Vandal Squad, a new book by first time author and former Vandal Squad honcho Joseph Rivera (Miss Rosen/powerhouse) presents an interesting perspective. Now that he’s no longer running around the same train yards you do, Rivera’s got some things to say about the culture of writing and his experiences with the people who risk their freedom in order to let the world know that they were there.

Mr. Rivera likes to refer to writers as “vandals”—a distinction he continues to embrace as he eyes the shadows of his VS tour. Still, there’s a side of him that seemingly loves the culture, and here we get a glimpse of that rather personal emotion. Yo: Saster is starting to get deeper with it, son! And the time is ripe: this culture has a reach far beyond the World Wide Web—the playing field that anyone can get bizeeee on. Yo: Vandal Squad’s been listening to your conversations for years. Here’s your chance to hear how one of their most respected soldiers feels.

-Sherwin Williams

Saster: Do you think that cameras will one day replace hard workin’ Vandal Squad cops?

Mr. Rivera: Cameras are great, however, once you capture someone committing a crime you still need to do the leg work. So no, cameras will not replace Law Enforcement Officers.

Saster: Some folks argue that Graffiti writers keep Vandal Squad officers employed and healthy. If graffiti came to an end, what do you think would become of the Vandal Squad?

Mr. Rivera: There are all sorts of specialized units within the Police Department. These specialized units focus on the task that they are assigned to such as the “Vandal Squad” addressing vandalism in the city. Sure, graffiti vandals keep the unit busy–that’s why the unit was created. And history dictates that “Graffiti” will not end anytime soon. As a matter of fact “graffiti” is on the rise once again in the city, so dismantling a unit that addresses these issues would be extremely foolish to say the least. However, as we all know, anything is possible in New York City.

Saster: Do you think that the sentences that are being handed out for graffiti are reasonable or excessive? Is a two year sentence for graffiti—writing, specifically, on a train–is a just punishment?

Mr. Rivera: Taking extreme measures and imposing strict fines and penalties is exactly what should be done to individuals who refuse to abide by the law. I think we need to ask a victim of a vandalism incident if the punishment is just. We should ask them, after they spend hundreds, even thousands of dollars to restore their damaged property. Property, which was damaged by these poor misguided individuals. Community service helps but is definitely not the answer.

Saster: Do you believe that graffiti is an addiction? And if your answer is yes, how come there aren’t and programs to help rehabilitate or channel the energies of writers in a positive manner?

Mr. Rivera: Graffiti is definitely an addiction—it’s an addiction that just so happens to be illegal. Sure, I would like to see a program established to address this addiction, once created it just might help some of these individuals who can’t control themselves. I think channeling his or her energy in a positive manner would benefit anyone willing to be involved.

Saster: There aren’t any accounts of police abuse from your perspective in the book. Now 
that you’re retired, can you comment on situations that might have been somewhat unethical?

Mr. Rivera: I feel very comfortable saying that 99.999 percent of the police officers that are employed in New York City are extremely dedicated and hold great integrity. There is a minute portion of individuals who “shame the badge” so to speak, with their conduct. The fact remains police officers are stereotyped as being dishonest and cruel. People forget that the majority of police officers place their lives on the line everyday for the citizens of this great city. When was the last time a Police Officer was thanked for showing up to work!? Being a cop in NYC is a hard, stressful job with limited rewards.

Saster: How do you feel about the writers who once painted trains and have since gone on to find success in the world of graphic design, fashion, 
publishing, television, video games…websites like SASTER?

Mr. Rivera: These individuals have funneled their talent in the right direction. I still see “old school” graffiti vandals spray painting permission walls. Maybe these individuals who have had great success would like to share their experiences, both good and bad with these young graffiti vandals in an attempt to rescue these vandals from the street.

Saster: Now that you’re no longer on the force, have you maintained any friendships with some of the writers you once hunted?

Mr. Rivera: I really haven’t had any contact with anyone since I retired. Throughout my career I have always been respectful to those I have come in contact with. If I wasn’t respectful then you certainly did something to deserve it! I have respect for many vandals I have busted and I’m sure there are many vandals who respect me! (Wishful thinking!!!!)

Saster: It seems like you were dealing with a lot of politics while on the force—and while politics on the job is something most folks can relate 
to, it’s something most don’t consider when thinking about the world of law enforcement. How much did that scenario effect how you approached your work?

Mr. Rivera: Throughout my career, it was like riding a rollercoaster, in regards to the politics in the department. One day you reached the “top”–you made that great collar–the next day you were denied the shield. It was a struggle everyday to overcome the nonsense within the department and the unit itself. Young officers having no respect for the senior members who laid down the foundation so they can eventually reap the benefits… Unnecessary reorganization throughout the department…and finally, the “merge”, or the hostile takeover so to speak. I always managed to pick myself up and move forward, gaining more knowledge about graffiti–which made me a better cop.

Saster: There’s also the sense that officers in other branches of the force didn’t respect the job that the Vandal Squad did. Did you ever get into any confrontations with officers in other divisions of the force?

