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.
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 Basquiat, Lee Quinones, Keith Haring, ERO (Dominique Philbert), Rammellzee, Fab 5 Freddy, Futura 2000, Toxic, Zephyr, 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.
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 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.”
Fresh off The Breakfast Club interview on Power 105.1, Salaam Remi announces Slick Rick as the next headliner of the Midnight at MuseZeuM concert series in Miami, FL on October 28th, 2023 at Miami Beach Bandshell.JT Money featuring Poison Clan and a video dj set by Video Music Box’s Ralph McDaniels will also be featured at the Halloween Themed Event. Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, and Large Professor recently participated in the series.
Also in Miami, Bruhman hosted MuseZeum Season 2 in early August. The collection featured pieces by Remi, Tati Crooks, Ernie Panicolli and Ryan “Myagi” Evans and more. Remi also extends the MuseZeuM NYC Pop-Up, to run through September 30th. The collection, curated by Remi, will be on display at Legacy NYC – 98 Orchard St in Manhattan. Attendees will experience physical exhibits featuring a musical art collection curated by Remi himself. The collection includes several of his own pieces that are being shown for the first time. The collection 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, Rakim, Betty Wright and more. Guests of MuseZeuM(NYC)will be able to experience one of a kind art from some of the greatest and most influential artists of all time. They will be able to purchase unique authenticated merchandise.Remi said, “As a lifelong creative, The expansion of the mediums I express my passion through has expanded over the past couple of years. MuSeZeuM is an ecosystem where artists and creatives can share their works with lovers of art and culture. We look forward to having many more join us on this journey to expanding the ways we experience what we love.”The PopUp’s last night – September 30th – will also be a celebration of the 10th anniversary of Mack Wild’s Grammy Nominated New York: A Love Story which Remi produced. Wilds and more will be in attendance with a new Art Piece accompanied by Special Anniversary Merchandise.
Hip Hop Fashion has always influenced fans, sports, music and most aspects of entertainment. In a dazzling fusion of high fashion and hip-hop culture, designer Kimberly Dumas has unveiled a groundbreaking creation to mark the 50th anniversary of hip hop – the Custom Black Biggie Smalls Crocs. Paying homage to the genre’s iconic figures and its undeniable impact on fashion, these custom Crocs are a stunning testament to the creativity and innovation that hip hop has inspired across various art forms.
The Biggie Smalls Crocs are not just another pair of shoes; they are a carefully crafted masterpiece that marries the laid-back comfort of Crocs with the opulence and style that have become synonymous with high fashion. Drawing inspiration from the legendary rapper Notorious B.I.G., also known as Biggie Smalls, Dumas has ingeniously woven together the elements that defined his style and legacy.
The most striking aspect of these custom Crocs is the meticulous detailing that sets them apart. One shoe is a nod to the iconic Coogi sweater, a signature of Biggie’s fashion repertoire. Dumas took this concept a step further by incorporating actual pieces of a Coogi sweater into the design. The result is a captivating blend of texture and color that captures the essence of Biggie’s bold and flamboyant style.
On the other shoe, Dumas channels the luxurious aesthetics of Versace, a brand that Biggie Smalls frequently referenced in his lyrics. Gold embellishments adorn the Croc, evoking the opulence that Versace is renowned for. But the pièce de résistance is undoubtedly the real crystals that spell out “Biggie Smalls” on the heel of the Croc. This detail not only adds an element of extravagance but also serves as a sparkling homage to the rapper himself.
Kimberly Dumas has been dubbed the NYC Croc Queen. Designing custom hip hop Crocs for the who’s who in the industry. “I needed to create a shoe to show Biggie’s fans that I mean business when it comes to celebrating one of the best lyricists to date. Having real Versace and Coogie pieces dominate the shoes were a necessity”, Dumas revealed. “Creating became something that fell into my lap. I was on vacation. I was staying with my sister who has everything in the world. I wanted to make her something money can’t buy. I decided to make her a custom pair of Crocs and the rest is history. It was my first time experimenting with any type of arts & crafts project and I have been customizing Crocs and other items for the past two years”, states Kim who made her sister a wedge Croc with bling on it. “It gave me so much joy to see my sister’s reaction”.
