July/ Aug 2014 DALAL

CHRISSY SHE DESCRIBES HER MUSIC AS “ALTERNATIVE POP”

Adrian DANIEL & THE STONERS WONDERFUL MUSICAL SURPRISE

NMG

TMAC HAS WORKED WITH TALENTED MINDS ALL AROUND THE WORLD

FOREVER MUZIK RISING STAR IN THE HIPHOP AND NEO SOUL MOVEMENT

WITH NEW ALBUM

H2-O PASSION IS MY MOTIVATION

ABSOLOOT INNOVATIVE RHYMES AND PASSIONATE LYRICS

DALAL

"I'd like to show a lot more of what I can do"

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content

JULY - AUGUST 2014 Cover DALAL Dalal's music has pushed her to the forefront of up and coming Pop artists.

Interview with Dalal on page

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Chrissy Her music has drawn the attention of people who would know talent when they hear it.

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Adrian Daniel & The Stoner

isted as BBC's Audio Addict as a artist to watch in 2014

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NMG

with the second edition BOGOTA RUSH VOL II

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3 Ogm Staff

CEO-EDITOR – Curtis Stokes PUBLISHER – Stokes Publishing PRESIDENT – Ife VICE PRESIDENT – Jeremy Golphin MEDIA CORRESPONDENT – Tiah Coffey PUBLIC RELATIONS – Lashawn Walls GRAPHIC DESIGNER – Alina Zakirova HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK. COM/OGMMAGAZINE

Photography

H2-O

know his truths...

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Contributing Writers

@OVAGROUNDMOGUL WWW.OVAGROUND MOGUL.COM

John Glynn Curtis Stokes

TMAC

Forever Muzik

is bringing a feel of HipHop, Rap, R&B and Pop into a new realm.

is a special underground movement that is a force to be reckoned with

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Absoloot – SeJoe ent H2-0 – Tom Mikene NMG – Richsonz Inc. Forever Muzik Group – Nappsack Photos, LLC Adrian Daniel & The Stoners – Jen Painter TMAC – Shines Fresh ChrissyO – Amanda Little Dalal – Hamid Moslehi

Absollot

rising star looking to make a powerful impact with his talent

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page 25

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If you ever had a chance to meet Lemonte "H2-O" Williams, then you would understand just how much that ideal resonates through is spirit. He know his truths... They are not pretty or easy to deal with at all, but he know his truths. Lemonte "H2-O" Williams knows that he has an inner drive that will not allow him to fail. He recognizes that he is now, and will forever be, misunderstood.

His perspectives are mhis own and are rarely shared by others. By day, Lemonte is corporate executive in Manhattan, putting his education from Duke University to good use. By night, he is pursuing his career in music with an undying passion for hip-hop.

H2-O began honing his skills by ripping stages along the eastern seaboard and dropped his first mixtape, "Teser" ("Reset" backwards), in February of 2009. Authoritative at times, bur"I am a lesque at others, the promotional release was a whirlwind man of passion... I of lyrical dexterity and would land H2-O on the pages of could care less if I ever several Hip-Hop publications, including The Source magazine make a dollar from muas the "Unsigned Hype" for August 2009. After going from label sic. I'm currently working my to label and being told, "You are amazing artist but we need you way up the ladder of success dumb-down your sound", H2-O took a tactical treat away from mu- in corporate America, so I'm sic to revise his strategy. During his brief haitus, he realized the the going to be fine regardless. true reason why he made music and why sacrificing his sound wasn't I just want to share my an option for him. He does it for the love; Period. experiences on a

broad scale."

H2-O coined the phrase "idothisforthelove" and began to make the music that reflected his inner most thoughts and experiences. "I have been through so many things in my young life and I truly believe the lessons I've picked up along the way can save you and a few others from some heart ache and pain. I would never want you to go through some of the things I've gone through. On the same token, I wouldn't trade my experiences for anything in the world. They have shaped me."

"I am going to share In December 2013, H2-O released idothisforthelove. The project has who I am with you. My been extremely successful and the visuals for the album have garnered experiences are the reason nearly 500,000 views in 3 months. H2-O, originally from Paterson, NJ why I'm so different. It hurt go- isn't interested in conforming to the apparently hypocritical mindset ing through them, granted; and that currently dominates today's Hip-Hop industry. His life lessons I didn't always make the most have left an indelible mark on him and consequently he feels popular decision, but I would compelled to share those lessons with others. A gambler at NEVER trade my experiencheart, he is betting all of this will force him to stand out in es. It's music to you... It's the crowd and connect with fans on a more intimate life to me..." level.

