I’ve just completed a new trio of classic Hip-Hop lyrics illustrations.  As a group, they will serve as the second set of stickers that I’ve designed through Sticker Mule.

The three new images emerged from the amazing wordplay and descriptive lyrics of iconic Hip-Hop tracks.  First, I mined the vivid and clever lines of the Microphone Fiend – Rakim.  His opening bars for Paid In Full paint a clear picture of how his abilities as an MC have provided him with an alternative to a nefarious past. In the Master Plan illustration, I wanted to capture the line simply and boldly.

“Thinkin’ of a master plan
‘Cause ain’t nothin’ but sweat inside my hand
So I dig into my pocket, all my money spent
So I dig deeper, but still coming up with lint
So I start my mission, leave my residence…”

Eric B and Rakim – Paid in Full

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Master Plan

The second of the new designs, also a Rakim gem, is one of my favorite sequences in all of Hip-Hop.  From the song Microphone Fiend, we hear of The R’s frustration when someone tries to take his mic. It doesn’t go over well.

“Music-orientated so when hip-hop was originated
Fitted like pieces of puzzles, complicated
‘Cause I grabbed the mic and try to say, “yes, y’all”
They tried to take it, and say that I’m too small
Cool, ’cause I don’t get upset
I kick a hole in the speaker, pull the plug, then I jet.“

Eric B and Rakim – Microphone Fiend

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Fiend

Most recently, I went back into my archive and brought back a design that was 95% complete.  I had drawn the quintessential LL Cool J – I Can’t Live Without My Radio image, even before I started making stickers.  I’ve always love his ability to construct a visual with his braggadocious approach to rhyming.  So simple and clean, his songs remain relevant and inspiring.

“My radio, believe me, I like it loud
I’m the man with the box that can rock the crowd
Walkin’ down the street, to the hardcore beat
While my JVC vibrates the concrete“

LL Cool J – I Can’t Live Without My Radio

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Vibrating Concrete

 

 

I now have six of my favorite lyrics available as stickers.  Collect them all, and be on the lookout for t-shirts emblazoned with the same selection of imagery.  I’m really looking forward to constructing a library of the best Hip-Hop visuals. Stay Tuned!

Each sticker is approximately 4″ tall. If you’d like to acquire the stickers, they are available here:

My Big Cartel Shop – ajkatzart

My Etsy Shop – ajkatzart

 

Thank you! – AK

#InspiredByHipHop

#mADurgency