Danny Kirkpatrick is a talented artist from Compton, California, known for his work as a tattoo artist, rapper, and entrepreneur. He gained wider recognition on VH1’s Black Ink Crew: Los Angeles, where he opened IAM Compton, the city’s first official tattoo shop. His journey from early struggles to becoming a respected artist shows how determination and creativity can transform a life.
Kirkpatrick has been in a long-term relationship with actress Kyla Pratt since 2008. They share two daughters, Lyric and Liyah, and Kirkpatrick is also a father to a son from a previous relationship. Together, they have built a strong family while choosing their own path, showing that commitment doesn’t always follow traditional rules.
Danny Kirkpatrick Quick Bio
| Full Name | Danny Kirkpatrick |
| Stage Name | iAmCompton |
| Date of Birth | November 26, 1986 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 38 years old |
| Birthplace | Compton, California, United States |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) |
| Profession | Tattoo Artist, Rapper, Entrepreneur |
| Famous For | Founder of IAM Compton and star of Black Ink Crew: Los Angeles |
| Partner | Kyla Pratt (since 2008) |
| Children | Three (two daughters with Kyla Pratt and one son from a previous relationship) |
| Music Name Meaning | “Ink Art Music Compton” |
| Notable Clients | Nas, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Taraji P. Henson |
Early Life and Discovering His Gift
Danny Kirkpatrick’s artistic abilities showed up early in his childhood. His first-grade teacher called home after seeing his exceptional drawings. Despite this early recognition, Kirkpatrick didn’t view his talent as something special until much later in life.
While attending Dominguez High School in Compton, Kirkpatrick focused primarily on football rather than art. His path seemed set for athletics when he earned a scholarship to Lincoln College, where he majored in art. The combination of sports and art suggested a promising future, but life had different plans.
The Turning Point: From Scholarship Loss to Street Artist
Kirkpatrick’s life changed dramatically in 2005 when he lost his college scholarship due to a non-violent drug offense. Facing probation requirements, he received a stark ultimatum: show proof of employment or income within 30 days. A friend suggested selling his artwork, and Kirkpatrick discovered people would actually pay for his drawings.
His parole officer made the stakes clear about pursuing music. “Nah, not until you show proof of income, you can’t do music, rap, or nothing,” the officer told him, forcing a choice between art forms. This restriction pushed him toward tattooing as his primary income source.
In a 2019 LA Weekly interview, Kirkpatrick reflected on his artistic awakening. “When I was a kid, I didn’t look at drawing as a gift or something I could make a living at, but it was my own god-given talent,” he said. The phrase reveals his spiritual perspective on abilities discovered through adversity.
Building a Tattoo Career from Scratch
When Kirkpatrick returned to drawing after his legal troubles, he realized tattooing could transform his artistic talent into sustainable income. His training method was unconventional and speaks to his determination. He began by tattooing his own legs, using himself as a practice canvas before asking others to trust him.
Once confident in his skills, he convinced a friend to serve as his “walking canvas.” Kirkpatrick took to the streets of Compton, using his friend’s tattoos as a living portfolio to attract new clients. This guerrilla marketing approach worked because potential customers could see his work in motion, on real skin, in their own neighborhood.
Over time, Kirkpatrick became known for his clean line work and bold black-and-gray pieces that reflect Compton’s street culture and storytelling tradition. Many of his designs mix realism with symbolic imagery — portraits, names, and tributes that honor personal history. His style carries emotional weight, blending technical skill with heart, which helps explain why both locals and celebrities trust him with meaningful tattoos.
IAM Compton: Building Compton’s First Tattoo Shop
Kirkpatrick’s success as a tattoo artist caught VH1’s attention, leading to his casting in Black Ink Crew: Los Angeles, which premiered on July 30, 2019. The show followed his efforts to establish IAM Compton as a legitimate business and community space. By the first season’s finale, Kirkpatrick had secured a venue for what he proudly described as “Compton’s first tattoo shop.”
The shop’s mission went beyond commerce. As NBC News reported the venture as creating a “safe zone” in the city, using creative energy to make positive change in the community. This positioning as both business and community center reflects Kirkpatrick’s broader vision for giving back to his hometown.
Kirkpatrick credited his partner Kyla Pratt’s support as essential to the shop’s success. “I love that Kyla is here right now. Her support through this journey is everything. If it wasn’t for her, I don’t know that I would’ve been able to manage the shop,” Kirkpatrick told cameras during VH1’s Black Ink Crew: Compton Season 1. His public acknowledgment shows how their partnership extends beyond romance into business collaboration.
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Music Career: iAmCompton Identity
Kirkpatrick performs under the stage name iAmCompton, which he explained in a 2019 interview stands for “ink art music Compton.” The moniker integrates all three of his creative passions with his hometown identity. He’s been creating music since 2005, describing it as therapeutic during difficult times.
His debut album, New Comp City, was released in September 2015 through Roulette Media Records. In 2016, he released “I Do What I Want,” featuring the late Atlanta rapper Rich Homie Quan. Most recently, in 2024, he dropped the single “Lift Off,” showing consistent musical output over nearly two decades.
