In general, we often talk about hip hop music, but we rarely discuss hip hop art. When we do, it’s generally in terms of “writing” or “bombing,” the traditional graffiti aspects of hip hop’s artistic roots. Hip hop non-believers may think that graffiti is the only way the hip hop generation expresses themselves artistically, but those who truly understands hip hop, know that the hip hop generation is awash with free-spirited individuals that have already radically changed the music and style landscapes of what hip hop is “supposed” to be.

The Brooklyn Bodega sponsored Under The Influence exhibition at The powerHouse Arena, part of the annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival, showcased many examples of the photography, paintings, and sculptures of this creatively gifted generation that arose from the music to express their view of hip hop.

The exhibition was curated by the Mighty Tanaka Gallery and Royce Bannon and pays tribute to Jamel Shabazz and the release of his new book, Back in the Days Remix: 10th Anniversary Edition, showcasing the style of the culture’s golden era. Over 50 artists, including Shabazz, Joe Conzo, SKI, and 212 Magazine, take over two floors of this beautiful art space, which serves as an independent book store/art venue, complete with high ceilings and amphitheater seating designed to dismiss the stale structure of the unlively chairs and tables found at your local Barnes & Noble.

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