Mr. Rivera: During the transit years, the only confrontations that took place were on the softball field–and that’s where we left them! As officers, we took care of each other. There were some wise ass cops who would call us “crayon cops”; we would simply refer to them as assholes!

Saster: There have been many other noted and feared members of the Vandal Squad, but you were the first to write a book about the experience. Do you feel that there is resentment from other members of the force because 
of your book?

Mr. Rivera: I honestly have received nothing but praise in regards to the book; however, there are certain individuals who refuse to give credit when it’s due! Stop being Haters!!!!

Saster: It seems like the Vandal Squad has strategically targeted some of the bigger, more influential fish in the graffiti game. And those strategic take downs have seemingly broken the lifeline between generations past and the writers of today. Is that a triumph or a tragedy?

Mr. Rivera: Some of the young graffiti vandals today have no respect for the old school vandals. These individuals don’t respect their own parents, so how can we expect them to respect the old-timers?

Saster: Do you ever have the urge to paint a train yourself?

Mr. Rivera: I have no skills other then catching vandals, so I really don’t have a desire to paint trains. There are times when I observe something that looks appealing to paint; I simply shake my head and say, “If I was only a vandal.”

Saster:I was expecting more photos of the stuff that only the writers themselves and the vandal squad had the privilege of seeing. Were you unable to use more rare photos because they were property of the Vandal 
Squad?

I tried to provide the reader with several varieties of photos ranging from train hits to street hits. I wanted the reader to realize graffiti evolved from the subway, and made its way to the streets [editor’s note: it was actually the other way around, with graffiti on the streets in the late ‘60s going underground and all city via the trains]. The train hits were never seen by the public before, the Transit Authority doesn’t let bombed trains run.

Saster: You are a dedicated family man with a special needs child. In the book, you shared a slice of life that most writers don’t really consider when they’re writing things like “the vandal squad can suck my dick.” Did you ever feel a connection with writers on a human level?

Mr. Rivera: Absolutely. Some of the vandals I have come across were really down to Earth people. Some, I would have even hung out with and had some beers! Being a “cop” is really hard; the average civilian, when in your presence, tends to act differently. Police Officers live an everyday life just like everyone else, the only exception being a portion of their day they wear a uniform and enforce the law. Being a parent of an Autistic child has made me realize that you take for granted the simple things in life, such as reading, writing and communicating. Life is too short to carry anger or the burdens of stress. My family has rallied together to become strong, dedicated and loving to secure my child’s future. Some day, god willing, they will find a cure for Autism. My children are my inspiration, they are my driving force.

Saster: Has it been difficult transitioning into normal civilian life?

Mr. Rivera: Yes, it’s extremely hard at times to communicate. You have to definitely tone it down when dealing with stressful situations. I often hear my family members reminding me that I’m not a “cop” anymore.

Saster: What’s next for Joseph Rivera?

Mr. Rivera: Supporting my family is always first and foremost for me. I would, however, like to be involved in another project. I spent twenty years educating myself about graffiti so I guess I should stick to what I’m good at!

Saster: Who are your top five writers of all time and why?

Mr. Rivera: Seen, Revs, Sento, Sane (RIP), and Cope! 
Seen has created some of the greatest whole-car, blockbuster subway cars in graffiti history and besides; he’s from my old neighborhood. Revs for his creativity. Sento and Sane for their persistent efforts in trying to keep subway graffiti alive! And Cope, who is by far the premier hard core bomber in NYC!

Saster: So you respect Sento and Sane for keeping subway graffiti alive? Interesting. Are you saying that you’re somewhat conflicted about graffiti? Because for a long time you were dedicated to stopping cats like them.

Mr. Rivera: I admired their persistent attempts to try to keep subway graffiti alive; even though the Vandal Squad existed, these individuals continued their attempts. For that, I give them credit! I won’t deny the fact that I have great interest in graffiti. I should. I spent Twenty years dealing with it!

Saster: What are your honest thoughts on Saster.net?

Mr. Rivera: I like web sites that provide truthful information, so Saster.net is on the money!

There are haters out there, however, and folks are entitled to their own opinions. But weather you hate her or wanna date her, there’s no denying her rise, there’s no denying her influence and dominance in the very specialized dominion she done changed. Claw Money is a state of mind. She’s a scientist in an age where technology is our best friend. But chill with the friend requests (she gets much fan mail but can’t always respond).

Nah, but seriously, Claw has some really interesting things going on. It’s amazing where this culture can lead you if your mind is open to the possibilities. Graff can make you, but Graff can take you down. It is those of us who can harness that power and re-invent and innovate who wind up holding all of the chips. And I’m not talking about the chips you find packed into airtight bags, either. Claw’s power is transformational. Ask her what P.M.S stands for.

You probably won’t see her before I will, so I’ll take the liberty to tell ya: P.M.S stands for Power, Money, and Sex. Alright, I’ll put the bra-strap down now…
Sherwin Williams

Saster: Let’s keep it real: a lot of folks on Saster know you from your writing career…When did you first start writing?