Relationship with Kyla Pratt: 16 Years Without Marriage
Pratt and Kirkpatrick met around 2008 in Gardena, California, where Kirkpatrick was living with two cousins while serving probation. One cousin, who was friends with Pratt, invited her over, leading to their first meeting. They connected immediately through humor and began dating shortly after.
Kirkpatrick admitted to VH1 that he wasn’t aware of Pratt’s acting career initially. “When people came up to me after we started dating and said, ‘you’re dating Penny Proud,’ I was clueless to what they were talking about,” he stated. His lack of knowledge about her The Proud Family fame meant their relationship started without the complications of celebrity dynamics.
The defining moment came when Kirkpatrick’s mother approved of their relationship. She told him directly: “She’s a good one. Don’t mess it up.” This maternal blessing carried weight for Kirkpatrick and validated his choice of partner.
Their Stance on Marriage: Defying Expectations
The couple has been notably candid about their decision not to rush into marriage, despite being together for over 16 years. In a 2014 DJVlad TV interview, Pratt explained their philosophy clearly. “As long as we are friends, as long as we communicate, as long as we are doing a great job raising our kids together, nothing else matters,” she said.
Pratt cited Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn as an example of a successful long-term unmarried relationship. She noted they’ve never been married, still together, with kids, and still strong. This reference shows the couple actively looked to other unmarried long-term couples as models.
In an August 2022 podcast appearance on Ended Up At Bakers, Kirkpatrick discussed how external pressure has made their choice a form of defiance. “You ain’t gonna tell me when, and she’s got that attitude too. Y’all ain’t gonna tell me when. I’m not no kid, I’m grown,” he stated. Pratt reiterated their stance to E! News in 2024, playfully saying, “You’re looking at two gangsters who are living their life and loving each other.”
Family Life and Parenting Philosophy
Kirkpatrick and Pratt have built their family around presence rather than convention. Pratt lovingly refers to Kirkpatrick’s son from a previous relationship as her “bonus baby” during a 2023 appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show. This language shows how she’s embraced stepmother responsibilities with positive framing.
In 2022, Pratt shared an Instagram tribute to Kirkpatrick that highlighted his daily commitment. “This MAN. There isn’t a day that goes by that my kids don’t feel love from their father,” she wrote. The emphasis on “MAN” pushes back against any public perception that might diminish his role as a partner and father.
Pratt described their parenting approach to E! News in 2024 as a mix of “gangsta and gentle.” She praised Kirkpatrick’s balance, calling it “the sexiest thing on the planet.” During a January 2023 PIX11 News interview, Pratt revealed that both daughters are showing interest in acting, saying, “They’re characters.”
Community Impact and Legacy
During the first season of Black Ink Crew: Los Angeles, Pratt expressed her hopes for the tattoo shop’s community impact. “I do want our kids to see their dad doing something positive. It’s good for them to see that no matter what the struggle is, nobody’s going to stop us from doing something good for the community,” she stated. This framing positions the shop as more than a business venture—it’s a teaching tool for their children about resilience.
With the shop gaining momentum, Kirkpatrick shared his priorities on the show. “Now that we’ve got some good momentum going, I’m looking forward to spending more time with her and the girls. They’re my world, and she’s my queen,” he said. The declaration “she’s my queen” reveals depth beneath his tough exterior.
Kirkpatrick’s connection to Compton runs deep—he’s from the same neighborhood as Dr. Dre and Eazy-E, two founding members of N.W.A. This geographic and cultural heritage influences both his music and business ventures. By opening Compton’s first official tattoo shop, he’s adding to the city’s artistic legacy beyond just its musical contributions.
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Balancing Multiple Careers and Fatherhood
Kirkpatrick has demonstrated the ability to juggle running IAM Compton, maintaining an active music career, appearing on reality television, and being present as a father to three children. His 2022 music video “TALK OF LA” earned over 65,000 views in its first two months, according to available metrics. This consistent output across multiple platforms shows a work ethic that refuses to let any creative pursuit fade.
His social media presence includes over 240,000 followers on Instagram as of 2024. He uses this platform to showcase his art, music, and family life without oversharing private moments. The balance he strikes between public persona and private life reflects lessons learned from watching his partner navigate fame.
Conclusion
Danny Kirkpatrick’s story shows how talent and determination can turn setbacks into success. From losing a scholarship to becoming one of Compton’s most respected tattoo artists and entrepreneurs, he proves that creativity can rebuild a life and inspire others to do the same. His journey reflects hard work, second chances, and staying true to his roots.
Beyond his art, Kirkpatrick is a devoted father, partner, and community figure who uses his platform to uplift others. Whether through IAM Compton, his music, or his family life with Kyla Pratt, he continues to represent what it means to grow, give back, and lead with purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Danny Kirkpatrick married to Kyla Pratt?
No, they’ve been together since 2008 but have chosen not to marry.
How many children does Danny Kirkpatrick have?
He has three children: two daughters with Kyla Pratt and a son from a previous relationship.
What does iAmCompton mean?
The stage name stands for “ink art music Compton.”
Is IAM Compton still open?
As of 2024, the shop continues operating as Compton’s first official tattoo shop.
What celebrities has Danny Kirkpatrick tattooed?
His high-profile clients include Nas, Sean “Diddy” Combs, and Taraji P. Henson.
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