Meet Anthony Lyons | Music artist, Tattoo artist, Founder of Mr. Vegan Taco, Visual artist / muralist, and a Youth mentor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anthony Lyons and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anthony, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m from Los Angeles, California. Growing up in LA, I was surrounded by culture, creativity, and contrast. The city showed me both the beauty and the struggle—how to dream big but also how to survive when things get tough. That duality shaped who I am today. My background taught me to be resourceful, expressive, and community-minded. Whether I’m mentoring youth, tattooing, making music as MK Royale, or running Mr. Vegan Taco, I’m always pouring my roots and real-life lessons into what I do. LA made me versatile—and gave me a story worth telling.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is an extension of my soul. Whether it’s music, tattooing, food, or mentorship—I create from a place of experience, emotion, and purpose. What sets me apart is that I don’t limit myself to one form of expression. I rap, I cook, I ink, I teach—and it all comes from the same fire.

I’m most proud of building platforms where people feel seen, heard, and inspired. From running Mr. Vegan Taco to releasing music as MK Royale to mentoring youth in the community, everything I do ties back to culture, healing, and storytelling.

The road hasn’t been easy. I’ve faced doubt, financial struggles, and moments where I had to bet on myself when no one else would. But those challenges gave me character. I learned how to be resourceful, how to stay grounded, and how to keep creating even when things got heavy.

What I want the world to know is this: my brand is built on realness. It’s not about chasing trends—it’s about building legacy. My story is still being written, but every piece of art I create is a chapter meant to uplift, challenge, and connect with others on a deeper level.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting, I’d start by taking them to eat at Simply Wholesome. It’s one of my favorite spots in the city—great food, great energy, and a wide selection of health and wellness products that really set it apart. Another must-visit for good eats is Beyond Vegan—the food is fire and it stays true to the plant-based lifestyle in a flavorful, creative way.

For something more immersive, I’d bring them over to Coin Academy. That space means a lot to me—it’s where I’ve done murals, recorded podcasts, and collaborated with some amazing creatives. It’s a hub for culture, learning, and expression. Whether we’re creating or just soaking up the energy, there’s always something powerful happening there.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, I want to give a huge shoutout to Juel PR for believing in my vision and helping elevate my platform. I also want to recognize my mentors James Jones and Stevie Ross—their wisdom and support have been instrumental in my journey. Much love to my manager Irene, who keeps everything in motion behind the scenes. Deep respect to my mother, Yolanda Johnson, whose strength and love built the foundation I stand on. And to my brothers, Andrew Lyons and Darren Choice, thank you for always having my back and inspiring me to keep pushing forward. This journey is ours.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4u_royale?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mk.royale.355334?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr

Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsQUV9Qhb4cyL508Mz0pWTLKv7a2_H7fe&si=xnPuf0V9JIEwFtTj