Graffiti: One of the fundamental elements of hip-hop culture
There weren't many classes I looked forward to in college. I spent a lot of time exploiting professors whose principles were based in liberating students. Student freedom was my mainstay. In other words, I wasn't much of an attendee in the classroom.
But there were two classes I never missed: Art and an atypical elective called "Hip Hop Culture".
Before I dissect hip-hop culture, a distinction has to be made and understood: hip-hop does not mean rap music. Rap music is a product of evolution stemming primarily from two historical cultures: The West Africans over a century ago who used to tell stories rhythmically, and Folk artists from the Caribbean that used rhymes to recount and remember their stories. Hip-hop is a culture. It’s a lifestyle. Rap music (performed by MCs), along with DJs, graffiti and breakdance are the four predominant pillars that defined hip hop culture throughout its century-long history. I'll weave in and out of the art below to break down these elements a little further. Breaking down hip hop and understanding its roots, its purpose and its perception is something that's not done enough.
But there were two classes I never missed: Art and an atypical elective called "Hip Hop Culture".
Before I dissect hip-hop culture, a distinction has to be made and understood: hip-hop does not mean rap music. Rap music is a product of evolution stemming primarily from two historical cultures: The West Africans over a century ago who used to tell stories rhythmically, and Folk artists from the Caribbean that used rhymes to recount and remember their stories. Hip-hop is a culture. It’s a lifestyle. Rap music (performed by MCs), along with DJs, graffiti and breakdance are the four predominant pillars that defined hip hop culture throughout its century-long history. I'll weave in and out of the art below to break down these elements a little further. Breaking down hip hop and understanding its roots, its purpose and its perception is something that's not done enough.
Graffiti:
The origins of graffiti are difficult to accurately trace. Multiple cultures throughout history have scrawled on walls to illustrate stories. Since some of these cultures have never rubbed shoulders or directly communicated, it might even be safe to say that graffiti is natural human portrayal. Graffiti can be considered a controversial art: its aesthetic appeal is adored by many, yet its disruptive uses can be frowned upon by some.
Graffiti can range from written words, "tag" names (or street art names and aliases), phrases that may be socially or politically driven all the way up to full fledged wall murals of magnificent proportions. There are a number of different styles that run the spectrum from tags, throw-ups, bombs, wild style, blockbusters, productions and more. Graffiti 911 has done their homework on these styles.
The origins of graffiti are difficult to accurately trace. Multiple cultures throughout history have scrawled on walls to illustrate stories. Since some of these cultures have never rubbed shoulders or directly communicated, it might even be safe to say that graffiti is natural human portrayal. Graffiti can be considered a controversial art: its aesthetic appeal is adored by many, yet its disruptive uses can be frowned upon by some.
Graffiti can range from written words, "tag" names (or street art names and aliases), phrases that may be socially or politically driven all the way up to full fledged wall murals of magnificent proportions. There are a number of different styles that run the spectrum from tags, throw-ups, bombs, wild style, blockbusters, productions and more. Graffiti 911 has done their homework on these styles.
Graffiti hit the US hard around the 1970s, particularly in New York City. Some graffiti artists would use stickers to pre-draw their pieces and stick them up in creative places throughout the city, some took to markers (remember the Magnum 44?), and others utilized the most noteworthy medium - spray paint on walls.
In most countries and in most areas, graffiti is considered vandalism and its punishable by law. This gives "writers", or graffiti artists (yes, they are fucking artists) an exhilarating challenge. When you see 'pieces' that aren't quite as intricate, colorful, elaborate or detailed, it is often a 'throw-up'. That's a short-hand and quick style that graf artists use because time is of the essence. The goal of a throw-up piece is to get your street creds without getting busted. Even the best of graffiti artists practice their quick throw-up pieces so, given certain situations, they can make their mark.
Here are some graffiti fast facts, courtesy of Hip Hop Island:
- The original name given to the art of graffiti was "writing"
- The first borough in New York City to start writing graffiti: Manhattan
- The first famous writer from Philadelphia was known as "Cornbread" - they used to say "cornbread was king"
- California's first writer was "Cholos"
- Super Kool 223 laid one of NYC's first masterpieces
- R.A. was the first writer to use spray paint
Public parking $4.00??? You know this is some old shit!
Some of the most famous graffiti and street artists are:
Last note - if you're a graffiti artist, writer, bomber or supporter of the art, help us out here in New York City. They are trying to kill a true mecca of graffiti - 5Pointz in Long Island City, Queens.
If you haven't heard of 5Pointz, check this out.
Please visit here to help! Thank you!
If you haven't heard of 5Pointz, check this out.
Please visit here to help! Thank you!