Claw Money: I started writing at the tail end of the ’80s. As a kid, I was given the nick name CLAW, short for Claudia–due to my spunky and steadfast personality…so naturally, after hanging about with all these guys, I got to thinking that I already had the perfect tag name and that I was naturally a writer too, just because I WAS the CLAW already. So after a night of partying, someone would whip out a spray can, and I would wait for my turn and then try to be like the boys by scrawling a horribly executed tag on the wall. Needless to say, I got a lot of flack–as all novices and/or toy writers do. You know, telling me that I wasn’t a writer, that I shouldn’t try to be one, it was basically like, “give it up FIT girl, and go make yourself an outfit.”

That basically was the spark that turned into a burning–and yearning–to paint, and get that respect from the boys. I could keep up with snaky conversations, the drinking and drug taking-so why couldn’t I compete on the vast canvas called New York City? School was now a bothersome task and I was now out to be the biggest baddest bitch who ever touched Rustoleum.

Still getting a lot of flack from my graffiti peers for my poor penmanship, lack of style and just bad execution in general, I was determined to get out there and write my name all over the place. The more negative feedback I got, the more I turned it into determination to make them LOVE me. And basically, even if it looked bad, it was everywhere, and finally they could simply not deny that I had indeed become a writer. Even though, yeah, major improvements needed to be made.

Saster:Who were some of your mentors in terms of style, and in terms of protocol, history and knowing the ropes?

Claw Money: When I first moved to Manhattan in 1986, I quickly became infatuated with NYC nightlife. At one of these parties, I met one of the most influential people to my art, my career and my life in general. The man was Zephyr RTW, illustrious subway king, nightlife fixture and all around man about town. We became fast friends, and he would constantly expound about the graffiti glory days in the late seventies–and I became fascinated. Thru this friendship I was inducted into the secret social network of some of the city’s most illusive outlaw artists. Next thing I know, I am getting outlines from NYC’s finest (and I don’t mean the po-po). I would try to paint them but I sucked so had to stick to my own (bad) style.

I have so many mentors in my career that I am sure I will be forgetting someone on this incomplete list: Zephyr, Dondi, Revolt, Sharp, Dontay, Devo and MQ. I have learned something new from everyone I have ever painted with, whether it was something to do or not to.

Saster:In your opinion, what does it mean to be a “real writer”? What is the criterion one has to meet in order to earn the distinction of being a “real writer”?

Claw Money: A real writer is someone who lives the life. Painting, repping, beefing, eating and sleeping Graff. Obviously, they have to bomb illegally. And a lot. Pieces are cool, but are not imperative. I appreciate the “art” but if you don’t bomb you are a muralist who uses spray paint as your medium. Back in the day, your shit would get gone over for taking up valuable wall space.

Saster:As a female writer, you’re surrounded by a lot of dudes who live for beef and drama. Some of these dudes are real drama queens, and their soap operas play out on this very site. How do you navigate such a world and what are some of the negatives you’ve faced as a female writer?

Claw Money: Well, you have to remember that people feel real tuff behind their computer screens and don’t have the balls to say shit when they see you. Finger thugs!! I ignore the shit talking, because I know it comes from people who secretly LOVE me. And how could you not? I am totally lovable! And being a female means that you must have crew and friends that hold you down because I don’t want to mess my hair and nails up….ahahaha. I like having my boys back me up-makes beef feel very warm and snuggly. It takes an army to win the war, baby.

Saster:What are your thoughts on the state of graffiti today? And is it simply over in New York City?

Claw Money: Graffiti is in turmoil right now. A lot of people feel like this is a quick way to get their name out there. I never wrote graffiti to put my throw-up on a t-shirt. It just happened to evolve that way; I was doing it just to do it and it just happened that my two worlds merged and I am super lucky. The fact that this is a quick avenue for the next jump-off makes it soulless and brings down the value of the movement and its art. And yes, the toys are killing my eyes right now, but it is the toys that keep it alive. I just wish someone would get really good right now besides 0283, so I can get psyched when I see their stuff.

Saster o you still street bomb?

Claw Money: Not in New York ever and not unless I am wasted. I recently did a little bomb in the Old Country…But I am too old to paint-it’s not my turn anymore! No fun being old, getting caught and having the cops laugh at you for being a granny…not so cute.

Saster:When do you think is the time for a writer to put the paint down?

Claw Money: When they have other priorities, be it a job, a kid or life. It is hard walking on the tightrope. Very stressful, balancing stealing paint, getting up, beefing and the cops. Always looking behind you is exhausting.

Saster:What inspired you to get into the clothing/accessories game and what was the first piece you manufactured?

Claw Money: I put my first Claw on a tee shirt at the request of WEST FC right after 9/11. I was painting again with the young Miss 17 for a solid couple of years. WEST, with his fashion entrepreneur idealism, told me he would like to see it on a t-shirt. I thought, “So would I!” I did it as a goof, but the demand grew.

Saster:How much of an influence does graffiti have on your line?

