Daily Inspiration: Meet Orikal Uno

Today we’d like to introduce you to Orikal Uno.

Orikal, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started creating around the age of 13. Inspired by local graffiti writers in the Twin Cities, I pursued the craft which led to me becoming more involved in the hip-hop culture of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. Scrapping up whatever little bit of recording gear a young teenager could get their hands on, I was able to self-record and release my first full length album at the age of 14.

Nearly 20 years later, I am still actively painting custom canvases and skateboard decks for customers across the world, as well as producing and writing rap music for myself and artists I am inspired by locally in the Twin Cities as well as globally across the world.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not. I have faced backlash from the graffiti community for monetizing my art (have been called a “sell-out” countless times).

I brush this off and counter this with the fact that I am using a skill that I have personally developed and worked on my entire life to provide for my son and I. If that makes me a “sell-out”, then so be it.

On the music side of things, hip-hop is highly competitive. I have navigated the independent hip-hop world and have mostly learned by falling on my face and learning everything the hard way, from the actual production of music to the politics and relationships that keeps things moving for artists. Even with being in the game nearly 20 years, I am still learning many lessons.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an international artist that paints custom canvases and skateboard decks for customers ranging from private collectors to large corporations with a focus on vibrant colors and intricate lettering. An accomplishment includes having custom art in the reboot of “Punky Brewster” on the Peacock Network, as well as the FOX Network show “The Gifted” created by Marvel. I have also painted skateboard decks and canvases for many prominent rappers and major league athletes.

I am also a producer, writer, performing and recording artist of rap/hip-hop music with many released albums, collaborations, venues performed in around the US (including First Avenue in Minneapolis, Minnesota and the House of Blues in Los Angeles, California) and more. A recent achievement was Ice T retweeting and positively writing about the Muja Messiah song “Covid” that I produced, in which a lot of his personal audience was vibing with the sound.

My work ethic and relentless drive to create, improve, and constantly learn separates me from the rest.

Contact Info:

• Email: orikal@gmail.com
• Website: www.graffrootsmedia.com
• Instagram: orikaluno
• Facebook: orikaluno
• Twitter: @orikaluno
• Youtube: graffroots
• Other: www.orikaluno.com