Check out the new “Ariie-Plugged”, a fashion/art project by NYC artist Ariie West, which under his fashion brand Ariri, is known simply as “Plugged”. This fusion of art, fashion and culture shows Ariie’s vision of future collaborations with other brands and features Reebok’s one-of-a-kind Pump sneaker complete with plug inserts and working sockets. Each piece of Ariie’s “Plugged” installment shows off West’s creativity, which transforms footwear into a piece of modern art.
As you can tell, Ariie isn’t just a rapper who can design some drip. Hailing from Harlem, the hustler capital of the world, West owns his own label Autrumn Records, which has a distribution deal through the Virgin Records imprint under the Earth Program umbrella. And West isn’t a newcomer to this. Working under Pharrell Williams’ protegé Jay Ice Pick, laid the foundation for West’s music and fashion endeavors.
The operational process involves linking 20 pairs of sneakers in a chain, connecting one end to a speaker and the other end to an audio source. The artist strategically employs this art installation to illustrate the diverse, yet interconnected nature of humanity, emphasizing our common origin from the same source; Earth.
n honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Art Genesis founder Mashonda Tifrere has curated “I Never Really Knew You …,” a dual exhibit composed of a six-artist group exhibition and a solo exhibit of L.A. based artist Lanise Howard’s newest body of work, “M.U.S.E. Miss. Understood. Sensuality. Economized.”
“I Never Really Knew You …” features works from artists Tonia Calderon, Swoon, Dionne Simpson, Malik Roberts, Amani Lewis (in collaboration with photographer Mazi Smazi), and Calvin Clausell Jr. and has been carefully crafted to reflect the many layers of the ego and serve as a visual journal that offers a story of self-awakening and truth.
Spanning various genres and mediums, “I Never Really Knew You …” invites the viewer into the minds of the artists, highlighting their individual creative processes, growth, vision, and diverse voices. “Our mental, emotional, and physical health are all victims of the lies our ego-selves whisper in our minds,” Tifrere said. “The ego is the master of disguise. But once you witness the ego, you realize that it never really existed. ‘I Never Really Knew You …’ invites the viewer to realize that we are in control of our human story and that the only way to reveal our truths is by removing our masks and the many layers of fear they hide. Each work of art in this exhibition is a testament to the transformative power of self-realization to align us with life’s potential wonders.”
The exhibition will be open from May 15 to June 1 at Praz-Delavallade, located at 6150 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048. The exhibition’s gallery hours are Wednesday – Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment.
On May 11, 2024, Wynwood will become home to a brand new luxury art gallery from the founders of Museum of Graffiti. The gallery will open in a 3,700 square foot converted warehouse space located at 2521 NW 3rd Ave., adjacent to the Museum of Graffiti and its sister exhibition space the Art of Hip Hop.
The gallery, once located around the corner from its new flagship location, was originally dubbed The Private Gallery as it started during the COVID-19 pandemic as a place for friends, family, and members of the Museum to collect art in a safe, private environment. The Private Gallery quickly earned a long list of celebrity clientele from Quest Love and Diplo to Miami’s own Pitbull because of its intimate nature and rare selection of original post-graffiti works. The gallery represents a diverse group of global contemporary artists who use a wide array of mediums and styles to create the work displayed. The inspiration and aesthetics of the artists differ greatly from one another, yet their backgrounds remain completely in the same vein: each artist has used the streets as a canvas for artistic output at a very early age.
In its opening exhibition entitled Graffiti Abstraction, the inspiration of the art ranges from Miami-based artist Gustavo Oviedo’s fascination for the Biscayne Bay to Los Angeles native Saber’s portrayal of the flashing lights he sees while experiencing grand mal seizures. Curators Allison Freidin and Alan Ket have traveled the world, attending museum shows and studio visits to select the artists for the inaugural exhibition which will include original works on paper, canvas, wood, and in sculpture form. Other artists in Graffiti Abstraction include MadC, Marti Sawe, Kaves, Niels Shoe Meulman, Sen2, Rime, Boris Tellegen, and Jel Martinez. The gallery will retain a “private” section that will house historical examples of works by the masters of the genre including Futura2000 and Rammellzee.
“We are honored to be bringing the most elevated form of the genre to the heart of Miami. Our growth over the past 4 years is not unique to us—the entire culture is bursting at the seams with innovation, and new opportunities as top level brands and collectors have poured millions of dollars into a once shunned art form. The old narrative that street artists are gang members has been flipped on its head to street artists becoming internationally celebrated geniuses. We are beyond grateful to our partners at Paso D’Oro for helping us take the gallery to the next level. This is a huge moment for the entire community and they made it possible.” said Allison Freidin, co-Founder of The Private Gallery.
The Grand Opening of The Private Gallery is by invitation only, and will give VIPs the first look at the new collection along with the opportunity to taste Paso D’ Oro Wines. Each bottle of Paso D’oro is sourced from the rich vineyards of Paso Robles, CA where the brand is renowned for its dedication to craftsmanship and quality. Each pour truly embodies the essence of creativity, living up to its stunning blue and gold packaging.
A portion of the proceeds from art sales at the VIP celebration being donated to The Erika Ender Heartlight Foundation. Erika Ender, most known for her extensive catalog of awarded hits, including the global sensation “Despacito,” has long been a prominent philanthropist, especially in her native Panama. Her significant charitable work, including her notable TalenPro Project, has impacted over 40,000 individuals and earned a Guinness World Record. Her new foundation now extends her philanthropic reach to the United States in support of children’s rights, education, and nutrition.
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.
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.
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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.
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!
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.
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 Dade, starting 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.
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.
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?’
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