Claw Money: I don’t consider my collection “graffiti clothing”; my logo is the “throw up” that I painted on walls illegally, but other than that it’s not meant to evoke graffiti associations. The “CLAW” has many different meanings and different interpretations and is not limited to anything. It is a symbol that reps Graff, NYC, women, pet lovers and more. But I have many talents, and like to explore them all. I don’t want to be defined by graffiti solely, nor fashion for that matter. Basically, I don’t fit in a box. Unless there are Clawzzzz printed on the outside of that box!

Saster:When did you realize that this first initial piece could turn into a serious business?

Claw Money: The stores couldn’t keep them in stock and I thought: “I could really make a go of this!” There’s just no other brand with a point of view like mine, and I began to realize that people were interested in the CLAW from many different walks of life.

Saster:What is your goal for the Claw Money brand? Is getting into Macy’s a bad thing?

Claw Money: Well now that Macy’s is closing 11 of their stores…getting with them might be a good thing! But my brand is too special to be accessible to the masses like that. I make limited product because I don’t want every douche bag and their brother to be rocking it. It is an “in the know” kind of brand.

Saster:Is your focus primarily women’s or are you looking to produce for the fellas, too?

Claw Money: I have always made stuff for guys! When I first started in 2002 there were no other brands like this for girls, so naturally I was just making it for us. All of a sudden, all my boys were like “where’s my shirt?” and then the stores started to ask for men’s product. My line is now about 60% women’s products and 40% men’s (and chubby chicks!). The CLAW appeals to both men and women, old and young. And I think I am the only woman who is designing streetwear stuff for men. My aesthetic is fun and boisterous, not syrupy sweet.

Saster:What about accessories? How important are accessories to the growth of your brand?

Claw Money: Making just graphics tees and sweatshirts is boring. I am a REAL designer, so I want to actually design. Fashion for the past few years hasn’t changed much, but accessories are a way to stay freshly dipped without having to really change your wardrobe. People have always associated me with accessories because I used to deal high-end luxury vintage stuff, with a keen eye for sunglasses and bags, so it was only natural that I would be drawn to making those types of items.

Saster:What was the landscape like when you introduced your clothing? Were there any brands or designers that inspired you?

Claw Money: When I started my line there was NO ONE doing anything cool for chicks. Now, the world is over-saturated with female brands. But they are not Claw Money! Still, I do think this is a good thing because it helps to solidify a market place for our category of clothing. I no longer have to stand alone in the store!

I do think there are some awesome brands out there that I admire. Jeremy Scott, Brian Litchenberg, Casette Playa, Darkhorse, Clae, Supreme, And Suns, Reason and Made Me are a few, again this list is incomplete. Depending on the season, my choices change.

Saster:What do you think is the current state of so called “street wear”?

Claw Money: It has been so over since 2007; it is going to wind up being the new “urban” if it can be marketed correctly. Streetwear was made up of cool guy brands–now there are just a few left from the first wave; the rest are carpool. But we don’t consider ourselves solely a streetwear brand. I make artist products–the style is the style I created and popularized. Now it is copied all over the world, but with much less flavor. So, yes streetwear is over, but Claw Money is not.

Saster:Business seems too slow for everybody right now. Do you think the street wear game will somehow correct itself as the economy bounces back?

Claw Money: It is going to be rough for the big and very small brands right now. The ones that have a loyal customer base will be okay because customer demand is high. We’re all going to feel the squeeze because disposable income is harder to come by, but I make a quality product that people want. I guess I better keep it up.

Saster:What can we expect from your 2010 collection?

Claw Money: Lots of fun stuff! Lots more accessories, including eyewear and jewelry. We are just staring to design spring 2010–but I really like to do different things. Today I might be making clothes and two years from now, I might start making furniture–or designing house wares. I consider my life a journey of artistic endeavors and I’m luckily to have a fan base that wants my products. So stay tuned!!!!!!! Lots of unusual and unexpected surprises in the not so distant future.

Saster:Any last words for the haters/lovers?

Claw Money: Don’t worry everybody: I love you too!

The Saturday evening and Sunday Morning mix that you just can’t seem to stop listening to. That is what a mix tape from Dj Neil Armstrong is like once you have it blazing out of your speakers. It all sounds like a great weekend.

I had a co-worker put me on to a mixtape and I have been an avid follower of the Dj ever since I have heard Neil blaze.

Laying soul classics from Al Green, Isaac Hayes and The Ojays, and intertwining the grooves with the likes of Jay-Z, Kanye and others. He mixes clips from comedians and from film, along with the cuts of rock or rap. The sounds are amazing and the selections are tight. Truly a Return Of The Mix.

It all depends on what goes on in Armstrong’s spirit, as the mix absorbs you and your imagination.

Dj Neil Armstrong just had the opportunity to tour with the legendary Hip Hop artist Jay-Z, and gave me a moment to catch up with him before his Olympic Tour.

Here’s the Interview:

Saster: Let’s go back… way back… back into time. What was it that really sparked your interests in music?

Dj Neil Armstrong: As far as pure music goes, I grew up playing a lot of instruments and taking music classes . Classical stuff – violin, piano, flute, guitar etc etc. I’m Filipino American, and most of us have pianos in the house.

