About

 

 

Los Angeles born MC — West Up

Hickman L.A. (Keith Dwayne Hickman Jr.) is a Los Angeles–born MC whose artistry blends West Coast lyricism with the consciousness and imagery of Lupe Fiasco. Inspired by 2Pac’s emotional depth and competitiveness, he uses “competitiveness, hunger, and fearlessness” to craft witty metaphors and bars. When he met his idol Lupe Fiasco in 9th grade, the hip‑hop legend told him that one day he would be creating hip hop music after Lupe retires — a moment that pushed Hickman to take his craft seriously.

At Tuskegee University he built a loyal following and released his debut mixtape, Just A Start: Reconstruction, which earned high praise from peers and hip‑hop aficionados. He later formed the underground rap group Classic Kings with Houston MC Ghost Plato, touring across colleges and opening for artists such as Hurricane Chris, Pastor Troy, Kid Ink, Skooly, Wale and Three 6 Mafia.

Now based in Atlanta, Hickman L.A. channels his journey into music that heals communities and sparks dialogue. His signature greeting “West Up” invites fans into his world, and his mission extends beyond music — he raises awareness and donations for racial justice causes and encourages fans to support local businesses and strive for equality.

Mission – The Movement

- Elevate & Empower: Use music to heal and uplift communities, giving voice to stories from Los Angeles, Atlanta and beyond.
- Keep It Real: Deliver thoughtful lyrics and fearless flows while staying true to hip‑hop’s roots.
- Champion Social Justice: Raise awareness and support for racial equity and small/local businesses.
- Build The Movement: Create a global community where fans feel part of something bigger — join The Movement.
- Honor Hip‑Hop’s Legacy: Pay homage to influences like 2Pac and Lupe Fiasco while inspiring the next generation of artists.

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