PAINTINGS

The term “Hip hop” brings pictures of rap artists driving expensive cars, objectifying women, and flaunting their “bling”. It produces visions of urban life, gangs, violence, and poverty. To those who understand the true nature of hip hop culture; it is not an authentic depiction. Hip-hop is an expression of independence and understanding, a vehicle to take an imperfect world, and through art, make it easier to understand. Pray for hip-hop was inspired by the unwillingness to let true hip-hop die.

This painting shows that the necessity for survival in urban environments can force good men into a “by whatever means necessary” mentality. But there are also men and women who keep the true essence of hip hop alive, the music that inspires a generation to reach for their dreams, the art and graffiti that uniquely expresses pain, love, and beauty. The struggle between good and evil is raging all around us everyday, this painting was inspired by my love of the idea of hip hop at its roots, and my desire to keep the movement alive.

The 1973- at the top of the painting represents the birth of the Zulu nation; generally accepted as the “beginning” of the culture. The piece chronicles hip-hop through its infancy, its golden age, and into its present state. What started with true artistry developed into commercialized “fake” hip-hop; the “insta-rapper” kit, groupies, and bottles of champagne represent this commercialization.

But true hip-hop is alive and the pulse grows stronger everyday. The angelic microphone represents the idea that the hip-hop movement can positively affect the course of history. The idea that we embrace the curses of our culture while nurturing the gifts we receive is depicted with “gift” and “curse” tattoos on the DJ who is in the background holding up the painting.