As far as hip hop goes, I am one of the fortunate ones to have been born and raised in NYC during the golden era of hip hop. When I was in high school, thats when Slick Rick , De LA Soul is dead, It Takes a Nation of Million’s came out. I was at the concert that was used for The Scenario video when LONS performed at the palladium. So hip hop just found me. The culture, the vibe , everything.

Saster: What was ‘Hip Hop’ like for you growing up in Queens?

Dj Neil Armstrong: I grew up in Queens, but I’m an all over New Yorker. Went to High School up in the Bronx, went to college in the city, and even went to a church in Staten Island. So, I was kind of all over the place. As far as where the hip hop and us chillin’ was , we used to chill down in the village, near broadway and saint marks if we weren’t up at school or I wasn’t doin’ homework. So a better question would be what was hip hop like growing up in New York. It was just like most people think, without all the pretense and the colorful clothes though.

Saster: Many people reference that they listened and caught wreck their Dad’s or Momma’s records. Did your parents have a crazy record collection for you take advantage of?

Dj Neil Armstrong: My parents are relatively older – my pops had nat king cole and lawrence welk albums. Soooo, not really.

Saster: What and when was the big break dealt to you, and how did it go down?

Dj Neil Armstrong: I guess by big break you’re most likely referring to linking up with Jay

Jay & I have a mutual friend named Vashtie Kola, She’s like the downtown it girl and is just that connected. Jay mentioned to her that he needed a dj, she is also friends with my manager sky, and my name got put on the plate. I was told about the possibility of it happening – of becoming Jay-Z’s tour DJ on a Wednesday. On Friday, I was on a plane to Miami where I met Jay and “auditioned” with the rest of the Roc Boys….
You know the rest.

Saster: So, how does the ‘5th Platoon’ come about? Where does the name come from? Any meaning and/or reason?

Dj Neil Armstrong: 5th Platoon is the collective of DJ’s Im down with for the last 12 years. We were battle DJ’s 1st – and there are 7 of us .Daddy Dog, Vinroc, Roli Rho, Do Boy, I.Emerg, Kuttin Kandi, and myself. from 96 to 2005 at least one of our crew were heavyweights in the turntablist scene , but these days we have moved onto more individual projects. I keep pushing the name because thats where my roots lie at.

Saster: What was it like battling in other hoods in the Five Boroughs? What about the US, or other countries?

Dj Neil Armstrong: Battling was probably the funniest if not most stressful time of our lives. It was done for the love, not for money or because it was our career. We just did it cause we wanted to represent.
I’m actually a lot more known for my mixtapes then my days battling, but I wouldn’t be who I am today without having been part of my crew.

Saster: You have some Mixtapes with some excellent ‘classic’ cut’s, and it really sounds like you really grew up with the classic music selections that you rock. Can you explain your connection to the music and era? How old were you when some of this music was blazing?

Dj Neil Armstrong: Well, I pride myself in just listening to good music, regardless of genre or age or whatever. Some stuff I grew up with, some stuff just found me. Like, I wasn’t listening to Stevie Wonder when I was 18. IF I was , I was listening to “I just called to say I love you”, and I sure as hell was NOT.

But eventually as time went on, I just discovered the music, or it discovered me.

Music, good music … it chooses you.

Saster: You have rocked with some big names in the Hip Hop culture, but what was the feeling when you were in demand by Jay-Z?

Dj Neil Armstrong: Jay, as far as the world is concerned, as far as history is going to show. Jay is as big as it gets right now. To work with him, to be able to have backed him up and be involved in the shows he put down, like Glastonbury in front of over 100,000 people, to have rocked Madison Square. It was all just really incredible.
Saster: Can we expect any Production that you are working on? Anything for Jay-Z?

Dj Neil Armstrong: I’m not into production actually. That is a really tough game. If your a DJ, and you play hits… how can you miss?? But if you are trying to convince people what you make is a hit? Shoot… that shit is tough.

Saster: What is one of the craziest things that have happened on the 2008 tour?

Dj Neil Armstrong: Craziest by far was the Glastonbury Festival in the UK. somewhere between 100,000 and 140,000 people, it was on BBC. It was a big deal because it was the 1st time that a Hip Hop act headlined the festival.

I’m sure I will look back on my life, and that single event will be one of the top 5 experiences of my life.

Saster: Let’s get to some issues. What are your thoughts on some of the New music that is coming out today?

Dj Neil Armstrong: I think at this point its really cliche to just say hip hop is dead, or wack, music is wack etc etc.

I think… there is just more stuff that you have to weed through to get to the good stuff these days.

I myself, although I have a wide spectrum of music appreciation, I know musicphiles who are wayyy crazier in the diversity of sound.

There is stuff out there, you just just have to find it… and not depend on the radio or popular BLOGS, or what the tight pants wearing hipster is playing. You gotta figure out what sounds good to you, by yourself.

Saster: What are your thoughts about Graffiti? I’ve heard some ‘Style Wars’ sample cuts in your Filthy Mixtapes.

