Aj Mercedes

Adelfy Jose Mercedes Matos (24 February 1992, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic), known artistically as AJ Mercedes, is a Dominican singer, songwriter and dancer who primarily sings in Spanish. His journey into music began at the early age of 7 when music manager, Evi Ponce, gave him advice that solidified his desire to become a musician. As a child, AJ would sing at various family affairs and public events throughout Dominican Republic. In 2006, AJ began participating in several national and international Dominican television dance shows as well as being part of a country-wide dance act called The Professional Dance (directed by Miguel A. Arias). At 15, he emigrated to the United States of America where he attended High School of World Cultures in the Bronx, New York, and was chosen as the school's principal dance choreographer for the graduation performance of 2009. During his time in high school, AJ mainly focused on dance and was even given the opportunity to dance on Mi TRL on MTV3 for several consecutive weeks. Although he recorded a few songs throughout high school, AJ returned to singing and songwriting full-time after graduating in 2009. In 2010, AJ partnered with a relative to create Mercedes Productions Group (MPG), which produces and directs local acts, music videos and films. In 2011, AJ Mercedes was hired as the co-choreographer for D-Elements Music Group under the Maybach Latino print. This role involved working directly with many artists from the Spanish speaking market as well as entertainers, dancers and promoters from the NY tri-state area. In 2012, he worked with Golden Pen Studios to record his first bachata single, "Piensalo Mejor" alongside various Latin Grammy and Billboard nominees. Shortly after the single had gained a wide-spread popularity in Latin America, Europe, and Africa. AJ took some time off from music as he relocated to Canada and began to focus on his religious aspirations. In October, 2013, AJ came back to the United States and began a club tour through the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area with Mercedes Production Groups and Golden Pen Studios. By the beginning of 2014, he joined Flow Time Records in New York City, where he began to add a new genre to his repertoire. AJ continued to enhance his career by collaborating locally and internationally with other recognized artists, bringing more awareness to the unique talents of the Latin community. After his Mixtape "Cartas al Corazon" debuted in November 2014, AJ continued to work alongside popular Latin and American artists. In 2016, AJ Mercedes released a joint mixtape alongside friend and artist, Arez Flow, entitled "High Life" which blends popular English and Spanish music styles together. At the beginning of 2017 AJ announced a new album release scheduled for July 9th titled "Lobrego Amor." This project includes the new harmonic and writing styles adapted by the "Spanish Trap" movement taking place in Latin America & the Spanish speaking world. Along with the 9 track album, he is scheduled to release a mixtape called "EvoL XeS" produced by long time friend and producer Arez Flow.