Museum of Graffiti Hosts Traveling Exhibition “Sneaker Stories” Presented By Modelo

unnamed 10

The Museum of Graffiti proudly announces the launch of “Sneaker Stories,” presented by Modelo, a groundbreaking exhibition that delves into the historical ties and cultural relationship between graffiti and sneakers. Starting in Miami on April 20th, this exhibit will travel through Atlanta (May 31, 2024) and conclude in Washington, D.C. (Aug 2024). *Specific details about the Grand Opening of the Miami exhibit can be found at the bottom of this document.

“Sneaker Stories” explores the historic and ongoing synergy between graffiti art and sneaker culture. It highlights seminal crossover collaborations between graffiti artists and commercial brands, focusing on sneakers from 2003 to the present. The exhibition features art and rare sneakers by some of the world’s most iconic artists within the genre, including Futura, Rammellzee, Cey Adams, Eric Haze, Claw, Faust, and Miami’s own Abstrk.

The show highlights how sneaker companies have leveraged the talent and rebellious nature of the graffiti community to create limited-edition, highly converted footwear that can sell on the secondary market for upwards of $20,000. The exhibition also highlights how sneakers have transcended their original purpose, becoming integral to the fabric of urban culture and art.

“Through ‘Sneaker Stories,’ we aim to celebrate the artists who have transcended the streets to appear inside the biggest companies in America like Nike, Reebok, and Adidas, only to then influence countless others along the way,” says Alan Ket, co-founder of the Museum of Graffiti.“We’re thrilled to partner with Modelo to bring this unique cultural exploration to life, inviting audiences to uncover the stories behind the art and the artists who’ve left an indelible mark on both the graffiti and sneaker worlds.”

At the Museum’s first unveiling of the exhibition in Miami on April 20, 2024, veteran Miami graffiti artist ABSTRK will be hand embellishing his own new brand of sneakers called VRTX Lab. ABSTRK will then join artists Claw and Cey Adams, who will be present for signings, to greet fans and discuss their personal journeys designing sneakers. This discussion will be the first of many “Fighting Spirit Stories,” a talk program led by Modelo that highlights exceptional individuals who embody the Fighting Spirit.  All visitors will also have the opportunity to personalize their own sneakers with colorful new laces, charms, buckle plates, and more at Modelo’s complimentary sneaker customization bar.

The post Museum of Graffiti Hosts Traveling Exhibition “Sneaker Stories” Presented By Modelo first appeared on The Source.

The post Museum of Graffiti Hosts Traveling Exhibition “Sneaker Stories” Presented By Modelo appeared first on The Source.

Joey Slae’s Graff Exhibition @ NYC’s Madame X Feat. DJ Lazy K

1 11

Last night at the swanky Madame X Lounge in Lower Manhattan, a group of graffiti legends and up and comers gathered under the club’s red light and celebrated Joey’s Slae exclusive graffiti exhibition. The show featured some of New York’s most recognized style masters from the Rotten Apple “Golden Era”, some of whom are still relevant and active on the city’s graff landscape today.

Artists such as NEST 156, DOMS KOC, VEDO, VEEFER AND others displayed their timeless pieces while displays of some artists such as P13, CAP, DAZE and other 80s icons were exhibited for the wonder and enjoyment of the attendees.

1 16
1 16

There was also a music component to the show, featuring “The Mixtape Queen” DJ Lazy K on the 1s and 2s while DJ Curt Crazy warmed up the crowd early in the evening. Emcees also hit the second floor stage of the venue, including slangspitters such as Nino Brigante, the Black Rose Familia, Lawrence Miles, Alexis the Violinist and others.

PHOTOS: Amosael Cordero

1 13
1 13

The post Joey Slae’s Graff Exhibition @ NYC’s Madame X Feat. DJ Lazy K first appeared on The Source.

The post Joey Slae’s Graff Exhibition @ NYC’s Madame X Feat. DJ Lazy K appeared first on The Source.

Atlanta Mayor Strives to Move Art Basel’s Vibe to The Big Peach

fahamupecouart

December is coming to an end. December for folks in Miami or the art world means only one thing: Art Basel Miami Beach. Over the past decade, people of color and urban influence have increased during Art Basel. Hip-hop culture was a thread in the hundreds of art exhibits this year. The infamous, always apologizing Kanye West hosted a listening party, and Instagram flooded with pictures from Teyana Taylor’s birthday party. Not only was the art world in Miami but also the industry, namely artists, influencers, content creators, and more.

