Carlos Leos

Carlos Leos was born in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the third child of Clarese, a single mother and U.S. military veteran from Virginia. He was offered his first professional opportunity at about the age of 13, and after high school, Carlos pursued his passion for music, writing and producing across the Texas music scene. Performing under the stage name Dub U. B., he wrote and created tracks for himself and other Texas-based artists. In the early 2000s, he founded 820 Rydaz, a regional collective with members representing the North, South, East, and West, a compass of distinct styles.

The group gained traction with local performances and eventually caught the attention of Latium Entertainment, Atlantic, and Warner Music Group. Carlos continued the journey with fellow artist Nuno ("The North Star"), collaborating with and working alongside renowned acts such as Swishahouse, Dope House Records, Baby Bash, Grimm, Capone, Immortal Soldierz, and many more. After a standout show at the Dallas Hard Rock Café, the legendary Buddy Miles became the Rydaz's manager, launching the duo into wider recognition with their unreleased hit "Fresh Ta Death."

While filming the music video, Carlos was cast in a small film role, a pivotal moment that ignited a new love: acting. He was soon signed on for multiple indie film roles, starring in projects like Serial Rabbit, Barrio Angelz, Cartel Killaz, Last Blood, and V.O.S.O.T. His filmography also includes the 2X Emmy-winning documentary The Social Dilemma, and award-winning titles such as Lady Lawman and The Tag Conspiracy. From there, he began writing his own stories.

In 2012, Leos' first novel, Dark Shadows From Within, was published, which was the beginning of a literary journey that has since expanded into multiple acclaimed titles. With consistent output nearly every year, his stories have evolved into screenplays and short films. His early ventures into fiction were encouraged by family friend and New York Times bestselling author Andrew Vachss and music legend Buddy Miles.

Today, Carlos writes, produces, directs, and stars in his own projects under his production company 3Wize Media, while actively mentoring youth and building arts-focused programs in under-served communities. He sits on the board of New America Schools and contributes to health, fitness, music, acting, and writing curricula across many regional high schools.