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"Money isn't my motivation... Passion is..."

Website www.idothisforthelove.com @STSLTG @idothisforthelove

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Let’s turn the page to a new chapter in Hip Hop, the game is changing and there’s rising star looking to make a powerful impact with his talent allow me to introduce you to Absoloot. Based out of South Florida Absoloot is a self made mogul grinding in the underground scene for years before signing to AS I AM Records. As an artist he’s earned the respect from many in the industry for his drive and dedication to the community. Absoloot’s innovative rhymes and passionate lyrics help set himself apart from independent artists in a unique way.

The Economic collapse of 2008 in our country was a vital piece of Absoloot’s journey. Several hard working families left vulnerable and shocked by the downturn helped Absoloot realize he could make a difference by providing a better understanding to the changes surrounding the country. More than ever fans demanded more lyricism and content in their music. Absoloot’s lyrical brilliance stimulates the mind; his sound is the embodiment of each individual’s daily struggle to do what’s right in a world where it’s so easy to do what’s wrong. The Huffington Post acknowledged his single “99%” featured on his “Our Voice” EP and was inspired by the occupy wallstreet movement that helped touch so many. Absoloot’s campaign to challenge the power and corruption within the banking industry gives millions of middle class Americans hope a voice is speaking up for them. He has received rave reviews for the release of his critically acclaimed album “Banksters.” The key purpose of the album was to educate and inspire our youth to learn about our economy in a way they can understand in a non explicit matter through Hip Hop.

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WWW.OVAGROUNDMOGUL.COM

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FOREVER MUZIK

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Forever Muzik is a Hip Hop/Neo-Soul group consisting of 6 members: Junbugg, Doe or Nothin, Jermz , Ex Reed, K.D. and our newest member L Soul.

Forever Muzik is a special underground movement that is a force to be reckoned with. Forever Muzik, which use to be TMG Muzik, is an independent label established in Phoenix, Arizona.

Forever Muzik is a rising star in the hiphop and neo soul movement. These young men hit you

from many different angles with their timeless music. 2013 will be a special year for these guys, after rocking the state of Arizona for the past eight years, the time has finally come for Forever Muzik to make their mark in the game. This special group of men have received great reviews and tremendous feedback, so stay tuned for the upcoming mixtapes along with the long awaited compilation that will have people talking for years to come.

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DALAL

OFFICIAL WEBSITE http://dalalmusic.com/ https://www.facebook.com/dalalmusic https://twitter.com/DalalMusic http://instagram.com/dalalmusic#

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DALAL Influenced by Beethoven, Prince, Andrew Loyd Webber and Kylie Minogue Dalal's music has pushed her to the forefront of up and coming Pop artists.

Her Debut Single “Taste the Night” reached #5 on the Billboard Breakout Charts, #7 on the UK Club Charts and #8 on the UK Pop Commercial Charts with a music video that premiered through AOL Music and gained over one million views.

Voices”, with whom she performed at the United Nations and throughout Europe. In addition, Dalal was a special guest soloist for the Vienna International Gospel Choir, and recorded a Christmas CD with the Vienna University Orchestra. Equally passionate about working behind the camera, Dalal attended the SAE College for film, with a focus on 3D Animation, Visual Effects and Editing.

Dalal Bruchmann was born on Wal- Dalal just moved from New York City, purgis Night, the Night that celebrates where she began her musical career in the coming of Spring, Dalal's passion the United States, writing and recordfor acting, singing and modeling be- ing her Debut Single “Taste the Night” gan in Austria, with Producer following a Michael Grant long a line to Los Angeof Artists, les, where she Composers is currently and MusiHollywood Music Magazine working on her cian. Dalal is Debut Album, a direct descendant of Franz Seraph as well as writing classical scores and von Bruchmann, lyricist for world-re- songs for various upcoming movies. nowned composer Franz Schubert.

Dalal performed at the Sundance Film Dalal studied Musical Theatre, English Festival, Couture Fashion Week and Literature and Art History in Vienna, New York Fashion Week, where she where she also started playing with gained much praise. “Powerful Singthe Vienna University Orchestra and er and becoming the next big thing” began her work with the “European New York Fashion Week (Al Battle)

“She is a multitalented international rising star”

Q&A

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15 How long have you been doing music?

