TC-5 New York's old skool graff legends rock LA

If you are down with New York graffiti then you'll know some the TC-5 (The Cool Five) crew members...Claw Money, Doze Green, Kaws, Lady Pink and Mr. Wiggles.

But, there are unsung heroes who slipped by me, so I spent time at Crewest Gallery's pre-show opening for "Revolutions" to speak with "Shirt King" Phade, Keo and Aevon, who schooled me on TC-5.

The show runs til March 28th with the opening reception and “Piecebook: Reloaded” book launch (featuring many of the Tc-5 members) on Saturday, March 6th, 2010, 6pm to 9pm.

On Saturday, March 20th, 2010, 6pm to 9pm there's a fashion show featuring garms painted by TC-5 as well as live painting on t-shirts and live music by The Milky Way and a special set by DJ Computer Jay.

The last chance to see the show will be at the closing reception on Saturday, March 27th, 2010, 6pm to 9pm will feature live painting and surprise guest D.J.s.

The Crazy 5 Blade was in the original TC5 (The Crazy 5) from the 70s. Later management was handed to SEEN (TC-5's SEEN is not SEEN from United Artists...who was first is a matter for those in the know!) @149th St. has a brief history. Aevon said that Phade was passed the presidency, but it eventually accepted by SEEN. You may have seen his work under the name TWICE or his other "nom de plumes."

I'm not sure when The Crazy 5 converted into The Cool 5, but I do know the Crewest Gallery show has works from some of the pioneers of the New York Graffiti scene. I got myself one of three Doze Green original drawing in wax crayon on paper. Other work are on mixed media: wood, paper, metal and canvas and all pop with the same energy of classic old skool graffiti.

Garms If collecting art ain't your thing, then Crewest has a dope TC-5 limited edition t-shirt for you. As long as you're a size L and above then this shirt has your name on it!

Going back...This video copped from TC-5's website was directed and produced by Henry Chalfont of Style Wars fame. Hear the breaks and check the style (Spank's glasses are pure sci-fi!)  This documentary really captures the energy and excitement of the time.

Brim's words explain why hip hop lost some of its passion in New York, but luckily that energy lived on in Europe and Japan:

"Like, a couple of years back it...the whole hip hop culture stuff wasn't organized like it's organized now...now you walk down the street...you see kids breakdancing, like they see it in the movies, you have graffiti in the movies, you got breakdancing in the movies, you got posters in the train about breakdancing, you got albums of rappers...this whole hip hop subculture of the ghettos is about to get big."