Episode #127 -Miguel KulturaMiguel Kultura, a Mexican American musician, rapper, and producer, has defined his voice in the beats he produces and the stories in his rhymes. Growing up in San José, Miguel loved hip hop, funk, and soul music. His interest in music led him to work with BAMN, By Any Medium Necessary, a South Bay collective of creatives in music and film production. The experience he gained from working with BAMN served as a tangible outlet for his creative voice.

As a rapper and producer, he considers his work in music and with his community as the role of a ‘light seeker’ devoted to telling stories about the positive influences of Indigenous and Chicano cultures. His songs, typically performed in Spanish, are meant to weave together parts of his life with the broader experience of the Mexican American communities in California. Core to his lyrical content is delivering a positive message that he hopes can heal hardships and highlight the strength in humility.

Miguel’s latest release, Estilo Chicano, is a heartfelt expression of the strength, joy, and style found in Chicano car culture. Estilo Chicano celebrates low-riders and the pride in a community guided by a common interest.

In this conversation, Miguel shares the motivation that he has found in adversity, his journey of self-discovery, and the importance of representing positivity in his work.

Follow Miguel Kultura’s latest release on Instagram @miguelkultura and explore his website for an inspirational inventory of merch, albums, and more. Estilo Chicano is now available on Spotify.

Featured in issue 11.1, "Sight and Sound" 2019.