I've been doing music since I was four years old. I started playing violin and piano at that age and when I was six I joined my first children's choir! :) Do you consider yourself a Music or fashion Mogul?

I'm nowhere near deserving of that title! I'd like to show a lot more of what I can do... and give it my all! :) What inspires you?

Everything! Especially art! I love looking at great Photography espe-

cially nature, fantastical and underwater photography! I love going to Museums and I love looking at paintings! Good Books and stories inspire me as well... :) A great movie...

What’s next for your career?

My song "Suddenly" is currently being played on Radio. The song will officially be released in 2 weeks. I'm working on my Album and on various Motion Picture Scoring Projects.

Tell us about your next upcoming album and what fans can expect?

The Album is a mixture of Pop/ Dance and Orchestral Music fused

together with World Music. It shows a lot of facets of my personality! I'm calling it my attempt at Musical Impressions.

You have some awesome photos – what was it like to work with photographer Hamid Moslehi?

Thank you very much that compliment! Working with Hamid is fantastic! He's incredibly hard working and won't stop until he thinks something is perfect! He has an eye for capturing emotion, which I love and he is a really lovely Human being on top of that! :)

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Adrian Daniel & The Stoners Singer/Songwriter ADRIAN DANIEL listed as BBC's Audio Addict as a artist to watch in 2014, is often referred to as a 'wonderful musical surprise' whose music is described as "thought provoking" with a strong voice that's a very smooth blend of MOTOWN sound and a harder edge poet. A soulful eclectic blend of ALTERNATIVE POP and SOUL. With musical influences being drawn from the likes of Prince and MGMT, young upstart Adrian Daniel has a lot to show the world when it comes to his music. With two EPs already under his belt, Native and Memoirs of a Stoner which was listed as one of the TOP 12 Best of 2012 Independent Singer/Songwriter Releases by TCMA, that debuted his first single charting #1 on OurStage for a solid month, remained in the top ten for two consecutive months, and touring relentlessly around New York City with his band, The Stoners, he’s slowly building an ever-growing fan base.

Hopefully after checking out his tunes and live performances you’ll become a fan too.

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Justice For Marlene

by John Glynn On July 1, Marlene Pinnock, purse in hand, wandered onto the 10 Freeway, barefoot. Having spotted the 51 year old veering towards traffic, a California Highway Patrol rushed towards her and attempted to usher the mother of two away from the freeway shoulder.

However, the incident that followed has generated everything from internal investigations to global indignation. In an age of instant technology, it is no real surprise that a motorist managed to capture cell phone footage of the officer persistently beating the powerless woman as her purse fell to the ground.

At a recent news conference, Pinnock’s daughter described the vulnerable woman as a “loving” and “happy” individual. “I wouldn’t wish this on anyone else,” whispered Maisha Allums, obviously incensed and hurt by the whole affair. Before breaking down in tears, she concluded poignantly; “I just want justice for my mom.”

The LA Times reported that the officer in question has been demoted to performing tasks of an ‘administrative’ nature, basically meaning that he is not active on the streets following the highway assault. Many agree that this is hardly an adequate punishment, and reports of the officer receiving full pay, along with the California Highway Patrol’s unwillingness to publicly name the culprit has enraged Mrs Pinnock’s family and

civil rights activists across the world.

And now, like something out of a Hollywood movie, reports are circulating that this officer has a history of hostile behaviour. If this does indeed prove to be the case, then, undoubtedly, the infuriation will only escalate.

In an era where some law enforcement officers’ act like street corner shrinks, this unfortunate incident highlights the rapidly evolving, imbalanced and unsatisfactory encounters that occur regularly between law enforcers and US citizens.

The head of the Los Angeles chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Alliance, The Rev. William D. Smart Jr, recently stated; “Our community is highly upset over this - that a black woman was being hit that way, treated that way. There’s a rage in our community right now.’

An obvious human reaction, yes, nevertheless, it displays the unanimous anger and dismay associated with the sheer heavy handedness shown at the start of July. The sooner

Marlene Pinnock

CHP Officer’s Violent Freeway Beating of a Black Woman Continue on page 24

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www.MusicClout.com/Chrissy www.Facebook.com/Chrissy OfficialMusic Twitter.com/ChrissySongBird

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CHRISSY Her music, which she describes as “alternative pop,” has drawn the attention of people who would know talent when they hear it.

