Artistic
MC, DJ, Graffiti Artist, Breaker/Popper, Author/Journalist

Artistic is a multi-talented creative. Previously known as Awesome D, he began as a b-boy on the southside of Chicago in 1982 forming the Egyptian Breakers along with Bam, Boo, Ice K, Shorty Smurf, Fresh and Ram. By 1985, he had started two graffiti crews – I.B.C. (International Bombing Crew) and S.A.R. (Sophisticated Art Rockers), but in 1986 he changed his name to Artistic and joined Speedy, Suspense, Scope, Spike 153, JVC, Fere and Dr. Gory as a member of the legendary BASF Crew, best known for establishing the “B’s and 2’s”, a series of graffiti walls located on 101st St. in Woodlawn. The mid-80’s also saw Artistic become more involved in music as an emcee for the Curfew Boys and later DJing throughout the city, most notably at the Blue Gargoyle. In 1993, he co-founded Chicago Rocks Magazine with fellow BASF Crew member Fere. Selling for just $2.00, the publication covered all things hip-hop – graffiti, b-boying, MCing, DJing, Fashion, Business and more – from a Chicago perspective.

AFFILIATIONS
Chi-Rock Nation