Dj Neil Armstrong: Come on man, love Graff!. I can’t do it to save my life, but love it as an art form.

I didn’t know anyone personally that became famous famous, but you know, shit went hand in hand. If you listened to hip hop, you liked graph, you went to DJ shows, you went to MC shows, you knew B-boys, etc etc etc. Today I’ll run into Haze and some of the older school cats at parties and what not.

Saster: Name a joint that you are always guaranteed to have when you are on a gig.

Dj Neil Armstrong: Hmmm, Real Love – Mary J Blige….

I can play that for almost any crowd and there will be some reaction…

Saster: Having traveled the world, any place that you have visited that you feel weren’t too familiar with Hip Hop?
China seemed to be the one I feel is just becoming aware of the culture.

Dj Neil Armstrong: Hmmm, not at all. My “career” actually started out in the Far East, when I went to school out in Hong Kong back in 95/ 96. Technically speaking though, some might argue that culturally Hong Kong is different from mainland China.

Hip hop in the form that is now, is pretty far removed from what most people call the “four elements”. I think there were people who followed that stuff, but to say that China for example isn’t familiar with it , well one could argue that most people in the US have a very skewed image of what “real” hip hop is. I bet the kids listening to Little Wayne have no Idea who Frosty Freeze is.

MTV , videos, whatever is on TV is what most youth around the world equate with Hip Hop. There are pockets of countries where they are more aware of some of the earlier hip hop . Denmark for example, and Germany.

So, in Denmark – I could play the Pharcyde, Jay-z, Bleek, Tribe called Quest, and they would get all of it. In a country like China, I probably would stick to Flo-Rida , if that answers your question….

Saster: How was Africa?

Dj Neil Armstrong: Africa was dope. The show actually ended up being just me Jay and Bleek, and some hip hop shit . The DJ and the MCs.

I didn’t get to go to do much site seeing, but I’m heading back in a couple of weeks so hopefully I can do something then.

Saster: Any advice for the up and coming youth in the music game?

Dj Neil Armstrong: There is no real formula, you need to figure it out as you go along. Besides that, make a product that people want, make it quality, and you can’t go wrong. And you have to just love what you do – if you love what your doing, you can’t help but shine, even if no one else can see it but you…

Saster: Thanks for your time Neil, I am always a fan and may you have the most fruitful career. Love what you are doing and maybe we can get to hear some new productions that you are working on.

Dj Neil Armstrong: No doubt, thanks for listening. Be on the lookout for the next batch of mixtapes, which I am feening to get back to after all this touring!

Im definitely looking forward to the life after touring and hope y’all who have been listening since day one keep lookin out.

Interview by- Stern Rockwell © 2008

Bread and Butter if you don’t know, is one of the newest and hottest ‘Sport and Street’ trade shows happening in Europe, and it is popping off this week July 2nd till the 4th of July.

Street fashion has always been an important part of our culture, being that most of it has been and has derived from American Street culture, or should we say ‘couture‘. Brands like Cross Colors, Karl Kani, Tribal and Fubu have paved way for all of what is happening today in Street fashion. Although the trends today have strayed from the typical logo branded tees and now reflect more of the ‘art’ that is coming from Street Artists, the Culture is what clearly drives the market.

Here’s what Bread And Butter, Barcelona had to share about the show in Barcelona:

Saster: Can you tell me a bit of the everyday work that you do with BREAD & BUTTER?

BBB:I’m working in the communication department of BREAD & BUTTER but also write for the BBBulletIN, B&B’s official magazine. Therefore, my daily tasks include a lot of writing – either for one of our publications, for press inquiries or for the BBBulletIN. Another large part of my job is the media planning and the organization of all media cooperation of BREAD & BUTTER. We collaborate with a lot of international trade and relevant consumer magazines.
So it’s basically a lot of organizing and communicating with people from all over the world. And even though the tradeshows takes place only twice a year, we work all year organizing them. After the show is before the show!

Saster: How do/did you make the show as HOT as it is!?

BBB: Thanks for the compliment! I think one of the reasons that make BBB outstanding is the fact that it’s not a conventional order fair. It is a marketing and communication platform, a meeting point for the whole industry that combines fun and profit, inspiration and business. The brands that exhibit at BBB represent a mix of several segments and fashion styles, ranging from brands with a more commercial success to emerging labels and designers – what counts is their authenticity with regards to their fashion knowledge and the quality of their products.

Also the individual presentation of our brands makes BBB special: the brands are encouraged to present themselves individually with all their qualities and in their complete emotional environment. Furthermore, BBB puts a lot of effort in the unique atmosphere with frameworks like music acts and artists, parties and exquisite catering – all facets which belong to fashion & lifestyle.

Saster: How did you get involved in the show?

BBB: I started as a trainee in the communication department 2,5 years ago. I first heard about B&B during an internship in another company, where I saw a copy of the BBBulletIN. I was intrigued! Everything seemed so “underground”, yet professional and creative. Since then I had been following the story of B&B and decided that I wanted to be part of this adventure.

Saster: Did you start with the conception of the show?

