Meet Tommy Clark of Tommy Sketch in South Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tommy Clark.

Tommy, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I go by the stage name Tommy Sketch, inspired by my love for art and drawing. I’m from Los Angeles California, the fourth child of six from a single mother. I began rapping at the age of nine. I wrote my first raps on a hospital bed inside a coloring book while being admitted for sickle cell anemia. I was diagnosed as an infant. I have been recording and producing my own music since I was 15 and also filming and editing my own music videos.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Fighting with sickle cell has been my greatest struggle. Sickle cell anemia is a blood deficiency where my blood cells are shaped like a sickle or a banana. As the cells clog the veins a lack of oxygen in the blood forms causing severe pain. While juggling instability, homelessness. Sometimes sleeping on the streets. It was easy to trigger a sickle cell crisis.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am an artist and a brand. I produce and arrange my own music, film and edit my own music videos.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is simply secured happiness, confident joy.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: instagram.com/TommySketchy
• Facebook: facebook.com/TommySketchy
• Twitter: twitter.com/TommySketchy

Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.