Christian Crosby: The 2024 United Masters SelectCon Winner & Modern-Day Renaissance Man Making Waves in the Industry
From manifesting his debut on Wild N’ Out to building a name in the music industry through UnitedMasters, Christian Crosby's journey is a masterclass in resilience, creativity, and self-empowerment. Growing up homeschooled in South Jersey, he was taught the importance of purpose, a principle that shaped his career across multiple industries. His versatility as an actor, musician, and media personality has earned him the title of a modern-day Renaissance man, engaging audiences from NBA arenas to streaming platforms like Netflix and beyond.
Making Waves Across Platforms
Crosby has showcased his talent in various domains, including his role as the in-arena host for the Philadelphia 76ers and his appearances in productions like Adam Sandler’s Hustle and Abbott Elementary. But his passion for music stands out, as he crafts songs infused with messages of self-love and positivity.
“I think there’s a responsibility to create music that uplifts people. My single Insecure, for instance, is about embracing who you are and understanding your worth. I try to make music that people can relate to, something that gives them strength.”
UnitedMasters: Empowering Artists
Crosby’s partnership with UnitedMasters has been instrumental in his career. As the 2024 SelectCON Winner, he has gained both exposure and creative control over his music, a privilege often missing in traditional record label setups.
“Performing as the SelectCON winner and being accepted by Steve Stout and the Atlanta crowd was everything. I felt like I was recognized for my hard work with UnitedMasters and I have had a massive uptick in streams since that performance. It was just all around an amazing experience and being co-signed by UM was a great feeling.”
Crosby’s journey has been fueled by relentless passion, consistency, and determination—qualities he believes are essential for any aspiring artist. “UnitedMasters allows you to call the shots and the opportunities are endless. With that being said, you need to prove yourself and stand out among thousands of artists. Work hard, be loud, and create your own opportunities.” Crosby advises aspiring artists to take charge of their careers without waiting for validation. “Don’t wait for anyone’s permission to put your music out there. Take action and stop holding back.”
Seizing Opportunities: The Wild N’ Out Experience
In 2023, Crosby got the opportunity of a lifetime—a chance to audition for Season 22 of Wild N’ Out. Without hesitation, he flew to Los Angeles, determined to leave an impression on Nick Cannon and his team.
“It was intense, but that’s what makes it exciting. When I got there, Nick Cannon and some of the best rappers and entertainers in the game were all in the room. If you have a special gift or talent, you have to own it. They want to see someone who’s comfortable in their skin—someone who can fail well, succeed well, and stand out. You have to be vulnerable and put everything on the line, and that’s what I tried to do. It wasn’t just about showing my skills; it was about showing who I am as a person.”
This experience not only marked a career milestone but also validated Crosby’s hard work. It deepened his respect for the craft and his fellow performers, reinforcing the importance of grit and determination.
Collaborating with DJ Jazzy Jeff
A pivotal moment in Crosby’s music career came in 2021 when he met DJ Jazzy Jeff. This chance encounter transformed into a mentorship and creative partnership, resulting in over 50 songs, including fan favorites like Anyway and 1984.
"Living at Jazzy Jeff’s place, we called it 'Camp Magnificent' because he’s The Magnificent DJ Jazzy Jeff. It was more than just making music—it was a challenge and a learning experience. I remember writing 1984 in just a few hours after hearing one of his beats,” said Crosby. “After I finished it, Jazzy told me he loved it. But we didn’t have a name, so I asked him, and he told me we need to name it '1984.' I couldn’t agree more, it was the best time and from RUN DMC to LL Cool J to even him and Fresh Prince. It felt right to name it that."
Jazzy pushed Christian to tap into that old school flow, forcing him to step up and adapt his style. It was all about growth, and that’s what made the experience so powerful.
Rooted in Community
Despite his growing success, Crosby stays grounded and connected to his roots. A significant moment in his career came when Red Bull invited him to perform at the Red Bull BC One Cypher in Philadelphia. For Crosby, it was more than just a performance; it was his city accepting him as a musician.
“Supporting my community has always been very important to me. Performing at the Red Bull event was special because it was my city recognizing me not just as an entertainer but also as a music artist.”
The performance featured hits like Aww Yeah, Insecure, and Real Estate, and a collaboration with Philadelphia legend, Freeway. The energy was electric, marking a new chapter in his journey.
Advice for Aspiring Artists
Christian Crosby continues to innovate while using his platform for meaningful impact. He emphasizes that success has no singular path and that aspiring artists should focus on action over perfectionism.
“The key is to take action and not let perfectionism hold you back. Seek feedback, stay grounded, get out of your comfort zone and remember that it takes more than talent—it takes persistent drive.”
Reflecting on his journey, he advises his younger self: “You already have all the answers—start now and be brave. Your intuition will guide you, and the only way to get there is by moving forward.”