Wedged among the many quirky local shops on State Street is one business that caters to an underrepresented but ever-growing hip-hop scene in Utah. For 15 years, Uprok Art Supplies & Clothing has been a staple in promoting authentic hip-hop culture in Salt Lake, providing a means for all the best local and national acts, DJs, breakdancers and graff artists to find their gear and showcase their talents.
Current owner Chase Jensen bought the store back in 2006, and has seen it grow from a tiny downtown record shop to an expanded and more diversified store at its current location on 1594 South State. The walls are stocked with music, magazines, DVDs, DJ equipment, skateboards, even graffiti art supplies including fingertip adapters and rows of every shade of paint imaginable. In the back are two separate vinyl and screen printing shops where custom-made Uprok stickers and clothing are printed on-site. There is even an in-house recording studio for talented locals to record their own rhymes.
Among other projects nearing completion is an old-school barbershop, and a dedicated fine glass art and supplies room. Events include the annual “Park Jam” at Liberty Park, the classic B-Boy battles and DJ jams every First Friday.
For more information on their events and promotions, stop by Uprok across from SLCC, or check them out at uprokslc.com, on their Facebook page: facebook.com/UprokHipHop, or Instagram and Twitter feeds: @Uprokhiphop
