Meet Hickman L.A

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hickman L.A.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Hickman. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I grew up in Highland Park, a historic neighborhood in northeast Los Angeles. Highland Park built a reputation as a mecca for artists with trendy shops & galleries, which always sparked my creativity. At 14 I took my mom’s Tupac CD “Me Against The World”, and that’s when I decided that I really wanted to start writing raps. By 15, I was full-fledged writing songs. My favorite rapper is Lupe Fiasco and through him I learned how to listen to Rap in a complex manner. I actually met him when I was 15. He saw my rhyme book, signed it and took a picture with me. I expressed to him that Hip Hop would be dead when he retires, and he replied “Na, cause you going to be doing it.”. From there on in, I took Rap seriously. I then attended Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, AL.

Although there was an almost non-existent Hip Hop scene, I was able to make connections with another aspiring artist. After a while, opportunities for me to open for major artist started to arise. It started with Kid Ink, then DJ Paul, Pastor Troy, Skooly, Wale, and Juicy J. All at Tuskegee AND the biggest schools in Alabama (University of Alabama & Auburn University). I knew if I could take advantage of a smaller market and still make moves, then I could do it in a bigger city. So, 2015, I graduated, got a job with my degree and moved to Atlanta. I knew this would be the perfect place to start, because ATL was not only dominating the industry but ATL also accepts and appreciates every genre of music period. Since my arrival, I have built a solid network, team, and buzz amongst the indie scene. I’ve performed at some solid events and booked A3C 2019. Everything is looking up and I’m looking forward to mastering my craft in this market and beyond.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It hasn’t been bad but it hasn’t been easy. It took, and still takes, a lot of patience. I’ve been blessed to not have many struggles or issues in my personal life. I have an amazing support system made up of family and friends. Musically, the hardest part has simply been connecting the dots, which takes timing and execution. Luckily, I have built a network that can provide all the tools I need to elevate. I just have to take advantage of my resources and make the right plays to take it to the next level.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
Hickman L.A. can be described as WEST COAST, lyrical, motivational, competitive, crafty, witty just an overall wordsmith. I often get compared to Kendrick, Lupe, Cole and Nipsey. I’m mostly known for insightful bars over a variety of sounds and flows, mixing it all together with West Coast flavor. What sets me apart from other artist? I believe it is my perspective and my articulation.  I look at the World through a completely different lens than most and I explain what I see in ways that others can’t.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was really into music and basketball at an early age. My mom is a Hip-Hop head, so that’s where I get my taste from. Basketball made me really competitive. My friends and I would catch the 81 city bus to different parks just to play whoever was there. I enjoyed video games, and the internet. MySpace and LimeWire were the two things that really help me practice writing and study my favorite artist. I’m an only child, so I made family-like bonds with my homies and homegirls. Have always loved talking to my friends about their views, experiences and goals.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @realhickmanla
• Facebook: Hickman L.A.
• Twitter: @realhickmanla

Image Credit:
Adrian Thomas (ADT Images), Larimar Media

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