More than a triple threat, singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, vocal arranger/producer, dancer/ choreographer, director, music supervisor/dj, international presenter host, pin up model, actress/comedienne, and life coach, Chrissy, the Philadelphia based granddaughter of an “American Bandstand” dancer, and the niece of an original “Dancin’ on Air” cast member, has a lifetime of music entertainment experience, and a great deal to show for it. With her music being produced by the same people who help internationally famous artists shine, being featured in prime time television, and reaching over 2.5 million hits on Clear Channel’s “Discover New Music” site, “I

Heart Radio”, and being dubbed the “indie pop starlet to watch” by the New York Post – you know this young lady is on her way.

Her music, which she describes as “alternative pop,” has drawn the attention of people who would know talent when they hear it. Chrissy was once part of the talent roster of Johnny Wright’s WEG – Wright Entertainment Group, where her fellow artists were Justin Timberlake, Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, and the Jonas Bros., to name a few. It was there that she became a protege of multi-platinum and diamond certified super producer Alex Greggs (who has produced songs for Justin and Janet, Beck, *NSYNC, Britney Spears, Michael Jackson, Kelis, Beck, Brandy, Duran Duran, Lily Allen, Pussycat Dolls and many others), who produced her songs such as “(Diddy) Do Da” and her cover of The Who’s “Baba O’Riley (Teenage Wasteland),” with other singles in the works.

20 Chrissy is a semifinalist for the high stakes “Unsigned Only” songwriter competition, and is up for best, unsigned Top 40/Pop act for her collaboration with Australian super star, Vanessa Amorosi, on “My Stupid Boyfriend”.

Chrissy is also a host and brand ambassador for Kitsy Lane and Jewel Mint. She is a retro glam, & 50’s pin up model for Bombshell Pinup Company as well, and will be featured in upcoming issues of Pin Up America magazine, and UN.Sung magazine. In the fall of 2013, Chrissy officially launched her own boutique and online jewelry and accessory store, called “Above Rubies”, and her music is featured in the new Rob Sitbon (creds: Steven Spielberg’s Survivors of the Shoa Foundation piece) film, “Forget About It”. Chrissy was recently a featured artist on “Punky! Radio” for her hybrid chick rock, new wave, and ska punk sound. She will next be featured at “UN.Radio” for UN.Sung Magazine’s music issue, and was recently mentioned in “The New Yorker” magazine, as well having had features in VENTS Magazine, and Pin Up America Magazine.

the works will be a song entitled “Can’t Play a Player,” co-written by multi-platinum song writer and former “American Idol” judge, Ms. Kara DioGuardi. Another one of Chrissy’s cowriters is Taryn Murphy (whose credits include Mariah Carey’s “Wisegurls”, and MTV Europe).

Other collaborators include “America’s Got Talent” finalist, Deanna Dellacciopa (singer on “America’s

sible for the music on programs such as USA’s “Burn Notice”, E!’s Khardashian shows, “Dexter”, “Raising Hope”, and many, many more.

She has worked with Grammy nominated and Grammy award winning song writing and production team of Mark Meckel, Nathan Meckel, and Pamela Reswick (Grammy winners and nominees for Natalie Cole, Emmy Lou Harris, Jo Dee Messina) as well as Australian super star, Ms. Vanessa Amorosi.

She also recently teamed up with EDM legend “Jump Chico Slam”, of “Funk that”, “Beavis and Butthead”, and Crystal Waters fame. Her most recent collaboration is with Christophe Piot of All Right Music, who is a Grammy Award winning publisher and songwriter for his collaborations with David Guetta. She is currently working on projects with Bruno Gruel (engineer to David Guetta).

Chrissy has a lifetime of music entertainment experience, and a great deal to show for it.