Red Rooster Overtown hosted the Mayor of Atlanta, Andre Dickens, along with his team, friends, and family at a brunch during Art Basel.  

The experience was “when food, vision artisans, and cultures. It’s a recipe for success,” says Chief Creative Officer Kembo Tom of top marketing firm KTC | a Creative Solutions Agency.

What came from the brunch was the need to bring more art and culture events similar to Art Basel to the City of Atlanta, which is one of the centers of Black music and film. As you know, the film industry has rapidly increased in Georgia since 2002, signifying the importance of art and culture. With the help of Andre Dickens and the support of local visual artists like the renowned Fahamu Pekoe and Leroy Campbell, the city can become a hub for art, attracting collectors from around the World for a week of exhibits and festivities. Let’s see what is to come!

The post Atlanta Mayor Strives to Move Art Basel’s Vibe to The Big Peach first appeared on The Source.

The post Atlanta Mayor Strives to Move Art Basel’s Vibe to The Big Peach appeared first on The Source.

Salaam Remi Kicks Off Art Basel Weekend His 4-Day MuseZeuM Exhibit Feat. Trina, Notorious B.I.G And Celia Cruz Unveiling

49575729 2061786300581154 44657442151202816 n

Super producer and hip-hop curator Salaam Remi is hosting a special four-day MuseZeuM art gallery exhibit to kick off Art Basel weekend in Miami, Florida

The gallery offers artwork that provides an in-depth look into the stories of hip-hop’s finest. Pop up versions of MuseZeuM have been in major cities like Miami, Washington D.C., and New York City. Now back at the Miami headquarters, attendees will experience the unveiling of pieces of Trina, Notorious B.I.G, Celia Cruz, and more along with a special reception via META.

The full collection, curated by Remi himself includes Art That Has Creative Approval and Financial Participation by Bob Marley, Nas, Marvin Gaye, Slick Rick, Fab 5 Freddy, Amy Winehouse, Celia Cruz, Dennis Brown, and more.

Guests of the MuseZeuM Art Basel event will experience one-of-a-kind art from some of the greatest and most influential artists ever. They will be able to purchase unique, authenticated merchandise.

The post Salaam Remi Kicks Off Art Basel Weekend His 4-Day MuseZeuM Exhibit Feat. Trina, Notorious B.I.G And Celia Cruz Unveiling first appeared on The Source.

The post Salaam Remi Kicks Off Art Basel Weekend His 4-Day MuseZeuM Exhibit Feat. Trina, Notorious B.I.G And Celia Cruz Unveiling appeared first on The Source.

Museum Of Graffiti Announces Exclusive Product Collaborations With OSGEMEOS, CES and  Atomik

Screenshot 2023 11 22 at 8.58.10 AM

This Art Basel Miami week, the Museum of Graffiti is set to release three exclusive collaborations with today’s top artists. These highly anticipated drops will each take place inside the Museum’s world renown gift shop prior to being made available online.

Kicking off the week on December 6 is the MOG x Atomik Umbrella release party, presented by Only In Dadestarting at 3:05 PM. This event celebrates the collaboration with Adam Vargas, aka Atomik, the mastermind behind Miami’s iconic smiling oranges that have become symbols of the city’s dynamic street culture. The Atomik Umbrella, limited to 300 pieces and priced at $25 USD, will also be available online starting December 7 at 12 PM. Pre-registration for this unique release is open and can be accessed here.

Screenshot 2023 11 22 at 9.00.23 AM

The excitement continues on December 7 with two highly anticipated drops. At 11 AM, the museum will release the limited edition OSGEMEOS Skate Deck, featuring the work of Brazilian twins Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo. Known for their profound impact on the art world, the Pandolfo brothers grew up in São Paulo’s Cambuci district, where they were inspired by the introduction of Hip Hop culture in Brazil. With only 300 pieces available at $150 USD each, this deck is a collector’s dream. Those interested in this exclusive release can pre-register here, and an online release is scheduled for December 8 at 12 PM.

Following the skate deck release, at 2 PM, the museum will host the launch of CES’ first book, “From The Desk of CES.” This hardcover book, priced at $39.99 USD and limited to 1,000 copies, offers a journey into over 100 rare illustrations by the graffiti genius CES. Known for his unique blend of technique, humor, and color, CES’ art captures the essence of hip-hop culture and the resilience of urban life. Pre-registration for this event is available here, and an online release is set for December 11 at 12:00 pm.

