Graffiti and hip-hop are closely intertwined subcultures, and the influence of hip-hop on graffiti is significant. Hip-hop culture, with its elements like rap music, DJing, breakdancing, and graffiti art, emerged in the 1970s in New York City. Graffiti became the major visual expression of the hip-hop movement. Here are some ways hip-hop influenced graffiti:
1. STREET AESTHETICS: Hip-hop's focus on street culture and urban life provided graffiti artists with a platform to express their art in public spaces. This was a big deal because those rebellious artists who were extremely good had the opportunity to showcase their works to a larger audience
2. TAGGING AND WRITING: Graffiti artists often began by creating tags or "throw-ups," which are a direct reflection of the calligraphy found in hip-hop's early typography and logos. These has building blocks of letters of the alphabets from different cultures
3. SELF-EXPRESSION: Both graffiti and hip-hop emphasize self-expression and rebellion against societal norms, making them natural partners in creative subcultures.
4. SUBVERSIVE MESSAGES: Graffiti, like hip-hop lyrics, can carry political or social messages, making them vehicles for protest and commentary.
5. COMMUNITY AND IDENTITY: Both graffiti and hip-hop fostered a sense of community and identity among artists, helping them connect with like-minded individuals. Crews have always been very important in graffiti; making artists learn and grow together as they work in solidarity
In the Ghanaian context, other art forms that closely resemble graffiti (according to the style, process or materials used) have been practiced still following some of the aesthetics of graffiti. As a tool for change, communication, statements and straight up rebellion, some artists are currently working in their spaces to speak the hidden language of graffiti/pseudo-graffiti. Nuances of graffiti subculture even in the art itself like sticker-bombing, markers, Posca-felt drawing, stencil and even charcoal graffiti are done in the country. Popular spots like ‘under overheads’ and slum-like areas amongst others are getting the rich attention of graffiti writers. Although the visual art aspect of Ghanaian Hip-life culture did not grow with the music genre, graffiti still remains as the relevant art form that describes hip-hop in general. Throwups are now becoming popular and with a pool of graffiti writers doing that, massive pieces will be all over the country in the next three years
