Tatool
Santiago Ruiz | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Tatool |
| Born | Santiago Ruiz July 18, 1995 |
| Origin | Tucumán, Argentina |
| Genres | Latin urban music, hip hop, R&B, electronic music |
| Occupations | Record producer, songwriter, artist |
| Years active | 2019–present |
| Label | Auforia |
Santiago Ruiz (born July 18, 1995), known professionally as Tatool, is an Argentine record producer, songwriter and artist. He has worked on urban music projects with artists from Argentina and other countries. His collaborations include productions for Trueno, Nicki Nicole, Milo J, Tiago PZK, María Becerra, Eladio Carrión, Bad Gyal, Peso Pluma, Gorillaz, Sebastián Yatra, and Sean Paul.
He has received awards and nominations at the Gardel Awards, the Latin Grammy Awards, and the Grammy Awards.[1]
In 2025, he received two Latin Grammy nominations and accumulated fourteen nominations at the Gardel Awards.[2]
Biography
[edit]Early life and education
[edit]Santiago Ruiz was born on July 18, 1995, in Tucumán, Argentina. During his adolescence, he developed an interest in music and later began producing music independently, using digital tools.
Before pursuing a career in music full-time, Ruiz earned a degree in Business Economics from Torcuato di Tella University.[3]
Career
[edit]Beginnings (2019–2020)
[edit]Tatool began his career as an independent producer, creating instrumentals and working with emerging artists. During his early years, he developed his productions from his bedroom at his parents' house, using the technical resources available to him.
In 2019, he began working at a recording studio, where he met Argentine rapper Trueno. He subsequently participated in the production of the album Atrevido (2020), one of his first projects to receive widespread exposure within the music industry.
Breakthrough and development (2021–present)
[edit]Following the release of Atrevido, Tatool continued working on urban music projects and participated in the production of albums and songs by various Argentine and international artists.
His work as a producer has focused on the overall development of recording projects, participating in different stages of music creation and in the development of the sound of the artists with whom he collaborates.
In addition to his work as a producer, he has released material as an artist and songwriter. His releases include the single "Lo que pase", recorded with Trueno.
Between 2020 and 2022, he was part of Trueno's live touring band. He subsequently focused primarily on record production.
He also founded the record label Auforia and developed Croma, an event concept associated with electronic music and audiovisual experiences.
Style and influences
[edit]Tatool's productions incorporate elements of Latin urban music, hip hop, R&B, and electronic music. His work is characterized by the use of melody, synthesizers, and sound design techniques.
In his recording projects, he often works on developing a specific sonic identity for each artist, combining acoustic, electronic, and digital elements.
Discography
[edit]As a producer
[edit]Tatool has participated in the production of the following albums:
- Alma — Nicki Nicole
- Naiki — Nicki Nicole
- Atrevido — Trueno
- Bien o mal — Trueno
- El último baile — Trueno
- Turrazo — Trueno
- La vida era más corta — Milo J
- La melodía — Dani Ribba
- Gotti A — Tiago PZK
- Gotti B — Tiago PZK
Collaborations
[edit]He has also participated in projects by:
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Gardel Awards | Gardel de Oro | Bien o mal — Trueno | Winner |
| 2025 | Gardel Awards | Producer of the Year | — | Nominated[4] |
| 2025 | Latin Grammy Awards | Best Rap/Hip Hop Song | "Fresh" — Trueno | Winner[1] |
| 2025 | Gardel Awards | Various categories | Various works | 14 nominations |
| 2025 | Grammy Awards | Various categories | — | 2 nominations |
| 2026 | Gardel Awards | Producer of the Year | — | Nominated |
| 2026 | Gardel Awards | Album of the Year | La vida era más corta — Milo J | Winner |
| 2026 | Gardel Awards | Record of the Year | "Niño" — Milo J | Winner |
| 2026 | Gardel Awards | Best Folk Song | "Niño" — Milo J | Winner |
| 2026 | Gardel Awards | Best Singer-Songwriter Song | "Luciérnagas" — Milo J | Winner |
| 2026 | Gardel Awards | Best Urban Collaboration | "Gil" — Milo J and Trueno | Winner |
| 2026 | Gardel Awards | Best Hip Hop/Rap Song | "Gil" — Milo J and Trueno | Winner |
| 2026 | Gardel Awards | Best Concept Album | La vida era más corta — Milo J | Winner |
| 2026 | Gardel Awards | Best Hip Hop/Rap Album | EUB Deluxe — Trueno | Winner |
| 2026 | Gardel Awards | Best Live Album | Trueno: Red Bull Symphonic — Trueno | Winner |
| 2026 | Gardel Awards | Song of the Year | "Niño" — Milo J | Winner |
References
[edit]- 1 2 "26th Annual Latin Grammy Awards". Latin Grammy. Retrieved August 3, 2026.
- ↑ Gómez, Virginia Daniela (December 17, 2025). "La historia de Tatool: el productor tucumano que pasó de vender muebles a crear el sonido de Milo J, Trueno y Nicki Nicole". La Gaceta. Retrieved August 3, 2026.
- ↑ Terrazas, Lucas (June 1, 2024). "Es economista, vendía muebles y dejó todo para triunfar en la música: Tatool, el productor de Duki, Nicki Nicole y Milo J". Infobae. Retrieved August 3, 2026.
- ↑ "Ganadores 2025". Premios Gardel. CAPIF. Retrieved August 3, 2026.