The post Museum Of Graffiti Announces Exclusive Product Collaborations With OSGEMEOS, CES and  Atomik first appeared on The Source.

The post Museum Of Graffiti Announces Exclusive Product Collaborations With OSGEMEOS, CES and  Atomik appeared first on The Source.

Remembering MF DOOM: A Personal Story

IMG 5567A6459F0B 1

On the last day of 2020 the world was shocked to learn that hip hop’s supervillain, MF DOOM had passed away 2 month’s prior on October 31st.
Shock, disbelief and sadness spread across the community of fans, family and people who loved him.

My story with DOOM started in 2004. I was working on The Beautiful Struggle tour for Talib Kweli and DOOM was the opener. I was rushing around backstage when I saw him and Benn Grimm waiting to go onstage.

“You got a dutch?” I asked him,  pushing past Benn who seemed like he was trying to block him. “Nah I don’t have one, he replied, flashing a smile of 18k gold fronts. At that moment, Kweli walks by and says, “Oh you met DOOM, this is my assistant Courtney Brown— Court, you know DOOM is from KMD?’

Screen Shot 2021 01 11 at 11.20.24 AM
BB Kings Show in NYC

This was the beginning of a friendship that would forever influence my life.
Not much long after our initial meeting we became road buddies and I came to know the author Daniel Dumile. After watching me problem solve on the road for Kweli, he asked me to work for him and his wife Jasmine once that tour ended. They both taught me how to navigate the business world as well as helped with my personal growth.
DOOM was a teacher and to be in his circle you had to study. He would send countless 4 hour lectures and sign books that he felt were pertinent to my growth.

Screen Shot 2021 01 22 at 5.58.15 PM
Onstage with Mos who loved DOOM

Once his mask was removed, he revealed he was thoughtful… full of curiosity, kindness and unusual talent. He treated me like a queen in an industry that took advantage of women. He didn’t act like a rapper because as he said that wasn’t even him. He would run errands, helped with my goals and always knew how to fix everything. He inconspicuously took the train from NYC in a snowstorm to Jersey Shore to help us pack up my granny’s 7 bedroom house for sale. Even though he just released his classic album MM…FOOD , he trooped through the snow walking from the train to our house in Neptune, NJ because no cars were available. We stayed up all night talking about everything under the sun as he meticulously wrapped heirlooms inquiring about each item.

E6235E7C 2FB5 4A67 A54E 28FE77E33D23

I moved to LA to assist him as he worked on DangerDOOM. During that time we spent a lot of time finding inspiration for that album and hanging out with my best friend at the time Kelis and her husband, rapper Nas. One day after a bougie LA dinner I convinced them to come back to my hotel room where DOOM put on some beats and Nas began freestyling. This lasted nearly an hour.  DOOM had his Special Herbs CD on him and it was a historical moment not captured on camera or recorded.

Eventually my job description grew as I became a part of his ‘entourage’ but DOOM was a villain and there was always more to be revealed. When I began writing he supported that too—demanding I write many of his cover stories including his FRANK 151 cover.

doom frank 10
written by C. Boogie Brown

One day he instructed me to do an entire press day with what he called a ‘robot’ and later I found out it would be Benn Grimm. (He was full of surprises.)
He told me not to let ANYONE in the room except the journalists for the interviews and the photographers to take photos. I was scared shitless. We were shooting a cover with a fake DOOM. I had on my best business ensemble and issued a lot of ‘no’s’ that day.  We made it through that day until a woman who knew him and demanded to speak to him kept pressuring to enter the room.

Busted. We stayed up that night with him and Jas in Atlanta and me in New York writing the perfect editorial for Elemental Magazine who was pretty upset.

IMG 4014
One of my first Editors gig.

He and I together composed the perfect words to explain his tactics. And Jas, always loving and fair, paid me handsomely for my work. They both respected my pen. We moved back to LA to work on MADVILLAIN 2 and that album is the greatest album no one has heard yet. Built off a lot of crazy experiences and real life situations he turned into songs, he put a lot of work into that record. Although he didn’t complete it, he felt masterpieces should not be rushed. One song we researched for weeks which came from a weird news story I told him about in New York. We laughed about it for nearly 2 hours before the intense research began. We called it the ‘monkey song’. He recorded a few songs with Ghostface during that time and he was one of the few rappers I could get to change lyrics which is why there are 2 versions of Angels.

