Meet Hickman L.A. | West Coast Hip Hop Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hickman L.A. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hickman L.A., where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m from Highland Park, a neighborhood in Northeast Los Angeles. I was born in 1992—the same year as the LA Riots—and grew up a ‘90s kid all about hip-hop, superheroes, action movies, and fighting games. My mom raised me on her own with a lot of help from my grandma. She introduced me to Hip-Hop at a young age, and being from LA, Tupac was naturally my favorite rapper.

Growing up where I did, I had to learn enough street politics to make it home safely every day. At the same time I went to 32nd USC Visual and Performing Arts Magnet, which gave me an outlet for creativity and self-expression. That mix of street smarts and artistic exposure shaped how I see the world—made me adaptable, independent, and appreciative of culture and storytelling. Everything I grew up around, from music to my environment, played a role in making me who I am today.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart is my authenticity—I stay true to who I am, my story, and my sound. I’m not trying to fit into a mold or follow trends. Everything I create, from my music to my visuals, reflects my real experiences, influences, and emotions. All while representing Los Angeles in my own special way.

I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve built something real with my music. Seeing people connect with my songs, share my work, buy my merch, and support me—it means everything. I’m excited about what’s ahead because I know I’m just getting started.

Getting to where I am today hasn’t been easy. This journey has been full of ups and downs, but I never let the setbacks stop me. I’ve had moments where I questioned everything, but I kept going because I believe in what I do. One of the biggest challenges was staying motivated when things weren’t moving as fast as I wanted. But I learned that consistency, patience, and surrounding myself with the right people make all the difference. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with talented producers like Black Metaphor and collaborate with notable lyricists in the community like Headkrack, which has pushed me to sharpen my craft even more.

The biggest lessons I’ve learned? One, no one is going to hand you anything—you have to put in the work. Two, stay true to your vision, because the right people will connect with your authenticity. Three, appreciate every supporter, every opportunity, and every moment of growth. And four, build genuine bonds with your network. Relationships in this industry shouldn’t just be about business—they should be about respect, trust, and mutual support. That’s what creates real longevity.

At the end of the day, I want the world to know that The Hickman L.A. brand is all about passion, persistence, motivation, and purpose. My music isn’t just about making noise—it’s about making an impact. And I’m here to do just that.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting LA for a week, we’d hit up some classic spots like In-N-Out, Venice Beach, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, plus do the Hollywood Sign hike for some epic views. I’d take them on a drive through Highland Park, Downtown LA, and South Central to show the real vibe of the city. We’d grab some tacos from local taco trucks, visit Santa Monica Pier, and spend a day at Universal Studios. I’d also take them to Moon Canyon by my house, then finish off the night at the Barcade on York for some fun. Would probably find an open mic to hit and a studio to record in as well. They gotta meet my LA homies too!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Beyond family, I have to give a huge shoutout to my team and the people who keep me going.

King Ace – My photographer and videographer since day one. He’s been there capturing the vision and making sure my visuals match the energy I bring.
Alan Z – A fellow artist who leads by example with his relentless work ethic. He’s always looked out, lending a hand to keep my dreams alive, and I can’t thank him enough for that.
Boy Lucca – The man behind my sound. He mixes, masters, engineers, helps produce—basically makes sure my music hits the way it should.
And of course, all my fans, friends, and followers – The ones who listen to my music, share it, tell people how dope I am, and keep buying my merch. You all keep me motivated, and I wouldn’t be here without your love and support.

Website: https://linktr.ee/realhickmanla

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realhickmanla

Twitter: https://x.com/realhickmanla

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBeUIGG_L00t7BYow4Kv5uQ