I AM

WOKE3

He/Him/Woke // Raised in North (Norf) Nashville, TN

Bachelor of Science with concentrations in Studio Art and Graphic Design

Tennessee State University 2016

My journey as an artist started in 2006 when I first saw a graffiti piece my brother Keep3 was sketching in his blackbook. Before then, graffiti wasn't even on my radar—but that moment shifted everything. Growing up, my brothers were heavily into Hip Hop, especially graffiti and rap. Through them, I discovered artists like Lupe Fiasco, diving deep into albums like Food & Liquor and The Cool. The energy in that music, combined with my newfound love for graffiti, sparked something powerful within. I realized I didn't just want to paint walls—I wanted to speak through them, connect meaningfully with my community, and leave an impact.

Before graffiti, art never felt like a serious path. Sure, I drew comics and sketched characters, but drawing was just something I did for fun or to pass the time. Creating always came naturally, but I hadn't considered what it could truly mean. Then graffiti hit me hard. The culture instantly grabbed hold, especially as my musical tastes expanded to artists like Lupe, Jay-Z, and 2Pac. Their music taught me that art needs substance, something deeper beneath the surface.

Now, every public piece I paint feels like speaking through a loudspeaker. I'm always asking myself: What do I want to say? What needs to be said? The message behind my work has become my priority. I approach my art with a "Goku mindset"—always striving to level up, sharpen my skills, and push my creativity further. But growth isn't just about improving technique; it's about deepening my connection with myself and my surroundings, and being intentional in every expression.