Futura 2000
Futura 2000 started
his career as a New York graffiti artist in 1970. But it
wasn't until the 1980s that graffiti (as well as the hip
hop lifestyle) came to the surface for the mainstream public
to appreciate.
Writing on train cars
and subways or "bombing" as it is called, was
where Futura 2000 first showcased his talent. However, it
wasn't long before canvas graffiti art pieces found their
way into exhibitions and galleries. The next platform for
Futura 2000's work was the UK Record Label MoWax which was
run in part by James Lavelle,
whom Futura 2000 met up with in 1992. Since then, Futura
2000's work has appeared on many album covers including
the U.N.K.L.E album which features Beastie Boys'
Michael Diamond on the song
Drums of Death.
Many Beastie Boys fans
have been inside one of Futura 2000's shops maybe without
realizing it. In one of the Rappin' With the Rickster episodes
(found on videotapes circulating within Beastie Boys trading
circles), Ricky Powell takes
his video camera right inside for an opening.
If you do not live in
New York, NY it is still possible to get a feel for what
Futura 2000 is like. Visit his website, but I warn you though
it is comprised of so many pages that it could take you
a week, a month, or maybe even a year to navigate through
it and see it all. If you find that you don't understand
everything you see on the site, don't feel ashamed...people
have been misunderstanding Futura 2000 for over 30 years...just
ask the NYPD.
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