T U K O

Tuko, was born in Los Angeles, California and raised in the Inland Empire where he began working on his writing and singing skills at the very young age of nine. Early on, he was mentored and coached by his older sister who is an acclaimed and award winning songwriter and performer. Her hard work, dedication and overall success inspired Tuko to work even harder to dive deep in to becoming a confident and well-rounded artist.

After graduating from college, his tireless pursuit of perfecting his craft finally paid off when he teamed up with Jarryd James as well as his cousin Tamika Smith and formed the group Tha Boogie whose name and popularity grew rapidly. The group traveled across the nation performing for small and large audiences alike. Less than a year after the trio was formed Tha Boogie caught the eye of Raphael Saadiq and soon after signed to his label, Velma Records. Although the group had achieved great accomplishments like being featured in several issues of Rolling Stone Magazine, the greatest accomplishment for Tuko was having the opportunity to perform in Paris, France with his group as the opening act for Raphael Saadiq on his sold out tour.
"I put an image of the Eiffel Tower on my vision board and less than 3 months later, I was flying out to Paris to perform, wild."

Having a timeless and legendary figure like Raphael Saadiq as a mentor and witnessing his humility and consistent support, outside of his stardom and achievements has really influenced Tuko throughout his career. This experience as well as his spiritual foundation has really taught him to stay focused on being true to his artistry as well as being the very best version of himself. The hope and possibilities of today strengthens him to work harder for the new possibilities of tomorrow.

With mile stones under his belt such as touring the US, Europe and writing for his mentor Raphael Saadiq, Tuko starts the next chapter in his career as a solo artist, with the groundbreaking and vital to new music release of his EP I&U (Infrared and Ultraviolet). Combining his Urban, Rhythm & Blues and Alternative influence I&U serves up radio-ready hits like Pay Roll, Poisonous Tradition and Ready For The World. The core of the EP has heartfelt songs entitled Prince Sh*t, and 2020 AD, ending the EP with an ode to himself entitled God Speed which takes you on the journey through his life and who he has become today. Tuko has an intrinsic and uniquely creative perspective which translates in to the ability to paint his and his fans world through his bright and vibrantly colored life-look at the world beyond the obvious and develop an opinion that truly inspires your outlook, attitude and actions.

Tuko is inspired to influence as many as he can through his artistry by uniquely expressing his ideas through creative "sounds and visions" as he calls it. He is a genuine person who is down to earth, passionate and totes a laid back demeanor which you will be naturally drawn to