UTK or Universe The King, is an American rapper, producer, and actor. Born in Los Angeles, California via Leimert Park, UTK began his music career at Crenshaw High School in 2002 under the alias "16 BARZ" releasing numerous street albums/mixtapes.
UTK's unique style of music gained the attention of many major labels including Interscope & Def Jam amongst others, and even landed him in the studio with LEGENDS LIKE Dr. Dre AND ZAYTOVEN. Although UTK has never been signed under any major contracts his resume includes being a BET Music Matters artist (2014), touring with the Vans Warped Tour (2013), along with opening for mainstream artist such as The Game, Nipsey Hussle, YG, 1500orNothin and more all in sold out venues. As a rising artist in a new era of music, UTK is considered to be a driving force in bringing back the essence of creativity to the mainstream all while competing with many of his peers and the platinum selling artist who came before him.
His first album under the alias UTK, M.U.S.I.C. Volume 1.6, was released in 2013 along with 4 visually creative music videos was the catalyst for bringing UTK to the eyes and ears of many. The videos, which are considered short films, gained a combined 425,000+ views on youtube and were featured on numerous media outlets online. Since then, UTK has more than quadrupled his fan base whom expect great things to come in the future. His project, Feels Great To Be Dope or FGTBD (2014) added to the already growing buzz online upon the release of the song "Talk To Em" featuring Ab-Soul and Loaded Lux. Since then, UTK has been featuring on every major hip-hop websites and blogs.
In 2015, UTK released the street single "FTSU" which was also produced by UTK and earned numerous spins on Internet radio stations such as Home Grown Radio. From the success of the single, UTK was able make his television debut performing on Revolt TV live (2015 pilot episode). Months later he would become the host of the 2016 Road To BETX show on BET alongside rapper The Game.
In 2018, UTK won the Craft Syndicate music mentorship contest and collaborated on "Hierarchy" with Zaytoven & THE LATE GREAT Nipsey Hussle. after 6 months of depression over the death of Nipsey Hussle, UTK got a sudden burst of inspiration to write and record a 33 track album titled FGTBD2; the follow up to his 2014 release, “FGTBD”, that would introduce the world to Universe, The King. The project has 27 original tracks and 6 “messages” that add to the positive energy that flows throughout the project.
THE REST OF THE STORY IS STILL BEING TOLD.....Stay tuned #FGTBD
