This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Photos: New Rap Quotes On Street Signs Popping Up In L.A.
If you've been seeing rap lyrics emblazoned across red-and-white street signs all over L.A. lately, it's because of Jay Shells. The New York street artist (whose real name is Jason Shelowitz) is making his rounds through our city of angels, posting up new signs in time for his art exhibit that opens today at Gallery 1988.
In case you need a primer on his work, he puts site-specific rap lyrics on street signs and mounts them at the locations the lyrics are talking about. This time around, we're seeing quotes from the likes of Schoolboy Q, Drake and Ice T all throughout the city. He put up a total of 25 earlier this week and covered about 60 miles as far as Carson to Malibu. And we're pretty sure a good number of them have been snatched by Angelenos or taken down by authorities.
We last saw his signage pop up in L.A. in December and were stoked that he was giving the West Coast rap scene some love. He first launched his Rap Quotes project in early 2013 in New York.
At his art exhibit at Gallery 1988 East, which has an opening reception tonight starting at 7 p.m. and will be hosted by rapper Murs, Shells will be showcasing 100 Rap Quote signs and 100 accompanying photos of them. There will be 50 from each coast.
"A framed photo will be beneath each sign showing the context which is paramount for this project," Shells tells LAist. "Without context, they are just lyrics on street signs."
And if other cities are feeling left out, Shells plans on taking his Rap Quotes project nationwide. He'll be heading to Philadelphia this summer, Atlanta, GA in October, and eventually making his way to Houston, Chicago, New Orleans and the Bay Area.
Shells doesn't ever plan to stop doing the Rap Quotes project because he's "having so much fun with it," he says. In fact, he'll be launching a website for it soon as well a mobile app.
Sponsored message
Jay Shells' "Rap Quotes" exhibit will be on display at Gallery 1988 East from April 25 to May 17. There will be an opening reception on April 25 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Gallery 1988 East is located at 7021 Melrose Ave. in West Hollywood, (323) 424-3705.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
