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.
In a dedicated tribute to the cultural force that is hip-hop, the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) is set to host a monumental event on November 11, 2023, commemorating 50 years of hip-hop artistry and marking National Hip-Hop History Month. The celebration will unfold at MoPOP’s iconic location at 325 5th Avenue N in Seattle, Washington, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.
Honoring a Hometown Hero
The highlight of the event is the presentation of the Hometown Hero Award to none other than Auburn, Washington native, and hip-hop luminary Sir Mix-A-Lot. Renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to the local and global hip-hop scene, Sir Mix-A-Lot will be bestowed with this prestigious award by MoPOP CEO Michele Y. Smith. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at 1:15 p.m. PST, promising an unforgettable moment for hip-hop enthusiasts and the public alike.
A Day of Hip-Hop Extravaganza
The National Hip-Hop History Month Event promises an immersive experience for attendees. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the museum will come alive with a dynamic array of activities, including DJ demos, graffiti techniques, movie screenings, dancing, hip-hop choreography, and exclusive guests. This is not just an event; it’s a journey through the evolution of a genre that has shaped the world’s music, art, and culture.
A Message from the CEO
Michele Y. Smith, MoPOP’s Chief Executive Officer, expressed her excitement about the event, stating, “In celebration of National Hip-Hop History Month, I’m excited to announce Sir Mix-A-Lot as the recipient of our Hometown Hero Award. Sir Mix-A-Lot embodies a true champion of the local Seattle hip-hop community. The team at MoPOP and I are proud to honor him with the award.”
Sir Mix-A-Lot’s Gratitude
In response to the honor, Sir Mix-A-Lot conveyed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you Michele, thank you MoPOP, and most importantly, thank you to the whole Pacific Northwest for not selling out on our culture. I have and always will keep it 100% Sea-Town. FO LIFE.”
For those planning to attend, MoPOP is conveniently located at 325 5th Avenue N, Seattle, Washington. Street parking and pay lots are available, with the Gates Foundation Parking garage situated across the street from MoPOP at 5th Avenue N and Harrison Street.
Join MoPOP in this historic celebration of hip-hop’s influence, innovation, and the local legend, Sir Mix-A-Lot. It’s not just an event; it’s a homage to 50 years of a genre that continues to shape the heartbeat of global pop culture.
Get ready to dive into the vibrant world of Hip Hop as the Founders of the Museum Of Graffiti unveil their latest creation, “The Art of Hip Hop,” during Art Basel Miami Beach 2023. This immersive educational exhibition promises to celebrate the rich history and cultural significance of Hip Hop, focusing on the unsung heroes of this genre – the visual creators. From photographers to album cover artists, graffiti legends, and logo designers, the exhibition will shed light on their immense contribution to Hip Hop’s iconic projects.
Art of Hip Hop SXSW
After successful showcases at SXSW and Seoul’s UrbanBreak, this exhibition is making its permanent home in Wynwood, perfectly timed to coincide with the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop. The programming extends beyond the Art Basel week, exploring all four pillars of Hip Hop: MC’ing, Breakdancing, Graffiti, and DJ’ing.
photo by lisa leone
In collaboration with StockX, the world’s leading marketplace for current culture, “The Art of Hip Hop” will kick off a grand opening weekend filled with programming and celebrations from December 5th to December 10th. This groundbreaking exhibition, titled “From the Bronx to the Beach,” offers visitors an opportunity to witness rare ephemera, showcasing the journey of Hip Hop from its roots in the Bronx with DJ Kool Herc to Miami’s very own pioneer, Uncle Luke.
DJ Tony Tone – Photo by Joe Conzo, 1981
While rappers and DJs often take center stage, “The Art of Hip Hop” places a significant emphasis on the visual creators who have left an indelible mark on this movement. Expect to see the works of renowned Hip Hop photographers like Janette Beckman, Mike Miller, Henry Chalfant, Matt Doyle, Lisa Leone, Joe Conzo, and Daniel Hastings, alongside Hip Hop album cover designs by Cey Adams, Eric Haze, Slick, Kaws, and many more.
Co-Founder Alan Ket and Wu-Tang member Raekwon at Art of Hip Hop SXSW
The exhibition will also feature a special spotlight on Miami’s unique Hip Hop history, captured through the lenses of local historian and photographer Derrick Ganth and Esdras T. Lusma. Alan Ket will collaborate with StockX to curate a collection of sneakers that further amplify the stories featured in the exhibition.
Art Of Hip Hop at Urbanbreak, Seoul
“Since its inception, hip-hop has revolutionized sneaker culture. Most of our favorite pairs have been defined, in some way, by hip-hop’s legacy. Over the course of its 50-year history, the genre has been influencing brands and giving them cultural resonance. It is our privilege to work with The Museum of Graffiti to bring its exhibit to life, and to not only celebrate ‘The Art of Hip Hop’, but to honor the community that has shaped it.” says Deena Bahri, CMO of StockX.
Beyond the immersive experience, “The Art of Hip Hop” will house a world-class specialty gift shop and art gallery. Here, you can explore and purchase original paintings on canvas and sculptures spanning the last five decades.
AlanKet, Curator and Co-Founder of The Art of Hip Hop shares his sentiment. “I fell in love with Hip Hop culture 40 years ago in the streets of New York. This historical exhibition belongs in Miami which has historically been a city with innovation and creativity in all the elements of Hip Hop. The public is going to love this.”
Allison Freidin & Alan Ket – Co-Founders of Museum of Graffiti & Art of Hip Hop
Doors will open daily from 11 am to 6 pm, starting on December 5, 2023, taking over the entire building located at 299 NW 25th St., Miami, FL 33127. General admission tickets are available for $12, and all special programming tickets will be exclusively offered at www.artofhiphop.com.
As part of their partnership with the Museum of Graffiti, StockX will make 250 tickets available for free to the public each day from December 5th to December 7th, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Schedule:
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 (11 am – 6 pm): Open to the public with 250 free tickets courtesy of StockX.
Wednesday, December 6, 2023 (11 am – 6 pm): Open to the public with 250 free tickets courtesy of StockX.
Thursday, December 7, 2023: Open to the public with 250 free tickets courtesy of StockX. Panel Discussion (1 pm – 2 pm): StockX presents a design-focused talk led by renowned sneaker design authority and Pensole College of Business and Design Founder, D’wayne Edwards.
Friday, December 8, 2023: Open to the public with 250 free tickets courtesy of Ciroc. Panel Discussion (1 pm – 2 pm): StockX presents a Hip Hop business-focused panel discussion led by Senior Vice President at Roc Nation, Lenny Santiago.
Beyond Art Basel: The Art of Hip Hop will continue to update its programming throughout the year, highlighting all four pillars of Hip Hop – MC’ing, Breakdancing, Graffiti, and DJ’ing.
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.
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.
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.
