Tko Toowavy’s story starts in St. Louis, but his upbringing would take him through different parts of the West Coast and ultimately shape the artist he is today. He moved to California at just two years old, and around the age of five or six, he moved to South Central Los Angeles to live with his grandmother. By the time he was nine, his mother moved to Las Vegas, where Tko Toowavy would spend much of his childhood and grow into the artist he is today.
Music became part of his life early. At just 10 years old, Tko Toowavy started making music, with his big sister helping him write his first songs. He grew up listening to some of hip-hop’s biggest names, including 2Pac, Ludacris, Lil Wayne and Snoop Dogg. Out of them all, Ludacris became his favorite and one of his biggest inspirations.
Growing up, Tko Toowavy spent plenty of time in the projects and around a neighborhood heavily influenced by gang culture. But he also found other ways to spend his time. When he wasn’t around the neighborhood, he could usually be found at the Boys & Girls Club or at the park shooting hoops. Those experiences became part of the foundation that helped shape his perspective and eventually his music.
One of the most important relationships from his childhood was with Dizzy Wright. The two grew up together and became extremely close, with their friendship feeling more like brotherhood. They stayed at each other’s houses, knew each other’s families and built a bond that has lasted through the years. That connection eventually carried over into music, including their record “Puff Puff Pass,” available on YouTube.
As an artist, Tko Toowavy describes himself as different. He considers himself a lyricist with a lyrical, high-energy sound, but he knows how to slow things down when it comes to making music for the ladies. He refuses to put himself into one box, moving across different genres while keeping his lyrical ability at the center of what he does.
His music has been recorded in different places throughout his journey. He recorded much of his music in Spokane, Washington, with his brother Cordell Drake, while also recording heavily in Las Vegas at Hitman Beatz Studio. Hitman Beatz has supplied many of his beats, while his younger brother Lit Pk has also recorded a large amount of his music out of Las Vegas.
Tko Toowavy has continued building his catalog while expanding his relationships throughout the West Coast music scene. His record “DeadHomies” with Yelo Hill is also available on YouTube, and he has more music on the way, including a record with SadBoy Loko.
On August 22, Tko Toowavy and Cordell Drake are set to release their upcoming mixtape, “WestCoast Antidote,” across all major streaming platforms. He also has several upcoming records with Bay Area legend Spice 1, along with another highly anticipated collaboration featuring both Mr. Capone and Spice 1. Having two legends on one track alongside Tko Toowavy is a moment he knows will be special.
Beyond the music, Tko Toowavy has built strong relationships through performing and touring. He gives a special shoutout to Mr. Capone, whose shows he hosts and who has shown him a lot of game throughout his journey. He also credits his manager Colter Bailey for helping take his career to another level.
With Bailey’s support, Tko Toowavy has been able to perform around 60 shows a year, meet major artists and tour alongside names including Mr. Capone, Lefty Gunplay, SadBoy Loko and Spice 1. For Tko Toowavy, management has played a major role in turning opportunities into real experiences.
He also gives credit to his mother for supporting him through the personal side of his journey, calling her a major part of his support system. Most importantly, he shows appreciation to his fans, especially the Raza who continue to support him and show him love.