“I asked him, “Why does GHOST say 3 white b****?”…

I could go on for eternity with stories, memories and lessons I learned from the supervillain.
He was very strategic and placed things and people where he wanted them to be. He knew what he was doing.
Many might wonder why I would reveal so much. DOOM often talked about not being here and of course I would shrug it off. He emphatically told me, “If I’m not here anymore, you better tell that story. I’d rather it be you then anybody. Villain!”
Maybe one day, I will.
Rest in Power DOOM.

CAE835F6 17C5 4428 8B09 14043E94804E
DOOM and Boogie Brown

For more original footage CLICK HERE

The post Remembering MF DOOM: A Personal Story first appeared on The Source.

The post Remembering MF DOOM: A Personal Story appeared first on The Source.

Celebrating 50 Years of Hip-Hop: Agent X’s Art Collection Takes Center Stage

Celebrating 50 Years of Hip-Hop: Agent X's Art Collection Takes Center Stage

Global Art Galleries and Saatchi Art Set the Scene for Milestone Exhibition

In a groundbreaking artistic tribute to the monumental 50-year journey of Hip-Hop, renowned artist Agent X is set to unveil a captivating collection that transcends time, culture, and creativity. Birthed in the heart of the Bronx by DJ Kool Herc on August 11, 1973, Hip-Hop has evolved into a global phenomenon, reshaping societies and establishing itself as a multibillion-dollar cultural force.

Agent X’s latest art collection, a celebration of the Hip-Hop legacy, is poised to make history. Collaborating with Saatchi Art, the world’s premier online art gallery, the exhibition will receive global recognition and a distinguished platform. This noteworthy collection doesn’t stop there. Galleries worldwide will also showcase Agent X’s artwork, allowing art enthusiasts from diverse corners of the globe to engage with the essence of Hip-Hop’s transformative influence.

Agent X’s artistic journey explores the deep-rooted connection between Hip-Hop and contemporary culture. The collection encapsulates the profound impact of Hip-Hop music through a fusion of abstract artistry and the portrayal of iconic figures such as Drake, Jay Z, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Notorious B.I.G., Eminem, and 2Pac.

Agent X’s collection enriches this celebration with a unique artistic perspective. For art enthusiasts, fans of Hip-Hop, and anyone appreciating the power of artistic expression, this exhibition promises to be a transformative experience. Agent X’s art speaks volumes, conveying the evolution of Hip-Hop’s cultural influence.

Stay tuned for the worldwide debut of Agent X’s art collection, marking 50 years of Hip-Hop, as it unfolds on Saatchi Art and other galleries worldwide. Visit www.agentxart.com and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6CKELdvZVE for more information.

About Agent X 

Agent X, a renowned artist with international acclaim, has exhibited his unique artworks in art meccas across the globe, including London, Singapore, Los Angeles, Germany, Amsterdam, New York, San Francisco, Spain, and Toronto. His art has graced prestigious galleries, art collectors’ homes, and fans of art worldwide. Agent X’s work effortlessly blends abstract artistry with the

iconic figures that define the world of Hip-Hop, creating an art form that transcends boundaries and resonates with diverse audiences. 

The post Celebrating 50 Years of Hip-Hop: Agent X’s Art Collection Takes Center Stage first appeared on The Source.

The post Celebrating 50 Years of Hip-Hop: Agent X’s Art Collection Takes Center Stage appeared first on The Source.

NYC Graffiti Pioneer TRACY 168 Passes Away At 65

Screenshot 2023 10 19 at 7.18.03 AM

Hip Hop has taken more than a few losses and the graffiti world has not been exempt as one of its giants from the first generation of graffiti, TRACY 168, reportedly past away last month at his home in the Bronx. He was 65 years old.

Born Michael Tracy, He wrote his first tag on an NYC MTA bus in 1969 and never stopped. His graffiti art is recognized as the original “Wild Style” and was a mentor to famous late NYC graff artist turned contemporary art icon Keith Haring. TRACY wrote with some of graff’s most revered writers such as CLIFF, LSD, P NUT SKEME and others. He was an honorary member of legendary South Bronx gang The Black Spades and later formed his own crew known as The Wanted.

TRACY 168 will be sorely missed by the graff community, but his work and art will live on forever.

The post NYC Graffiti Pioneer TRACY 168 Passes Away At 65 first appeared on The Source.

The post NYC Graffiti Pioneer TRACY 168 Passes Away At 65 appeared first on The Source.

