Today we’d like to introduce you to L.A Eyekon.
We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Born and raised in the EastSide of Los Angeles, been rapping since middle school. Around 2008/2009 picked up a camera by accident at a party and jokingly told the owner I could do this shit… Next day I bought a camera (nikond60) Based on me already rapping and knowing countless others, I started doing photoshoots which led to me doing more and more…
Decided I could charge more if I interview them on a camcorder (Sony handycam). At some point, I was hired to do behind the scenes for Jay Rock of TDE, Mack10, Gangsta L and Glasses Malone Music Video. I recorded them rapping etc… I asked them to email me the song to soundtrack the behind-the-scenes. Low and behold I accidentally synced the footage to the music and I realized I could make a music video. Bought the Canon t2i which at the time was the first dslr that recorded hd video (2009). Since then I’ve filmed over 1700 videos if they are Latin and have had any relevance I’ve worked with them. From kid frost to King Lil G to your cousin who got his income tax returns and thinks he can rap… I haven’t had another source of income for atleast a decade and I’m blessed to say that.
It’s been a long journey, with some funny stories, one to name was once very early on maybe 2011 a rapper named kdot from compton needed a music video, at the time I was firm n only coming out for 350… he only had 250… I didn’t go film… kdot is now known as Kendrick Lamar lol. I’ve seen a lot of people come and go. The music industry is def not for the weak. If you see somebody doing well even on an independent level, just know they have gone thru some shit in this game. On the brighter side, I have been able to see very many places and things. I’ve been to New York, The Bay, Texas, Chicago, Seattle, Miami, Puerto Rico, Cancun, Cabo, Mexico City, Guadalajara, Culiacan, and Ciudad Obregon to name a few places I’ve been for music videos.
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?
I’ve been blessed with knowing a lot of people, so it’s only as smooth as you make it, there’s always gonna be rough patches when your self employed but it’s how you whether the bullshit and move forward that counts. In a decade, I’ve had a few days where I had to go do some hard labor to make sure I was able to feed the fam but of course a week or two later I’d get flooded with videos. If I can foresee it being a rough month ahead I’ll pull a few tricks out the sleeve to generate new clients or make some old ones book lol.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Semi successful rapper for a small period of time well-known Photographer/Music Video Director/Editor.
I don’t really care about being an artist anymore, I’ve signed countless autographs been tagged with my posters on kids’ walls etc. had packed shows sing along with my lyrics cashed checks from distribution companies, got bonuses from the label… I’ve seen it I did it… cool lol
Camera-wise, when the music was up or down this remained the bread and butter… My prices are always competitive my quality is usually scene a a different price point, but not everyone can see that price point and still afford other shit so… I pride myself on being available to most budgets… We make dreams come true over here lol.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I’ve learned that hustlers gonna get money, the rest will not… my business was unaffected by the pandemic. As I type this I’m covid positive recovering from a dislocated shoulder… I probably got covid from the hopsital when they put my shoulder back in the socket smh. I’ve traveled sooo much during the pandemic and the 2-3 times I’ve gotten it have never been during work. Smh shit is crazy. And I’m the one people make fun of always wearing a mask always alcohol-ing my hands etc. lol.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Eyekon.Online
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/LAEyekon
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/EyekonTV
Image Credits
Ken Hollis
