Kansas City’s Own FK Menace: Blending Lucha Libre Legacy with Artistry
From the Ring to the Canvas – A Unique Journey
Kansas City has a vibrant arts scene, and among its stars is none other than FK Menace. Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Menace grew up in a family steeped in the lively traditions of lucha libre wrestling. We’re talking about a lineage that dazzles the ring, with his father stepping in as Lemus II while his family has been putting on masks and shows since the late ’70s. But don’t get it twisted; while wrestling shaped him, Menace found his passions in a whole different arena: the visual arts, music, and design.
Now residing in Kansas City since 2012, Menace is not just another artist or DJ; he is a whirlwind of creativity. At just 30 years old, he is making a name for himself by melding infectious Latin beats with hip-hop, all infused with the theatrical essence of lucha libre. After all, the mask he dons isn’t merely for show – it represents a rich tapestry of history, culture, and identity.
The Mask: More than Just a Costume
But what’s the deal with that iconic lucha libre mask? For Menace, it’s not just a piece of fabric but an emblem of storytelling. The mask signifies who he is and tells a tale that spans generations in his family. “The mask represents a lot in lucha,” Menace explains. “Every line, grid, or symbol means something. I have about six masks with different variations, and each tells a story.”
While he acknowledges that he never stepped into the ring for wrestling bouts, he embraces the mask with pride, ready to embody the legacy and spirit of his family.
Dancing Between Disciplines
You might wonder how someone who doesn’t wrestle manages to channel the energy of lucha libre. The truth is, Menace taps into the essence of the performance and storytelling that are at the heart of lucha. “When I play music, it’s like a wrestling match,” he says, “What move am I going to pull next to grab the crowd’s attention?”
He mixes DJing, event coordination, and visual arts with theatrical flair. His performances light up the stage like a wrestling showdown, captivating audiences while staying true to his roots.
The Cultural Connection
Moving to Kansas City presented its own challenges. “There was a disconnect,” Menace recalls. While he was deeply rooted in the Hispanic community of Texas, he found solace in the city’s Black community, who opened their arms and gave him the love he needed. Over time, he established a footprint within the Latino arts scene, bridging cultural divides while embracing the richness he found on both sides.
“I’m embracing everything I’ve come from,” he says. “It feels like we did it as a family.”
Future Aspirations
As he strides into the future, Menace has his sights set on a community event he founded called Sabados, set to return this May. Meaning “second Saturdays,” the event fosters collaboration and creativity among local artists, musicians, and businesses. “Our slogan is celebrating creatives and encouraging collaboration,” he shares. It’s about more than just artistry; it’s about building community, and inclusiveness is key—everyone is welcome.
Menace also hopes to keep making waves in music, recently having shared the stage with hip-hop legend Ice Cube. What a milestone! His advice to aspiring creatives is simple yet profound: “Find something you are passionate about and start there. Be patient.”
For Menace, this journey isn’t just about personal success, but also about advocating for the Latino community through artistic expression. His mantra? “Follow your heart and passion.” That’s some wisdom right there!
In Conclusion
With roots deeply connected to lucha libre and a heart full of creative ambition, FK Menace is a dynamic force in Kansas City’s artistic landscape. He’s proof that the stories we wear can shape who we become. Whether on the DJ stage, the canvas, or in the community, he’s making a difference and celebrating the power of creativity and culture. Here’s to many more performances and a vibrant journey ahead!
