Street Talk: Riskie Forever
In this week’s ‘Street Talk,’ JJ Anderson speaks with Riskie Forever, one of three painters signed to Death Row Records. That’s right—Death Row signed a variation of artists including rappers, producers, and painters. During his early years, Riskie started off working in coloring books and then quickly transitioned to city walls. While graffiti was on the rise, so was air brushing; and Riskie took note of this new fashionable craft and made it his own. He later opened up a booth at a local mall where he was able to earn some money after school, and hone his craft.
The young entrepreneur started getting recognized. Other young artists in the area took note of his unique airbrushing style, and eventually after he built up his portfolio, fellow Compton, CA native and Death Row Records founder, Suge Knight, took an interest. Riskie was then given his first assignment: the album insert for Tupac’s All Eyez On Me. From there, Riskie was brought on to complete the cover art for one of the most memorable and important rap albums of all time, Tupac’s Makaveli: The 7 Day Theory. Now a household name, Riskie went on to collaborate with a list of West Coast artists including Nate Dogg, Snoop Dogg, Tha Dog Pound, and Daz Dillinger. Much like the type rappers he’s worked with, Riskie’s art is a reflection of life in LA. Although the painter is thankful for the inspiration that the street of Compton provided him, he continues to reach for higher levels of success at the start of each day.