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The graffiti culture, is intertwined with the broader evolution of hip-hop itself. Here's a brief history of hip-hop graffiti
- Late 1960s and Early 1970s: Modern graffiti linked to hip-hop culture began appearing in Philadelphia and later, more prominently, in New York City. Early "writers" (as graffiti artists are often called) started "tagging" their pseudonyms on walls and subways. Pioneers like CORNBREAD in Philadelphia and TAKI 183 in New York gained local fame.
- Mid to Late 1970s: As hip-hop's four core elements—MCing, DJing, breakdancing, and graffiti—began to coalesce, graffiti saw major stylistic evolutions. Tags became larger "throw-ups," and more complex "pieces" (short for masterpieces) emerged. The subway system became a canvas for many graffiti writers, symbolizing the spread and movement of the culture throughout the city. During this period, writers like LEE, ZEPHYR, and DONDİ became well-known.
- 1980s: The hip-hop movement and graffiti began to gain mainstream attention. Films like "Wild Style" (1983) and "Style Wars" (1983) showcased the graffiti and hip-hop culture to a wider audience. However, the New York Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) and city officials began efforts to eradicate graffiti, considering it vandalism. This decade also saw the rise of "wildstyle" graffiti, characterized by intricate and interlocking letters.
- 1990s: As the MTA's anti-graffiti efforts intensified, street-level murals and wall pieces became more common. Hip-hop music's explosion into mainstream culture brought more attention to graffiti, but there was also tension between street credibility and commercialization.
- 2000s to Present: With hip-hop becoming a global phenomenon, so too did its graffiti element. Cities around the world began witnessing hip-hop-inspired graffiti. Street art and traditional hip-hop graffiti began to overlap in many areas, with artists like Banksy and Shepard Fairey gaining international acclaim. The internet and social media platforms allowed artists to showcase their works and connect with global audiences.
Throughout its history, hip-hop graffiti has been a visual representation of the rhythm, rebellion, and voice of the hip-hop movement. It's both a form of personal expression and a collective representation of urban youth culture, often speaking to societal issues, challenges, and aspirations.
Notable Graffiti Styles:
- Tagging: The simplest form of graffiti, a tag is an artist's personal signature. It's usually done quickly with one color.
- Throw-Ups: These are more complex than tags but are still relatively simple. They usually involve bubble letters and are done quickly, often in two colors.
- Blockbusters: These are large, block-letter designs often meant to cover a large space or another graffiti piece.
- Wildstyle: This is a more intricate form of graffiti, characterized by interlocking letters, arrows, and other elements. It can be hard to read for those not familiar with graffiti art.
- Pieces or Masterpieces: Short for "masterpiece", these are large and intricate works that often require more time and multiple colors. They might incorporate 3D effects, characters, and other artistic elements.
- Stencil: Graffiti created by spraying paint over a stencil. This allows for quick applications and can be used for intricate designs or messages.
- Sticker (or Slap): These are designs or tags on stickers that are then adhered to surfaces. They're a quick way to get one's mark out there.
- Paste-Ups (or Wheatpaste): These are artworks or posters that are pasted onto walls. They can be pre-made at home and then quickly adhered to surfaces in public spaces.
- 3D Style: This involves creating three-dimensional letters and designs which pop out from the wall.
- Bubble: Rounded, balloony letters, often colorful.
- Character: Often accompanying other graffiti styles, these are cartoon or realistic characters that add narrative or context to a piece.
- Heaven: Graffiti pieces that are placed in hard-to-reach places, like high up on bridges or buildings.
- Freight: Graffiti on freight trains. This style is particularly popular because freight trains travel, spreading the artist's work far and wide.
Different regions and eras might have their own specific styles or influences, but these are some of the primary categories that you'll find in the graffiti world.