Art Official Feature: DONDI CIA

Screenshot 2023 10 11 at 8.04.56 AM

As Hip Hop celebrates its 50th anniversary, all four of the culture’s pillars have celebrated their contributions, but graffiti has received the least fanfare, even though graffiti art is older than all of the other aspects of Hip Hop. Some graffiti purists disregard graff as a part of Hip Hop culture, but more of an art form and no graff artists or enthusiasts can speak about the history of graffiti without mentioning DONDI CIA.

DONDI, whose given name is Donald White, began his interest in graffiti in the mid 70s, joining the TOP(The Odd Partners) crew in 1977, which included artists such as DURO and TOP founder JAMES TOP. DONDI eventually formed his own crew, CIA(Crazy Inside Artists). For the next two decades, DONDI was recognized as one of the most prolific style creators in the art form and even was gifted the moniker “Stylemaster General” by his contemporaries.

DONDI appeared in the Hip Hop educational documentary Style Wars, created by Tony Silver and filmmaker Henry Chalfant. DONDI was also the first graff artist to host an international one-man show in the Netherlands and Germany, with other European museums displaying his art in graffiti exhibitions. DONDI worked with the Fun Gallery and together with artists of the like of Jean-Michel BasquiatLee QuinonesKeith Haring, ERO (Dominique Philbert), RammellzeeFab 5 FreddyFutura 2000ToxicZephyr, rbinging art from the streets to art galleries.

DONDI died in October 1998 from complications from AIDS, but his legacy continues with family members and graffiti writers that continue to push his influence in the street art form forward.

The post Art Official Feature: DONDI CIA first appeared on The Source.

The post Art Official Feature: DONDI CIA appeared first on The Source.

MF DOOM’s Son Daniel Dumile Jr. Speaks On His Art Tribute To His Father

Screen Shot 2023 09 26 at 10.46.11 AM

Since 2021, the untimely death of Hip Hop icon MF DOOM, the cult following that he created before his passing continues to keep his legacy alive and current. However, his artistic passion has been inherited by his firstborn son, Daniel Dumile Jr.  As an artist, Daniel Jr. has become an established force in his own right, but as the successor of the DOOM legacy and the Metal Face brand, the depth and meaning behind the mask can only be explained by the first descendant of DOOM.

Daniel Jr. sat down with The Source Magazine to discuss his most recent art exhibit dedicated to his father and his tribute piece for Hip Hop’s most unrecognizable villain.

Daniel teased an exhibit dedicated to his father earlier this year, but felt that the presentation wouldn’t be complete without his signature tribute piece. When asked why he waited until now to release his tribute piece, Dumile Jr. replied, “It took a minute to get settled after I left the uk. I had the idea to
produce a series of paintings in 2015. For around three years since then I would spend a chunk of my time in the states and rest abroad. Between going to work with my pops, traveling to visit elders, family
losses and the pandemic, I had no time to dedicate towards what I needed to do.”

The tribute is the cornerstone of Dumile’s exhibition dedicated to DOOM; however, his explanation of the mask and the man behind its creation seems a bit deeper than how its been explained in his father’s music. The Metal Face heir’s explanation is elaborate yet practical, saying, “The piece focuses on the idea of the villain. The ellipsis after the word villain serves as an indicator of something more or something being left out.” Daniel further expounds on the villain character, saying, “Villain then ellipsis means villain, then, unexpected/unapparent. The villain character in stories shows the other side of the hero or the side that everyone may not “like”. The tribute piece consists of four main layers that build on a central idea. They all need to be recognized  to get the full picture.”

Fans and critics will always look for the similarities between the father and the son to see the remnants of the art they once revered. Dumile’s demeanor, voice, and even creative process almost mirrors his dad’s. He admits that his value system of “knowledge of self” was instilled in him during the making of Operation Doomsday, adding, “The DOOM style is an off the beaten path style. I watched/listened to my father apply these ideas to his career. I try to apply them visually. The recording of Operation: Doomsday spanned from the early mid nineties to the late nineties. I was given knowledge of self from my grandmother and old dad during that period. At the same time I was being exposed to the “hood”.  My dad showed me how to transfer the feeling of that situation and our ghetto life experiences, into artwork.”

Daniel Dumile Jr.’s artwork is available HERE

The date of the tribute piece’s release has yet to be confirmed.

The post MF DOOM’s Son Daniel Dumile Jr. Speaks On His Art Tribute To His Father first appeared on The Source.

The post MF DOOM’s Son Daniel Dumile Jr. Speaks On His Art Tribute To His Father appeared first on The Source.