Artist Spotlight: Get To Know Denver’s DNA Picasso
Photo by Andrew Ortega
If you know Denver hip-hop, you’ve probably heard the name DNA Picasso. If you haven’t, it’s about time you do. He’s not just another rapper trying to make noise; he’s a builder, a connector, and someone who’s been putting in the kind of groundwork that makes a whole scene stronger. Still, at the end of the day, DNA Picasso is exactly what his name suggests: an artist with range.
“The name started as a crafty way to use my initials and describe my versatility,” he tells me. “Nowadays when people hear my name, they come up with their own interpretations of my name and what it means to them. For me, it almost feels like my actual name. Most people don't even know my real name (even though you can do a simple Google search and find it in an article).”
His journey isn’t a straight line across a map. Born in New York, foster care was his first reality before he and his twin brother were adopted and moved west.
“I grew up in the I.E. (Inland Empire) and was inspired by Hip-Hop artists like The Game, Dom Kennedy, Kendrick Lamar, YG and Nipsey Hussle. Knowing where I came from, artists like 50 Cent, Biggie and G-Unit inspired me as well. I used to brag about my range in taste so when I moved to Denver, I feel like I brought my taste along with me. I moved to Nebraska after high school to run track in college. The significant thing about being there was how much time I had to lock in on music because of the lack of activity there for me outside of sports and school. Moving around has helped me experience other places and gain perspective.”
Photo by Andrew Ortega
That perspective roots him in Colorado now, and he carries the weight of its history.
“I think 5 Points absolutely means something to me creatively because of the vibrancy in the area before it was gentrified. To be honest, I never got to experience 5 Points during the time when it was referred to as The Harlem of the West. I only hear tales about it and have a personal interest in being able to preserve those stories and not let the history be erased. In terms of my favorite part of Colorado, it would have to be Aurora. I have lived here since 2009 and it's where I'm comfortable. Unfortunately, I can't point to one single thing at the moment but I have an appreciation of the history of Black musicians in Colorado and I want to be someone who contributes to the furtherance of it.”
That’s part of why he’s built more than just a catalog.
“The mission is to be the person I wish I had growing up. I realize how much I am living in abundance and how many people I have the ability to help. It makes me feel really good to contribute to the successes of other artists and give them space to be in their gifts. R&B Jam Fest was created to discover artists in that genre, give them a stage and create community. Aux Wars was created to give hip-hop artists a competitive event to test their chops and see what songs hit the hardest for people. I founded Colorado Music Industry Alliance to unite musicians, artists, venues, radio stations, and other music communities working towards raising the profile of Colorado’s music industry, so that we may use our collective power to achieve concrete results.”
Still, even with the connection of the scene and bringing everyone along with him, there’s work that feels personal.
“Working on my personal projects (albums, EPs, singles, music videos, rollouts, etc.) feel like it's just for me but I am also such a collaborator at heart that it's hard not to bring others into the creative process. The people around me do a lot for me too whether it's free/discounted studio time, producing my music for a royalty %, giving me free/discounted photo/video shoots or pitching for opportunities without asking for anything in return. I feel an obligation to pay it forward. I am working towards getting management and potentially label representation. Building my brand is my focus at the moment when it comes to myself.”
Photo by Andrew Ortega
That duality shows up in the music itself.
“The mood that I'm in at the moment of creation is what drives the shift in tone from song to song. I truly allow myself to be present in the emotion I'm feeling and create from that place.”
But being that open isn’t always easy he tells me.
“The hardest part of opening up like that is being emotional and vulnerable in a world that preys on vulnerability. My partner Dominique taught me long ago that my story is my weapon for me to use, not something that can be used against me.”
Step into the studio with him and you’ll see that balance of preparation and openness at work.
“The process for me in the studio is actually really cool. I allow myself to create 3 ways.
1. Prepared with songs written making the workflow much faster pace.
2. 100% spontaneous, meaning everything is from scratch allowing the creative process to feel a bit more in the moment.
3. A combination of 1 & 2, where I come with some general ideas or some bars written but I allow enough room for the magic to really happen.
No matter which route I choose to go down, I am married to nothing and am willing to change the cadence, flow, tone, melody, pitch, etc. at any moment in a session. I love giving other people pointers when they are recording and I also take pointers.”
Photo by Andrew Ortega
That collaborative energy extends beyond the booth as highlighted a little earlier in the interview. But DNA Picasso expands on the idea stating,
“I have a long list of artists who deserve the shine and recognition. It's hard to select just a few when I personally know hundreds. Artists who I have collaborated with or who have played R&B Jam Fest would probably be on that list for sure.”
Even with all the community love, he admits there’s still a fear and uncertainty that lingers when creating.
“Putting my music into the world, no matter how often I've done it. It's the sense of letting go and letting the world have their own interpretation of the music. At that point it’s theirs and how they use it, talk about it, etc., it’s solely up to them as a consumer.”
What keeps him grounded is simple though: “My family.” He jokes, “I need to find new hobbies outside of music but I enjoy working out.”
And what if you asked his younger self? What would he say about the DNA Picasso of today?
“If 16 year old me saw me today, he would be in disbelief. I NEVER thought that music was the thing that I would be doing. I figured sports was going to be my path and after that either teaching, coaching or both.”
Now that the path is clear, what can we expect from DNA Picasso in the future?
“EP coming this fall, more music videos, more collaborations, more shows, more moments, more memories. The next phase is team building and leveling up the brand.”
And when it comes to the legacy he wants to leave behind, he doesn’t mince words:
“I want Colorado to remember me as a top tier rapper coming out of the box, a mover and shaker who dedicated time and space to making a difference in our music scene and a respected businessman. I want people to talk about how I turned shit up, made a way for others and changed lives (others and my own).”
That’s Picasso’s vision; not just bars, not just events, not just hustle, but impact that outlives the moment. He’s thinking beyond charts, beyond the next drop, beyond even the city that raised him. Ten years from now, when Denver looks back on this chapter of its music story, DNA Picasso wants to be remembered as one of the artists who didn’t just rap about change, he actively made it happen. And if his current trajectory is any indication, that’s exactly what he’s on track to do.
All Photos By Andrew Ortega | All Rights Reserved
