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 late ’70s; 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.
Rokafella and Kwikstep captured in New York City. Photography by Taranita Costales.
Multifaceted hip hop artists, B-girl Rokafella and B-boy Kwikstep, established the nonprofit Full Circle Productions, Inc. in 1996. Today, the husband-wife duo continue to carry out their mission to uplift the cultural value of hip hop as a positive expression through workshops, events, and performances for people of all ages.
Kwikstep captured in New York City. Photography by Taranita Costales.
Rokafella captured in New York City. Photography by Taranita Costales.
