11 Sep Chuck D: Livin’ Loud
September 2023
“My work throughout my life is always representative of the time we live in. I want to move forward with everything I do.” – Chuck
When Gallery 30 South hosted the first-ever, solo art exhibition by legendary Hip-Hop pioneer and Rock N Roll Hall of Famer, Chuck D, the resultant Sold Out show led to further exhibitions at Shepard Fairey’s Subliminal Projects, Chuck’s alma mater, Adelphi University, and placement in the collection of the Universal Hip-Hop Museum. Since that first show back in March 2018, Chuck’s artwork has became highly sought, and rarely for sale.
Livin’ Loud is Chuck D’s first fine art monograph. Featuring over 250 of his paintings, sketches and drawings, this gorgeous tome includes a commentary of over 13,000 words in which Chuck D traces his musical and artistic trajectory offering unprecedented insight into his life and work.
Gallery 30 South has been given an extremely limited allocation from among Chuck D’s edition of 1,200 copies worldwide, as well as a trade edition.
THE ARTWORK
‘On tour we had a lot of hotel time. While some people might have decided to go out to a club or the hotel bar, I turned my room into an art studio.’ – Chuck D
Working with a selection of media, sketchpads and canvases, Chuck D has produced hundreds of artworks over the last six years. Everything from oil paintings of 1950s baseball fields to pencil sketches of music icons have been curated exclusively for Genesis Publications to create a striking kaleidoscope of his work.
The artworks reveal his visual dexterity as he explores a diverse range of subjects. Chuck pays homage to his musical peers and influences: from the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan to Woody Guthrie and Nina Simone; hip-hop legends including Ice Cube and Run the Jewels; and Def Jam labelmates Run-DMC and Beastie Boys.
His twin passions of baseball and New York City basketball are celebrated, while sociopolitical compositions explore issues that continue to shape our culture today. His artworks of Public Enemy and Prophets of Rage give the viewer further insight into the career of a cultural revolutionary.
THE MANUSCRIPT
‘I was already expressing my political viewpoint through my art and graphics, so the bridge into music was a natural next step. First I expressed myself with my head and my hands, and then later with my voice.’ – Chuck D
In an enlightening written commentary of over 13,000 words, Chuck D reveals his early experiences growing up in the turbulent era of the Sixties, in which he was shaped by the prevalent civil rights and anti-war sentiments of the time. He goes on to share his journey into the world of hip-hop, a genre that he helped to curate, cut through and form.
‘It’s a sketchbook of a life with a narrative commentary showing how Chuck D went from Long Island kid to soul-obsessed teen to founder of Public Enemy’ – The Independent
Chuck describes the musical figures that shaped him and his voice, sets the scene for the first time he met Flavor Flav, the formation of Public Enemy and his stint with supergroup Prophets of Rage. Through his illuminating anecdotes and cultural observations, Chuck addresses the political issues facing America today within a wider social commentary on race, technology and the impact of social media. Chuck’s words are equal parts entertaining, educational and touching.
Featuring a foreword by Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello, Livin’ Loud is a revealing art collection from one of the greatest minds in hip-hop.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Chuck D, born Carlton Douglas Ridenhour, is an American rapper, activist and founding member of the iconic hip-hop group, Public Enemy. As the first artist to create hip-hop entrenched with political sensibilities, his works have continued to speak out in unexpected and necessary ways. His lyrics are now considered some of the greatest of all time, and Chuck remains a pioneer in rap music. The nonconformism and innovation heard in his music have endured throughout his art, which he has produced since he was a teenager.
Chuck attended Adelphi University in Long Island, where he studied graphic design. There, he developed his artistic virtuosity and found his passion for hip-hop. Chuck would go on to receive a B.F.A an honorary doctorate from the university. His influence in the visuals of hip-hop can still be seen today. As a firm believer that visually and sonically hip-hop could be as big as rock music, he created the famous Public Enemy logo.
Chuck D. on starting out in Art. ©2023 Genesis Publications. All Rights Reserved.
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