Writing my Name in Graffiti on the Wall

Peace Fam,

Back in the day I had guys who would draw beautiful graffiti art on paper for me. Awww..I guess they knew steps to my Hiphop heart...LOL. No I didn't get a full wall mural tribute. But the pictures themselves brought me warmth & joy. You know it's funny because before this culture itself became known mainstream as "Hiphop" culture or a part(graffiti writing) of the culture. The youth just lived it out. They just did it from the soul. The colors the intricate details of my name,and the images "it was what it was" a work of art given in affection as a gift. Well this trip down memory lane caused me to wonder more on the history of the female in this beautiful artistic street painting showcase. Because most of us know some of the dangers that can be involved in this. I found this sum of history(see below) on the ladies of aerosol, and thought this would be great thing to spread the ode. Please read, think, an enjoy!

BIG RESPECT to ALL female Graffiti Writers out there from back in the day to today.

One
Storme...the rare breed



FEMALE WRITERS
©2001, 2003 @149st Do not republish without permission.

Young women participated in writing from its earliest days, but have always been in the minority. The assumption that the qualities required of a successful writer are gender specific have been dis-proven time and again by many young women. Throughout the years many young women have earned their places in New York City's aerosol art history.

Dona
blue

In aerosol art culture women face many obstacles not encountered by men. The late hours and desolate locations in which most writing is done can be particularly dangerous for women. As with many male-dominated fields the social atmosphere can be extremely harsh. Female writers are often subjected to all kinds of harassment. They are frequently the subjects of rumors such as "She sleeps around to get style." or "Her boyfriend writes for her". In general women have to struggle for respect for their accomplishments. Another barrier frequently encountered was possessive boyfriends who discouraged participation in a male-dominated field.


EARLY 1970s
Females to gain attention during the early 1970s were writers like Brooklyn's STONEY and COWBOY. GRAPE and CHARMINE were also early female writers. Probably the most prolific of the time period were Manhattan's BARBARA 62 and EVA 62. These women hit streets, public parks and subway stations with as much vigor as their male counter parts. KIVU, POONIE 1 and SUKI were also active around this time.


MID TO LATE 1970s
From 1974 to 1979 few young women made consistent efforts on the streets and subways. During this time period LIL LOVE 2 of Manhattan occasionally accompanied her brother LEE (Quinones) to the lay-ups, but for the most part female writers were not active.

In 1979 PINK also known as LADY PINK came into prominence. She would become the most enduring and accomplished female figure in the history of writing to date. Since that time PINK has been an ever-present creative force in aerosol art.


1980s
In addition to the continued presence of PINK the 1980s saw female subway writers such LADY HEART, ABBY, CHICK, SS, (LIL-LOVE TBK), DAWN, ANNA and BAMBI. LADY BUG gained attention for her throw-ups on the BMT division during the mid to late 1980s.


1990s- PRESENT DAY
The new breed of female writers shows a level of commitment seldom seen in earlier generations. These women are involved in bombing, burners, roller letters and tagging on the streets on New York City. Recent female writers to make significant impact are MS. MAGGS who broke ground in the early '90s. Brooklyn's DIVA, HOPE, and DONA of the Vandals In Control crew, they have produced many elaborate murals across the city. JAKEE from the borough of Queens was a prolific street bomber during the late 1990s. Other recent day female New York City writers include MUCK, FNS, CLAW, MISS 17, ICON, EROTICA 67 and NAISHA.

With aerosol art's expansion outside New York City in the 1980s many women across the globe pursued careers as writers. MICKEY of Holland and BLUE of Sweden have made significant strides and are a part of the New York writing scene, writing for the Fantastic Partners crew.

It is to the credit of all the generations of women that they thrive in a sometimes misogynistic "boys club" culture.

Just like a Jumbo, People Fiend......

A lot of times when I reflect on Hiphop, I have to ask myself about the contributions females have made to the game.

Seriously Roxanne Shante is one of those females that made her mark. Her attitude is what gave birth to a lil Kim or Foxy type of attitude. She brought that I am dissing everybody because I know I am the sh*%t...like what? She added a touch of glam with the furs, and jewels.

Some of these females today need a swagger. However the swagger needs to be backed up with talent. They have to create their own essence as this is my persona to make the people believe. It doesn't have to be stuck up...but there has to be a presence that is there beyond marketing because marketing can only go so far.

Are there any female emcees out there that have a true love for this anymore? Because I only get the vibe from a few.

For example when I hear Nas, Jay-z, Meth, Fat Joe, Jada,Busta and others build on the music in general I hear and feel how they are true fans of Hiphop...however I rarely feel that from some female emcees.

Maybe it is just me...I will have to think on this more.

One
Storme

Picture us coolin' out on the 4th of July..and if you heard we was celebrating that's a World-wide Lie!

Peace Fam,

Please take time out to remember your history, and live it out everyday. I know a lot of people celebrate it as a time to bond with family,and have some good food.
In that essence there is nothing wrong with that. Building family & friendship ties for stronger relationships is beautiful. However we must never forget....or get it twisted the sacrafice our ancestors gave. Stop, and leave the commericalization of the red white & blue at the door. What was the status of the African on that date in 1776? I think most of you already know. If we are to embrace this date of the 4th of July then lets celebrate true freedom fighters...people who truly lived their lives in the pursuit of liberty, peace, and justice for all...let us not forget Malcolm, Martin, Harriet, Fredrick Douglass, Sojouner, Paul, our personal immediate heroes or sheroes in our communities.. the list could go on, and on. And as we think about the past, don't forget to reflect on our current state of "freedom",and the new & old challenges we still face. As Harry put it so well for "the enemy is tenacious," and so must we be.

One
storme

“What to the American slave, is your Fourth of July? ... To him, your celebration is a sham; your boasted liberty, and unholy license; your national greatness, swelling vanity; your sounds of rejoicing are empty and heartless; your denunciation of tyrants brass- fronted impudence; your shouts of liberty and equality, hollow mockery; your prayers and hymns, your sermons and thanksgivings; with all your religious parades and solemnity, are to him, mere bombasts, deceptions, and pious and hypocrisy--a thin veil to cover up crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages.” - Frederick Douglas