Hip Hop, Graffiti
and a life sentence
OG Natal, also known by the alias
MC Time, is a versatile artist with a rich history in the hip-hop scene. He has been involved in the music industry for many years, collaborating with notable figures from both the West Coast and East Coast hip-hop communities. His work spans across various projects and collaborations, showcasing his skills as a lyricist and an artist deeply rooted in the culture of hip-hop.
For those interested in exploring OG Natal's music and contributions to hip-hop further, his works are available on platforms like Soundcloud.
In the ever-evolving tapestry of hip-hop, few artists carry a story as compelling and deeply rooted in the genre's foundational elements as OG Natal. Beginning his journey into hip-hop in 1981, influenced by a family connection to the DJing scene, OG Natal's early exposure to the vibrant world of music was not just through the beats that echoed from the ghettoblasters in the streets of Wattsville, California, but also through the diverse sounds of rock, soul, and the myriad of tunes the radio offered.
From the concrete canvases of graffiti art to exploring the depths of his Native American heritage through his current artistic endeavors, OG Natal has lived a life that mirrors the very essence of hip-hop: resilience, creativity, and the unyielding power of voice. His transition from MC Time to OG Natal is not merely a change of moniker but a profound evolution of identity, inspired by a moment of solidarity with a protester's declaration of indigenous identity, "Soy Natal," meaning "I'm native."
Yet, beneath the surface of his artistic journey lies a narrative marked by a harrowing chapter of injustice. Convicted and sentenced to a 16-to-life term in an American prison for a crime where his only fault was a stoic adherence to a code of silence—born out of a deep-seated mistrust in a system historically skewed against non-white individuals—OG Natal's story is a stark reminder of the systemic issues that plague our society. His resilience through three failed appeals and the eventual overturning of his sentence after 21 years showcases not only his indomitable spirit but also a critical commentary on the criminal justice system.
OG Natal's insights into the spiritual and cultural practices that have shaped his outlook on life and art provide a unique lens through which to view his work. His experiences with sweatlodges, despite being curtailed by his asthma, and his profound respect for the rituals of daily life and the significance of prayer at dawn speak to a deeply ingrained reverence for the
natural and spiritual world.
As OG Natal continues to explore his roots and express his multifaceted identity through music and art, his story stands as a testament to the transformative power of hip-hop. It's a narrative that not only chronicles the journey of an artist finding his voice in the cacophony of the world but also serves as a beacon of hope and resilience for those navigating their paths through the shadows of adversity. OG Natal's legacy, etched into the annals of hip-hop history, is a poignant reminder of the genre's capacity to echo the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of those who dare to speak their truth.
