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Born and raised in Gardena, CA, Malo Montijo was shaped by resilience, creativity, and a deep passion for music. Raised by a single mother, he learned early on the value of hard work and perseverance. In October 1999, he moved to Arizona, carrying with him a vision that would later redefine the local hip-hop scene.

A graduate of CRAS (Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences), Malo set out to create something bigger than just a recording studio—he wanted to build a home for hip-hop culture in Mesa, a city where the scene was nearly nonexistent. With nothing but determination and a blueprint in his mind, he designed and built Tribe Ave Studios from the ground up with his own hands.

The journey wasn’t easy. The studio faced a rough start, but instead of giving up, Malo spent two more years refining, rebuilding, and redesigning his vision. After relentless effort and dedication, Tribe Ave Studios reopened as the creative powerhouse it is today—a space where artists, podcasters, and creators can bring their visions to life.

More than a studio, Tribe Ave is a movement, built by an artist for artists. Malo’s mission remains the same: to provide a space where hip-hop thrives, where creativity knows no limits, and where every voice can be heard.

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 "It shouldn't be dope because you built it, it's dope because it's dope ."