Exclusive: In The Studio With Nocando

Los Angeles’ underground hip-hop community has many voices, but none louder than that of Nocando. With a style representative of the California attitude – being described as brash and confident while also being laid back – the emcee’s raps are unpredictable, funny and often lean toward social commentary. Having collaborated with artists such as Aceyalone, Murs and Abstract Rude, Nocando has earned the respect of peers, veterans and newcomers alike. And as the host of Low End Theory every Wednesday night in L.A., monthly in San Francisco and quarterly in Japan, he gains new fans every time he hits the stage.

Photographer Gari Lamar Askew II was able to capture some awesome images of Nocando in his element as he touched up on some vocals he did from a prior session. The two chatted about his upcoming album, being an emcee and life as a family man before Nocando had to split and go apartment hunting with his wife.