The Custom Black Biggie Smalls Crocs stand as a symbol of how hip hop has transcended musical boundaries to shape various aspects of culture, including fashion. Hip hop has always been a platform for self-expression and individuality, and these Crocs capture that essence flawlessly. They tell a story of an artist who defied norms, embraced his unique style, and left an indelible mark on both music and fashion. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip hop, the Custom Black Biggie Smalls Crocs stand as a testament to the enduring influence of the genre. They remind us that hip hop is more than just music; it’s a cultural movement that continues to inspire and shape the world around us. So, if you’re looking to step up your style game while paying homage to an icon, these custom Crocs are the perfect choice. Slip into them and walk in the footsteps of a legend, making a fashion statement that resonates with the beats of hip hop’s past, present, and future.
Check out the clip of other crocs and bling by Kim and CLICK HERE to follow her on social media.
Two decades ago, in the tranquil realms of rural China, a Wu Tang CD forever altered the artistic destiny of VanceDNA. The Museum of Graffiti now brings this electrifying sensation from Shanghai to the heart of Wynwood. Renowned for his transformative ability,VanceDNA morphs American pop culture icons into 2-dimensional transparent figures, offering a fresh perspective that’s both striking and introspective. Witness this evolution at the VIP Grand Opening Celebration of “TRANSPARENT” on September 9, 2023, from 6PM – 9PM.
From the intricate strokes of traditional Juangsu painting to the pulsating energy of hip hop and graffiti, Vance’s journey epitomizes the confluence of diverse cultural inspirations. His large-scale hyper-realistic murals and oil paintings are masterpieces of light, shadow, and the captivating allure of materials like glass and ice. Through a melding of time-honored techniques and contemporary inspirations, Vance creates a visual narrative that is both nostalgically evocative and groundbreaking.
Vance, a leading figure for the graffiti crew DNA in Asia and a proud member of Thailand’s MSV crew, has showcased his inimitable style everywhere from Macau’s streets to Germany’s elite galleries.
Alan Ket, co-founder of the Museum of Graffiti, shares, “Showcasing Vance DNA to the US audience marks a pivotal moment in the art world. His works are a harmonious blend of diverse cultures, eras, and emotions, presenting a fusion that’s both compelling and thought-provoking.”
Join us for this unparalleled artistic experience. Step into the Museum of Graffiti on September 9 and immerse yourself in a world where East meets West, and icons are reborn. The exhibit will be on view through November 15, 2023.
The Museum of Graffiti proudly announces the VIP Grand Opening Celebration of “TRANSPARENT” – a solo exhibition by the visionary Shanghai-based artist and Chinese painter, Vance DNA. This new body of work promises to offer a fresh perspective on style, straight from Shanghai. The opening is set for September 9, 2023, from 6PM – 9PM.
Born in Juangsu, China in 1990, Vance DNA’s artistic journey began early with landscape painting lessons at the age of ten. As a teenager, his love for American rap music and break dancing flourished when he discovered hip hop. At 14, inspired by his experience as a b-boy and a pivotal Wu Tang CD adorned with intricate graffiti art, he ventured into the world of graffiti. Merging his traditional painting lessons with contemporary influences, Vance developed a unique approach, creating large-scale hyper-realistic murals and oil paintings. His works showcase a rich blend of light and shadow, Western animation, and a fascination with materials like glass and ice. All these elements culminate in art that nostalgically celebrates his youth, backed by a lifetime of honed skill and discipline.
With “TRANSPARENT”, Vance DNA brings to life transparent figures that convey a poignant message: the urge for authenticity and the call to embrace the true reflection one wishes to see. This exhibition is a testament to his multi-faceted talents, blending pop-culture, fine art techniques, and an unmatched attention to detail.
Vance DNA is not only the only member of the world-famous graffiti crew DNA in Asia but also a proud member of Thailand’s MSV crew. His global recognition is evident as he has showcased his art and painted murals in numerous countries including the US, Thailand, Philippines, Bulgaria, Japan, Macau, South Korea, Indonesia, Mauritius, Germany, and Australia over the past decade.