Chrissy has collaborated with multi-platinum producers Dow Brain and Brad Young of Underground Productions (LMFAO, LFO, Aerosmith, Boston, Tracy Bonham, Paula Abdul), as well as her collaborator on “Big”, her friend, the late, great Rich Cronin (of LFO and VH1’s “Mission: Man Band”), and next in

Got Talent” with music featured on MTV, Oxygen, VH1) Sam Conjerti, writer for LFO and co-writer on Chrissy’s songs “My Slushy” and “Danger”, and Burton Collins (creds include Celine Dion) In addition to working with the prestigious production team of Alex Greggs and Dennis Shaw of the legendary South Rakkas C rew, she’d previously teamed up with super pop and EDM producer, Ron “Chico” DiCicco (well known for producing remixed dance versions of hits for Kelly Clarkson, Hillary Duff, Katy Perry, Pink, Nelly Furtado, etc.) and her up tempo songs, “Skinny Jeans” and “Step-Off” resulted from that collaboration, including a guest rap from Chico. She also works with the infamous L.A.W., who was Amy Winehouse’s backup singer, and with Jonathan Merkel and Danny Osuna of “Beat Chamber”, respon-

Chrissy was also fortunate enough to have spent several years working in new media and promotion for Warner Brothers and Reprise Records for a multitude of the alternative rock, punk, and post hardcore acts there such as the legendary, mighty, mighty Glass Jaw, Head Automatica, Men Women & Children, and several more, which is an experience she relishes to this day. Chrissy and a group of friends most recently launched an aerial, pole, circus arts and alternative fitness studio in Central PA, attracting the likes of up and coming aerial artists throughout the east coast.

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Cuntree aka Clyde Barrows is the first voice you hear, and in my opinion both Cuntree and Blasta shows us why the stand next to Comatoze better than any other emcee's in their genre. Blasta hits hard on the track "Power" produced by Sonny Black. Blasta has always been a secret weapon within the NMG family and this project, that secret has been unleashed. Comatoze holds up his end of the trio with catchy hooks, and bring the heat bar after bar on tracks like Numbaz ft. Soco. He sets off the track with an original flow, and maintains that high energy throughout the project.

The project in a whole has a lot of catchy hooks as always and undeniable features from Jenell Diamond on the summer smash "Its Love", Blaze from LIPAA on "Ima Ride" and Hempstead Skeemz from ALL THIS MONEY ENT on "Heels". It also , serves an array of emotions the help from NMG's top The second edition to the N.M.G. with production teams including Trilogy is action packed from be- Richsonz, RDM Musiq, Sonny ginning to end. The album starts Black, Smoking Productions off with a classic instrumental and ITrez."The beat selection from DMX's first project ÂŤNiggas process was unusual this time around" sez NMG's K.I... He Done Started SomethingÂť. explained the team didn't lock in on one particular sound this album which gives off the roller coaster effect. They felt that would be best for the summer season, being emotions drift most in the summer months...deep!! These guys are obviously taking their approach to the next level past the music aspect.

The promo tracked featuring Comatoze called "Poison" is a 4min freestyle of Comatoze of NMG going bananas over the classic Mobb Deep track "Pick Your Poison". On this promo track, it was expressed during a recent interview that Comatoze wanted to raise the bar as far as lyrics for NY hip hop. Heard or not, I think he does so within that 4mins. NMG as a whole lifts that bar and reminds us what hip hop is all about from originality to bars to energy during live performances. Poe an artist on NMG also gets a chance to shine on this project with the instant classic "Turn Down 4 Wat?" produced by DJ DNA. All in all, I believe this is one of the strongest efforts put forth from the NMG family and I doubt this will be the last with RICHSONZ Inc. behind the scenes.

BOGOTA RUSH VOL II

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the officer in question is named, the sooner some decency will actually enter the crude equation.

The footage clearly shows Pinnock walking near the La Brea exit.

Then, according to the CHP, the unidentified officer follows Pinnock onto the shoulder in an attempt to prevent her from walking into traffic and jeopardizing her wellbeing and the wellbeing of others. Yet again, according to a CHP statement, the officer ordered the mother to halt, something she blatantly ignored. If reports of Marlene being mentally ill and homeless prove to be true, then, debatably, this makes the story even more disgusting.

The California Highway Patrol has promised to carry out a meticulous investigation - but authorities shamelessly claimed the trooper was just doing his job, merely restraining her for safety reasons. Quite simply, the video doesn’t lie; the officer may have stopped her from causing a traffic accident, but was the excessive brutality really necessary? The answer is a resounding NO, pure and simple.

At a news conference, CHP Assistant Chief Chris O’Quinn said that Marlene was endangering herself

and oncoming traffic, and this is why the officer was forced to ‘control’ her.

Again, there is an obvious difference between restraint and brutality. Ironically, the man who was supposed to restrain Marlene ended up displaying absolutely no restraint.

