This four-part series spotlights generations of New York City Latine hip hop artists, each of them trailblazers in their respective elements. Featured artists: Kid Freeze, a b-boy pioneer who got his start in the 1970s and the inventor of continuous headspins and a range of power moves; Lady Pink, a legendary graffiti artist known for painting NYC subway cars in the early ’80s; Kwikstep, founder of the Full Circle breaking crew and a mentor to some of the best break dancers in the U.S.; Rokafella, one of the most iconic b-girls in hip-hop history; D-Stroy, an MC from the Arsonists, an underground ’90s hip-hop collective; and Jiggz Star, Bongo Roc, and Ken Fury of the world champion break dancing crew, The Supreme Beingz. This eclectic mix of hip-hop leaders inspire their communities and keep the roots of hip hop culture alive through their art forms.
Lady Pink
Graffiti and mural artist Lady Pink was born in Ecuador and raised in NYC. In 1979, she started writing graffiti and soon became a prominent figure in subway graffiti subculture. In the early ’80s she became known as the “First Lady of Graffiti” for her prolific work. In 1982, she had a starring role in the motion picture “Wild Style.” That role and her other significant contributions to graffiti have made her a cult figure in hip-hop subculture. Today, Lady Pink continues to create new paintings — on canvas — that express her unique personal vision. She also shares her 30 years of experience with teens by holding mural workshops and lecturing to college students.
