El Paso, Tex. native Artson made the leap to the West Coast in 2010 to further pursue a career in Hip Hop. It’s there he linked up with likeminded artists Zumbi of Zion I, Rakaa of Dilated Peoples and producer Jake One, who all pop up on his latest video for “War Cry.”
“My brother Aambush hit me up about the collab with Artson,” Zumbi explains to The Source. “I heard about the track and caught the vibe immediately. I was also excited to finally collaborate with Rakaa.”
According to a press release, “War Cry” reflects a man in transition, awaking to a greater purpose through Hip Hop, but still walking the narrow line between his street life past and his dream of a better future.
The Chicano-Native American emcee has been on this path for years. In 2002, he opened a recording studio and created and his own record label, Death Valley Entertainment, which consisted of himself and three other artists. Two years later, Artson released his first solo album, Save the World, If Only I Could. It was a deeply personal and emotional album, but failed to garner much critical acclaim.
Shortly after, creative differences and personal disputes surfaced within the Death Valley camp, leading Artson to return to the studio—this time on his own. Around then, he threw all of his energy into b-boying. His dedication to the dance led to his initiation into the legendary and world famous Rock Steady Crew and Style Elements.
Currently residing in Los Angeles, he continues to travel throughout the world performing and giving back to the community by throwing b-boy competitions and Hip Hop festivals designed to educate the youth about Hip Hop culture and preserve the arts.
Artson is also preparing to open an urban trading post in the heart of downtown Long Beach, Calif. called H.O.M.E., a Hip Hop and holistic lifestyle boutique celebrating indigenous traditions, new age wisdom and modern multiculturalism. The flagship location is expected to open in May 2016.