David Diaz, the motorist who recorded the uniformed officer delivering the wild blows, gave his thoughts in a recent interview; ‘The most animalistic, most brutal way to subdue someone is to pound someone’s head into the concrete with really big blows to the head.’ And there you have it, whether Marlene is mentally unstable or not pales in comparison to the sheer unprofessionalism displayed by the law enforcer. By deciding to deliver MMA moves that would make Brock Lesnar flinch, the perpetrator was helping to preserve a brutal, age old tradition of officers who have assaulted black people in a merciless manner. Is it an exaggeration to say Pinnock was lucky to have escaped with her life? Yes, I think so, but is it an exaggeration to say she received a beating that could cause irreversible psychological damage? Absolutely not.

Cast your mind back 15 years, Margaret Mitchell, a black, homeless

“I just want justice for my mom” – Maisha Allums Pinnock’s daughter says

woman, was slain by an LAPD officer.

Ms. Mitchell, a lady in her 50’s, was killed after a suspected clash involving a shopping cart. Undoubtedly, Mitchell’s death cast a glaring light over the atrocious treatment of the destitute, especially if they happen to have darker skin. The multifaceted judicious and socioeconomic concerns that homeless black people face seem to make them more susceptible to brutality than white itinerants. In this era of supposed equality, are we not just witnessing an element of slightly muted, cleverly disguised racism?

We laugh at someone like Kanye, what with his constant bragging and eccentric actions; however, if you listen to the lyrics in many of his tracks, you will notice that he is alluding to an inequality that still exists.

On the video, before knocking his victim to the ground and hitting her with clinched fists, the officer can be seen attempting to hold Ms. Pinnock’s arm. After a short period of time, an off-duty officer arrives and assists in restraining Marlene, but roughly ten cruel punches had already been delivered, the irreparable damage had already been done.

While Pinnock’s ‘penal punishment’ did not reach the deadly heights of the aforementioned Mitchell incident, it displayed the raw, uncultured desires that some police officers seem to possess, a superior, ‘I’m the boss’ complex, something that has infected American society for far too long.

CHP Sgt. Denise Joslin ‘ingeniously’ noted that walking along a fully active freeway at rush hour is “not something most people do,” and while this is true, using a 51 year old woman as a punch bag is also not something most people do. In this case, two minuses do not make a plus.

TMAC

Coming from Fargo, ND, Troy Macfarland aka "TMAC", is the Co-Founder of Audio Houndz Publishing Group. He is an artist/producer/song-writer that has worked with talented minds all around the world such as Kris Searle (Grammy considered, 5x LA MUSIC AWARD WINNER), Darnell Swallow (Big Brother 9 UK), SIOW (UK), OD Hunte (EMI-signed producer UK), Frank Lucas Jr. (Lucas Legacy Group, NY), GLIFFICS (NY), 2 Gunn Ciz (Istandard Producers), Embra Tor (Yellow Star Crew, Sudan), Cairon (Big Brother 10 UK). TMAC has shown his versatility by winning "Best Dance/Electronica

Artist" (Kris Searle ft. TMAC) and being nominated for "Best HipHop Artist" at the 2011 LA Music Awards. He has opened concerts for mega artists such as Flo-Rida headlining London's biggest performance venue the " IndigO2."

TMAC is bringing a feel of HipHop, Rap, R&B and Pop into a new realm with the use of prolific synths and mind-blowing hooks.

TMAC also graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead with a Bachelors degree in Music/Business. TMAC is currently working with Konundrum Spitzz (the duo being Mac-N-Spitzz) and producing for Pop-Electro singer Kris Searle.

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Hip hop An Dating back well over 30,000 years, the evolution of graffiti from prehistoric cave paintings and pictographs has been monumental. Strategically fashioned in ceremonial and consecrated areas, the ancient images often displayed scenes of animal wildlife and intrepid expeditions involving hunter gatherers. Primordial graffiti regularly displayed declarations of love, political expressions, and philosophical musings. Researching the ancient form of artistry has helped us gain a deeper understanding of the lifestyles and languages embraced by past cultures.

Graffiti has become a bone of contention, the word alone conjures up many different questions - is it artistic expression or mere vandalism? In the past, has it contributed to urban decay or is it a by-product of social disquiet?

New York City is often labelled the birthplace of contemporary graffiti, an artistic element that is principally associated with the eruption of inner-city gangs.