BBB: I didn’t start with the actual conception of BREAD & BUTTER. When I started working here, the company already existed for five years. But it’s always evolving. Every season we reflect and look back on everything we did before and decide on what we keep up, discuss what we can improve or where we need to start with a new approach. We define the direction of BBB newly in every season. This is then reflected in our advertising campaign.

Saster: Is it true that the vendors showcasing at BBB are chosen to be in the show?

BBB: The brands that exhibit at BBB are carefully selected regarding their authenticity and quality. A strict selection is certainly necessary as the right exhibitors are the heart & soul of every tradeshow – the brand portfolio is what makes BBB outstanding. Keeping the good quality is a responsibility that we have towards our visitors and exhibitors – and also towards ourselves!

Saster: How does that work?

BBB: The brands apply to exhibit at BBBarcelona. Therefore, they send information on their company to us, e. g. images of their collections, company and brand profile, the price range of their brand, P.O.S., etc. Also the affiliation of the brands into the single areas has to be taken into account.

Saster: The BBB show has gotten huge from over the past years, what does it look like this year, bigger?

BBB: We are not getting bigger in size. This year, BBBarcelona presents itself according to the motto “New Order”, meaning clearer structures, a better use of the Fira Barcelona site and a stronger profiling of its core segments and their brands.
There will be a new entrance area at Plaça d’Espanya which will guide visitors on to the fairground in a fast and clearly structured way. A new walkway, the “BBBoulevard” forms the new main traffic artery and will guide visitors through the tradeshow and its areas, giving all stands an equal and upgraded position.
The single areas have additional entrances, thus are ideally accessible and connected to one another. The “New Order” concerns all areas and creates a clear and thematic organization: Denim with Denim, Fashion with Fashion – it assembles together what belongs together. We have been working on re-ordering our brands into different areas for a while now. This process will have its official kick-off this season and will be continued into the next.

The Luna Park, the heart of BBBarcelona, will expand to the Avenida Reina Maria Cristina and will be utilized accordingly with additional restaurants and chill out areas. On top of this, there will be more exhibition and presentation space available outside.
The Mies van der Rohe-Pavilion will also be used again this season by Pepe Jeans London who presents „The Andy Warhol Collection by Pepe Jeans London for Spring/Summer 2009”.

THE SOURCE, the new BREAD & BUTTER format for the industry of the primary stage, will be launched in halls 6 and 7 during the BBBarcelona (02-04 July 2008).
Here, top-laundries, dyeing-houses and accessory-producers will present their innovative and first-class product. With THE SOURCE, we will establish the basis to back up BBB.

Saster: How do buyers get in?

BBB: BREAD & BUTTER is for fashion professionals only. In order to provide an exclusive and professional business environment, all registration requests are being examined in advance and accordance with our visitor regulations that can be found on our website. We recommend accreditation online before the event for fast and easy access and to avoid waiting queues.

Saster: Who are some of the big names that are in this years show?

BBB: There are lots of big names at BBBarcelona, so it’s hard to make a selection. For a good overview, I will split them off into the single areas. Some of our top brands in the Urban Superior are 0039 Italy, AG Adriano Goldschmied, Armand Basi, Bensimon Collection, Camper, Chie Mihara, Cold Method, Creative Recreation, Custo Barcelona, Designers Remix Collection, Ed Hard, Evisu, Filippa K, Fred Perry, Fullcircle, Goosecraft, John Smedley, K Karl Lagerfeld, Mads Norgaard, Munich “Special Edition”, Nicholas Deakins, Puma, Scapa Sports or Spring Court. We also have exclusive new entries here like Strellson Swiss Cross, Tretorn, Harricana par Mariouche, Naked and Famous, Closed, The Duffer Of St. George, April 77, CK Calvin Klein, NR 10, Bllack Noir, Fabuleux Marcel, Gold Case and JLO by Jennifer Lopez.

In the Fashion Now, there are regulars like b.young, Baci & Abbracci, Be You #[K], Birkenstock, Blutsgeschwister, Buffalo Boots, Crocs, Dimensione Danza, EMU Australia, flip*flop, Friis & Company, Irregular Choic, Kickers, Kipling, Love Therapy, Muchacha, Nastrovje Potsda or Terra Plana.
Fashion Now is also making a “New Order” statement by incorporating former Denim exhibitioners such as Desigual. Additional new entries in this area are Golddigga or Supertrash.

Main names of the Denim Base are Ben Sherman, Blue Blood, Edwin, G-Star RAW, Hilfiger Denim, Kuyichi , LEVI’S® , Le Temps des Cerises, Lee Cooper, Mustang, Pepe Jeans London or Replay. New entries in Denim this season are FCUK Denim, Z Brand, MEK Denim and Dr. Denim Jeansmaker.

The Sport & Street Area presents brands like Addict, Burton Appare, Clae, Clarks Shoes, Converse, Crooks & Castles, Dickies, Stapl, Etnies, WeS, Fenchurch, Upperplayground, Franklin & Marshall, Havaianas, Invicta, JB Classics, K1X, Kawasaki, Lacoste Footwear, Lucky 13, New Balance, Nixon, PF Flyers, Panuu, Penfield, Pharmacy Industry, Pointer Footwear, Reebok or Paul Frank. This season, Sport & Street newly presents Oakley, Clarks Shoes, Forvert, and Burton Apparel.

