association All State Competition beating hundreds of other kids in the entire state of New York. The victory brought to Qasuál innumerable opportunities to illustrate his superior soul-singing credentials before the likes of President Clinton, Mayor Bloomberg’s September 11 Commemoration, Walt Disney’s 25th World Anniversary, Derek Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation and the Christopher Reeve Superman Foundation.
During his late teenage years, Qasual featured on radio commercials for two esteemed liquor companies; Bacardi and Alizé as well as performing on their Puerto Rican Day Parade floats. However, he hungered to get on stage and animate the crowds; he craved the stage and all the glory! Encouraged by close friend and mentor, Opera Steve, Qasuál began performing in local clubs throughout New York City and surrounding areas while still a minor. When he was 16 he performed at the legendary Jimmy’s Bronx Cafe and returned numerous times to include three tribute performances with Tony Touch and DMX honoring Big Pun at the “In Memory of Pun” shows. Gradually Qasuál began to build street credibility and a following which continues to grow every day.
With his increasing exposure, Qasuál found himself in demand and sought after by top-notch artists and producers for his vocal skills and his songwriting and arranging capabilities. Qasual has collaborated with artists such as Lumidee, Juganot, Trajik and the newest rapper kicking up dust in the Bronx, Capicu. Qasuál is featured on countless mixtapes by DJ’s Red Alert, Kurupt, Camilo and most recently DJ KG’s “Show Some Respect” (Trajik featuring Qasual) hosted by Nas Volume 3. During 2003-2004, Qasuál obtained many more accolades in his young career with his hit song “Puerto Rico” when it landed on Billboard’s charts for numerous weeks and received much radio play on stations such as Hot 97, 105.1, Z100 and 97.9. In that same year, “Puerto Rico” was the number one downloaded song on Lime Wire. Catapulted to instant recognition, Qasual was invited to perform twice at the Russell Simmon’s Latin Hip Hop summit with Zion Y Lenox where he awed the crowds with his incredible stage presence and fierce live performances!
Today, Qasual continues to perform live locally and is continuously in the studio battling his quest for perfection; honing his craft and reaching deeper into himself to deliver the music that today’s audience demands. Qasual’s use of skits, doubles, medleys and polyphonics; combined with his mesmerizing, soulful voice and grabbing lyrics always commands the immediate attention of the listener. Qasual delivers a hit every time, all the time and is now poised to release the project of the century: HIS.