“We are immensely pleased to host Vance DNA and showcase his innovative and evocative art,” says Alan Ket, co-founder of the Museum of Graffiti. “His creations go beyond artistry, striking a chord with the very essence of human authenticity and introspection.”
JAY-Z has toured with Beyoncé throughout the entire Renaissance World Tour. During the stop in New Jersey, Hov added to his personal art collection, purchasing fan-made pieces of his wife. The fan shared her journey and pictures with Hov on TikTok.
JAY-Z has been impacting the communities across America throughout the tour. During his stop in Chicago, HOV made a surprise visit to Bronzeville Soul, where his presence has since increased the business for the restaurant.
2Pac’s custom ring is scheduled to go up for auction later this month at Sotheby’s New York. The ring is made of gold, diamonds, and rubies, is shaped like a crown and was created in honor of his engagement to Kidada Jones. It’s estimated to bring in between $200K-300K when it goes up for auction July 18. The ring will be displayed at Sotheby’s New York from July 18-24.
To celebrate Hip Hop’s milestone 50-year anniversary, Sotheby’s presents its third dedicated Hip Hop sale, highlighting Hip Hop’s profound impact on art and culture across five decades, from its inception in the South Bronx in 1973 through today.
2Pac wore the self-designed ring to the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards just days before he was shot. According to Sotheby’s, 2Pac typically wore the ring on his left ring finger. It will be auctioned as part of a special series in celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip hop.
The ring is on offer from Yaasmyn Fula, the artist’s godmother who was one of Tupac’s most trusted advisors with all of his most important matters, including commissioning a new piece of jewelry to commemorate his achievements and usher in a new era of prosperity.
Featuring original art, historic studio equipment, sneakers and jackets, archival flyers and posters, rare artifacts, and more, the auction spotlights the iconic artists and trailblazers who defined not only the musical genre as we know it, but also the global phenomenon of Hip Hop culture spanning art, fashion and much more, including Tupac Shakur, Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, Ice-T & Afrika Islam, Fab 5 Freddy, Big Daddy Kane, Futura, Lee Quiñones, UNKLE, and Mo’ Wax Founder James Lavelle, among many others. The sale will be presented in collaboration with entertainment company Mass Appeal, which throughout the year has curated an array of programming as part of its Hip Hop 50 initiative.
The Museum of Graffiti is thrilled to announce an exclusive evening with the iconic graffiti artist and airbrush pioneer Edwin “PHADE” Sacasa, better known as Shirt King PHADE. As part of Modelo’s Summer Culture Series to celebrate the contributions of black and brown graffiti artists across generations, PHADE will be leading an extraordinary Airbrush Masterclass on July 7th, 2023, from 6pm to 9pm.
This event is free and open to the public.
PHADE, co-founder of Shirt Kings in the 1980s along with partners Nike and Kasheme, is a legendary artist who elevated the art of airbrushing with his creativity and visionary designs. Based in Jamaica, Queens, Shirt Kings has been a hub for hip-hop artists and fans seeking unique, custom airbrush designs for over four decades. Their roster includes celebrated artists such as Big Daddy Kane, LL Cool J, and Jay-Z, positioning Shirt Kings at the intersection of streetwear and high fashion.
Attendees will get an intimate look at the revolutionary techniques and the brilliant artistry behind PHADE’s work and enjoy complimentary beverages courtesy of Modelo. This rare event allows fans, aspiring artists, and art enthusiasts to dive deep into the world of graffiti and airbrush art, guided by one of the most influential figures in the field.
PHADE’s masterclass continues the “Fighting Spirit Stories”, a series of inspiring and culturally-enriching events throughout the summer at the Museum of Graffiti. Named after Modelo’s long-standing tagline, “The Fighting Spirit,” these events highlight the relentless spirit of those who have left an indelible mark on the arts and culture scene.
“We’re excited to partner with the Modelo to provide a platform for these trailblazers to share their inspiring stories and impact on the culture,” says Allison Freidin, co-founder of the Museum of Graffiti.