BBB’s relatively new Area Sportswear, launched last January, includes brands like Conte of Florence, Napapijri, North Sails, Sebago and from this season on Cappauei and Cottonfield.

Also in Luna Park we have some big names like Nudie Jeans, Onitsuka Tiger and Wrangler.

Saster: Looks like the show is divided into many different categories/sections, what are the categories and sections for BBB this year?

BBB: Our areas are newly defined this season: Denim Base, Fashion Now, Sport & Street, Urban Superior, Sportswear and the B&B Studios. These categories give brands, labels and designers the opportunity to profile themselves in an even stronger way.
Denim Base presents jeans giants, classic denim brands and smaller newcomers. Also Organic Denim is a topic here. Fashion Now shows a diversified mix of womens- and menswear. “Must-haves” and evergreens melts into an authentic, smart, loud, fresh and playful aroma of all styles, here. The Sport & Street Area brings together big players and independent brands and creates serious trends. Today’s youth culture comes to life, here.
The Urban Superior Area covers the entire Casual Lifestyle Segment and style-wise complements the Denim Hall. Everything from Progressive Formal Wear and Sports & Casual Wear to Luxury Denim can be found here.
The Sportswear Area on the other hand offers authentic and functional Sportswear and Outdoor fashion with innovative design and fashionable know-how and stages Performance- and Lifestyle brands with a Sports background.
With B&B Studios, BREAD & BUTTER provides a creative platform for up-and-coming labels and designers of our culture. Current collections are presented and international contacts are made here, making entry into the industry all the more easier.

Saster: What does the BBB show think about doing something this exciting worldwide, like bringing it to the United States?

BBB: We are very happy in Barcelona at the moment. We have everything we need: A great exhibition centre right in the city with perfect architecture and surrounding grounds. The infrastructure of the Fira Barcelona is also optimal: the large space around the exhibition centre and good transport connections, including the Metro station just outside on Plaça d’Espanya.
Also the city is great: It is young, dynamic, creative, urban and has a good vibe. Barcelona continually produces phenomenal contemporary architecture. It has some of the best skate spots in Europe and has an unbelievably dynamic street culture (graffiti & street art). It’s hard to beat.

So for the next years, it’s definitely Barcelona – we have no reasons or plans for expanding or changing the location of BBB. The brand BREAD & BUTTER as well as our tradeshow stands for internationality: our visitors embody the world and we welcome the world as our guest. This is reflected in the overall flair of the fair.

L. Are there any celebrity performances and visits at this year and past years shows?

There are always several celebrities at BBBarcelona. For July, Walter Van Beirendonck, a major player in the Belgian design scene, is scheduled to visit our tradeshow – we are very exited about this!
Also, testimonials of brands usually come to BBB, e.g. Sienna Miller for Pepe Jeans London or Bar Rafaeli for Hollywood Milano, but also popular designers like Tommy Hilfiger. In January, the German designer Philipp Plein did a fashion show in cooperation with the model show “Germany’s Next Topmodel by Heidi Klum” and Heidi was there, too.

But this is not our main focus. What counts for us is creating an atmosphere in which the BREAD & BUTTER community feels comfortable and wants to return to twice a year.
This happens through connecting the right people – the popularity of a person doesn’t matter thereby. Everyone is welcome!

BREAD & BUTTER BARCELONA – tradeshow for selected brands SUMMER 2008: 02-04 JULY

Our thanks go out to Nina Plumke for this interview.

Henry Chalfant, a self-taught photographer who took pictures of subway stations, trains and graffiti in New York City in the 1970s, presented his work to students Feb. 19 in the University Screening Room.

“I really just started doing it for fun. … The exhibit was kind of an information, an overview of my connection to that subculture,” Chalfant said.

more……….Graffiti on screen – News

Tags: graff, graffiti, graffmuseum, sast, saster, streets are saying things, Chalfant, photos, art

At 30, Totem doesn’t work the tunnel anymore. But as one of the earliest artists to spray paint Atlanta’s most talked-about illegal canvas, he knows the work of many who do: Teach, Baser, Drue.Amir Totem — his full name when he’s not tagging walls — stopped in front of his own work: a five-year-old portrait of noir actor Robert Mitchum pulling on a cigarette.”For years people have been telling me about that piece,” he said as cars rumbled by amid the tunnel’s booming reverb. “It’s like a pebble in a pond. It resonates. You put up one tag, and it goes on and on.”Regarded either as art or eyesore, the nearly 100-year-old Krog Street tunnel endures as an urban shout-out in a fast-gentrifying city.
Graffiti, art in Krog Street tunnel resonates or repels | ajc.com

Tags: GRAFFITI, GRAFF, SAST, SASTER, STREETSARE SAYING THINGS, TOTEM, SPRAY PAINT