Meet Billie Essco | Contemporary Artist

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

Hi Billie, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
Im from Buffalo, NY. It’s a small city in Western New York that is very unique, rural, community based but also very segregated. Its a place were race is very prevalent but also blends in a very interesting way when it does come together. Growing up in Buffalo was interesting because it was very fulfilling as a child because of the tight knit, close proximity community but as you grew older you realize how many ordinary resources and outlets did not exist within the city limits. Being from Buffalo also gave you a unique perspective on how to participate within the greater mass of culture. We had to forge our own style as a city and as individuals in the city because we had no cultural identification as “BUFFALO”. It taught me how to be myself no matter where I was at.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Uptown Chase, internationally known as Billie Essco is a contemporary artist, musician and designer from Buffalo, NY. The
“man of many names” has been one of the leading forces in the
surging renaissance of Buffalo arts and culture over the past 10
years, garnering a plethora of accolades, collaborations, and
achievements that mirror’s a heroes epic.
Born and raised in the Eastside area of Buffalo, the 30 year old jack
of trades has been no stranger to turning trials into triumph using
passion and creativity to generate solutions. While attending
Lafayette High School, Chase traded in his hoop dreams and
aspirations to be a lawyer for a microphone and a tye dye kit to
pursue a passion that vibrated within him deeply.
After continually being on the forefront of innovative fashion
trends, Chase decided to start selling his own ready made t shirts he
designed with shabby art supplies and a keen eye for color usage. In
that same vein, Chase’s cousin and frequent collaborator
Camoflague Monk had started a music group where Chase was
asked to join only after his older cousin heard him rap just one time.

Astound by his talent, Monk helped nurture the young talent of
Essco and his ever expanding curiosity for everything art and
culture. His duality as an artist transcends into the reality of his life
and story. His lyrics paint an descriptive image of every level of
what he believes in; social injustice, freedom of art and expression.
His fashion delves in the same ethos channeling urban style through
a couture lens.
Essco has gone on to receive two college degrees; Criminal
psychology and fashion design with a minor in art history, a
discography of music spanning 9 Solo projects and a Billboard
Charting song “327” featuring Grammy award winner Tyler The
Creator, Joey Badass and Westsidegunn. The song “327” has
garnered over 33 Million plays on Spotify alone which was inspired
by a trip to Paris Fashion Week, where he alongside Alvin
Westsidegunn Worthy were invited by the late great Virgil Abloh to
attend the last Pre COVID runway show of legendary brands Louis
Vuitton and Off White.
With all the accolades and triumphs the most humbling thing about
Mr. Cobbina is that he has been able to maintain a child like inner
aura and purity for his art that has resonated with many, young and
old, liberal and conservative and all in between. His role as a
community leader and activist is taken with the upmost pride and
consideration for the future for not only his legacy but the legacy of
his city which raised him.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If Im in LA with some friends who never been first thing first we gotta go to Roscoes. Its cliche but its classic. Obama Special with a Sunrise extra ice. Im not a super big fan of LA food because the best spots our all the way in Inglewood or by the beach but a few places I like is Comfort LA, La La’s Argentina Grill, and Uncle Paulies and the FRY MAN or Fry Guy idk what its called but they do seafood topped French fries and its amazing. Im usually in the studio while I’m in LA so shoutout to Neighborhood Watche for making all my studio bookings smooth. Silverlake is like the Williamsburg of California and shoutout to Compassion Care Givers and anybody that stock real MARATHON OG. Also the last great bookstore is an oasis.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Alisha Collins, Brand manager for CAFE+CZEN and all around GOD Sent Angel.

Website: www.CAFECZEN.com

Instagram: Uptownchase

Youtube: www.youtube.com/Billieessco

Image Credits
Main Photo (Blue) – Yves Blanc Conway & Hov – Jawad MadeInNewYork Yellow Hat – Akil Kirkland Fur Baby – Migella Acrossi Beret Lady – Steven Luang