The Bronx, Washington Heights and other deprived areas within the city were the melting pots of this creativity. The younger generation, rebellious and vociferous, clamoured territorial possession, and this desire was initially met through stylized signatures of names, known as tags.

The swinging 60s was a time of liberation and free thinking; political activists began using graffiti as an innovative form of expression, and gangs such as the Savage Skulls, La Familia, and Savage Nomads used it to mark territory.

A decade later, and these pioneers were joined by artists like Dondi, Zephyr and Lady Pink, people who realized the enormous potential of graffiti as an expressive art. By the mid-1970s, most principles in graffiti writing and culture had been firmly set.

Most notably, during this time, “top-to-bottom” displays progressed in complexity, now taking up complete subway cars.

Branching out from a somewhat singular, individualistic style, graffiti quickly became competitive; artists began to enter subway yards all in the hope of “hitting” as many trains as possible, often opting to create elaborate displays along the

subway car sides. Largely due to the number of competing artists, tagging quickly began to take on its literal meaning, as individuals and groups needed a way to separate themselves from the proverbial herd. Towards the end of the 70s, rather notably, the MTA (Metro Transit Authority) decided to take on this surge in creative expression, mainly by repairing yard fences and vigorously removing graffiti whenever possible.

However, as much as the MTA tried, the innovation could not be stopped, and in 1979, artist Lee Quinones and Fab 5 Freddy were given their own gallery exhibition by art dealer Claudio Bruni. The display took place Rome, a historic city and a historic moment for graffiti. Quite simply, for many outside New York City, it was their first encounter with this form of art.

With an increase in efforts to reduce “vandalism” coupled with

nd Graffiti

by John Glynn

the sharp economic downturn, people referred to the 1980s as the “die hard” era. Just as the communicative culture was making its way overseas, the enriching characteristic of graffiti in New York was said to be dwindling almost to the point of disappearance. Previously preferred sites for creative display were now guarded heavily, yards were patrolled regularly, and far more resolute fencing was introduced. Subways were far more difficult to access for an artist, so pioneers took to the streets, which, along with commuter trains and box cars, quickly became the most notable platform for displays.

In May, 1989, The Clean Train Movement began. New York’s plan to forcibly remove all of the subway cars found with graffiti on them out of the transport system led to this revolutionary faction. Now, rather than bow down to the system, many

graffiti artists found new ways to express themselves, primarily through gallery exhibitions and in their own private studios.

In the 90’s, graffiti truly evolved, as many artists created particularly intricate murals. Often these depictions paid homage to recently deceased idols, with Tupac and Biggie receiving particular respect. . In essence, one could argue the following point: Pac and Biggie’s deaths spawned a new era for graffiti, as hip hop graffiti and gang graffiti became entities in their own right. The intricate relationship between graffiti and hip-hop culture arose from the manifestation of fresh and sophisticated forms of the practice in areas where other fundamentals of hip hop, like emceeing, were evolving as art forms. For the first time, there was a clear overlap between those who practiced graffiti and those who practiced other aspects of this culture.

As DJ'ing and breakdancing grew in relevance and popularity, hip hop graffiti also evolved.

Extremely elegant stencil depictions and multi-coloured spray paint murals became more prevalent. The link was pretty obvious, as numerous DJs, emcees and break-dancers were also highly capable graffiti artists. Additionally, as opposed to gang related

artists, the hip-hop innovators were companions, people eager to share similar techniques, people eager to take the art form to exciting, new levels. Through a combination of vibrant music, expressive language, and even more expressive clothing, hip hop graffiti grew in eminence, thus clarifying hip hop as an overall philosophy, a way of life. Remarkably, many of these pioneers became renowned professionals.

Through hip hop graffiti, thankfully, fantastic tales of street artists going on to design the artwork for Run-DMC and Snoop Dogg album covers have been recorded.

Through esteem and its partial legitimization, graffiti has come to a level of commercialization. Thirteen years ago, technological titans IBM launched an advertising campaign in Chicago and San Francisco.

Nothing strange about that, right?

Well, it came with a twist; it involved people spray painting peace symbols on sidewalks, people spreading positive messages, street artists being encouraged and supported by a global brand.

All these decades on from the 1960s funky, psychedelic haze, oh how the culture of hip hop has evolved. The relationship between graffiti and hip mirrors that of a single piece to an entire jigsaw. You see, if you subtract graffiti from the equation, then, undoubtedly, hip hop can never be fully complete.

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