Netflix's "LA Originals" Features Two Chicano Hip-Hop Legends

On April 10, Netflix will showcase a new unscripted documentary, focusing on two well-known Chicano artists who transformed the landscape of LA's hip-hop scene. "LA Originals" will introduce viewers to Mister Cartoon, a tattoo master artist; and Estevan Oriol, a celebrated photographer/director.

The documentary will delve into the conquest of the two Los Angeles natives, and how they became legends in the world of hip-hop.

"LA Originals" is a scrutiny of the "culture and landmarks of the Chicano and street art movement" that propelled Mister Cartoon and Estevan Oriol's prominence as "behind-the-scenes hip-hop legends," according to Netflix.

Netflix released the trailer on April 1. Watch it here:

The documentary film touches on the friendship and ingenious partnership of the two legends and how they built their empire, highlighting their Chicano pride. A graffiti writer at the beginning, Cartoon found himself shifting to tattooing. He gained widespread popularity when he inked his works on hip-hop biggies such as Eminem, Snoop Dog, Dr. Dre, and 50 Cent.

Oriol, on the other hand, was on tour as a photographer with the Beastie Boys, No Doubt, the Fujis, and Limp Bizkit during the '90s. He said in the preview, at that time, "Hip-hop was new."

Cartoon and Oriol met several decades ago. Their friendship was built on the common denominator of Chicano culture and LA as their home base. Together, the two established Soul Assasins (SA) Studios Global, a lifestyle-marketing agency. The company has partnered with big companies such as Microsoft, Nike, Vans, Stussy, Harley-Davidson, among others.

On the trailer, it will be seen how Cartoon's career began and his transition to the tattoo world. A clip is shown with the artist inking Eminem. It said in the preview that Cartoon was the first one to do so for Eminem.

For Oriol, Snoop Dogg said, "If you ain't get shot by Estevan, you got a weak photographer."

Oriol himself directs "LA Originals", which is written by Brian Maya and Omar Quiroga. Aside from appearances of the duo, it will feature interviews and other scenes with Snoop Dogg, Kobe Bryant, Eminem, Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, Michelle Rodriguez, Pharrell, Cypress Hill, Blink-182, Wilmer Valderrama, George Lopez, among others.

One of Mister Cartoon's tattoo work of art
One of Mister Cartoon's tattoo work of art Official website of Mister Cartoon

The Tattoo Master

Mister Cartoon is a Chicano born and raised in Los Angeles. Art is his passion; he started at an early age. He became a graffiti artist; soon after, he drew murals, album covers, logos, and eventually, he ventured into tattooing. His black and grey and fine-line style became synonymous with street life in LA. His list of clientele includes (apart from those mentioned earlier) Kobe Bryant, Beyonce, Travis Baker, Justin Timberlake, Slash, YG, and Method Man. Other athletes bearing his works are Amarie Stoudemire, CC Sabathia, and Carlos Boozer.

Cartoon had also worked for corporations by creating their logo design and branding. He had collaborations with Nike, Vans, Stussy, Diesel, T-Mobile, Upper Playground, RockFord Fossgate, and Toyota.

Celebrated Professional Photographer

Estevan Oriol started as a hip-hop club bouncer and became a tour manager for LA-based rap groups. Influenced by his father, famous photographer Eriberto Oriol, he began his photography career while on the road.

In the portfolio at his official website, it is stated that his photographed clients include Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Dennis Hopper, Ryan Gosling, Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, Snoop Dog, Floyd Mayweather, among others. He has worked with known companies for their shooting campaigns, such as Cadillac, Nike, and others. Apart from designing album covers, Oriola directed music videos for Eminem, Cypress Hill, Blink 182, Snoop Dog, and Xzibit.

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Eminem, Snoop Dogg, 50 cent
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