Sotheby's has made a tradition out of organizing auctions dedicated to Hip Hop, and what sets them apart is the diverse array of objects and memorabilia they offer. These auctions feature not only records and artworks but also exclusive garments and accessories, making them all the more intriguing for fashion fans.
One notable auction from last year featured Jazzy Jay's glittery green and gold costume from the early '80s, worn during his DJ performances for the Soulsonic Force at the height of "Planet Rock's" popularity. This unique outfit combined elements of Poiret exoticism with Sun Ra's futuristic vibe, resulting in a captivating and historic piece.
The latest Sotheby's Hip Hop sale, closing on 25th July, coincides with the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop. It includes an eclectic mix of items ranging from art, fashion, sneakers, jewelry, and photography to hand-written documents, historic studio equipment, and significant artifacts. Spanning from the late 1970s to the present day, this collection offers a comprehensive journey through the culture's evolution.
This auction has been expertly curated and organized in collaboration with Monica Lynch, the former president of Tommy Boy Records (1981-1998). Lynch played a pivotal role in launching the careers of legendary artists like Queen Latifah, De La Soul, Digital Underground, Naughty by Nature, and House of Pain, among others. Her involvement brings knowledge and authenticity to the event. Flyers from the '70s, '80s, and '90s will be of particular interest to fans and graphic designers alike. They serve as primary sources documenting the nascent Hip Hop movement, providing insights into early fashion trends, the party scene, and careers of numerous DJs and artists.
Notable examples include flyers by Buddy Esquire, known for his "neo-deco" style, and Phase 2, who pioneered in the early '70s the use of "softie" bubble letters, influencing later artists.
There are also cartoon-inspired graphics like the studies for "D.A.I.S.Y. Age", the concept behind De La Soul's 1988 debut album "3 Feet High and Rising". Developed by British art collective Grey Organisation and made with Posca paints (who didn't have a stash of those in the '80s-'90s?) the graphics brought on the scene a bright, neon palette, and a playful, Pop Art sensibility that perfectly fit to De La Soul's image. Photographs from the personal archive of Roosevelt Dynamite Simmons offer an intimate look behind the scenes of Hip Hop, focusing on portraits of women working at Sugar Hill Records - from American singer and record label executive Sylvia Robinson, to employees Pansy Coope, Iris Perkins and receptionist / secretary Grea Davis.
Additionally, Martha Cooper's black and white portraits capture iconic figures like Marc "Mr. Freeze" Lemberger and Richard "Crazy Legs" Colón, showcasing the foundational element of breaking known as "toprocking" with fellow Rock Steady Crew members standing behind them.
In 1983 both dancers made appearances in Adrian Lyne's "Flashdance" (View this photo), and Mr. Freeze, Crazy Legs, and the Rock Steady Crew also traveled abroad to Japan, Paris, and London performing for Queen Elizabeth II.
Talking about Mr Freeze, the auction also includes a remarkable Lee jean jacket and pants adorned with graffiti by Notch-56 and specifically created for Mr Freeze.
The back of the jacket showcases Mr. Freeze portrayed in Notch-56's signature caricature style, set against a vibrant background of red and orange reminiscent of a fiery spirit. The caricature dons a pair of white shell toe Adidas, a quintessential garment for B-boys, and the very shoes that Mr. Freeze famously wore in his iconic "Flashdance" scene (View this photo).
The story of Mr. Freeze and Notch-56's collaboration traces back to an encounter in an airbrush shop in Greenwich Village. Mr. Freeze was immediately captivated by the raw talent displayed in Notch-56's graffiti. This chance meeting marked the beginning of a close relationship centered around their shared passion for Hip Hop and the art that blossomed from this rich culture.
As Mr. Freeze went on to open his own airbrush shop on Fordham Road in the Bronx, it was only natural for him to extend an invitation to Notch-56, welcoming him as an artist to share their creative journey within the world of Hip Hop. The jacket and trousers serve as a testament to their artistic camaraderie and profound impact on Hip Hop culture.
Fashion enthusiasts will also be captivated by another item, a prototype reversible hooded jacket custom-made for David "Trugoy the Dove" Jolicoeur, representing an unreleased collaboration by De La Soul X British streetwear brand Maharishi.
As an architecture student, the late Joliceour was actively involved in the design process, serving as a liaison between the artists and the London-based streetwear brand. Although the official collaboration never materialized, this jacket, directly from Estate of David Jolicoeur, reflects his creative endeavors.
Music enthusiasts can look forward to rare equipment and releases, such as two Technics 1200 turntables and a Vestax PMC 20SL mixer from the personal collection of Afrika Islam, one of the pioneers of Hip Hop.
These iconic pieces traveled with Afrika throughout New York and around the world, following Afrika on global tours for the Rock Steady Crew and the 1983 Japanese tour for Charlie Ahearn's Wild Style.
A standout item is the ultra-rare Rammellzee vs. K-Rob "Beat Bop" 12" from 1983. Produced by Jean-Michel Basquiat on his own label, Tartown Inc., the cover artwork was also designed by Basquiat himself.
Originally intended as a rap battle between Rammellzee and K-Rob, as the two performers didn't like the rhymes Basquiat had written for them, it eventually evolved into an experimental 10-minute track. A sealed copy of this record at a previous Sotheby's auction in 2020, soared to $126,000, achieving 50x its estimate, proving its rarity and historical significance.
There is also another exceptional piece that may surpass the initial estimates: a gold, ruby, and diamond crown ring personally designed and commissioned by Tupac Shakur in 1996.
Estimated to fetch between 200,000 to 300,000 USD (with bids starting at 180,000 USD), this regal masterpiece reflects Tupac's affinity for Niccolò Machiavelli's political manifesto, "The Prince." Inspired by the crowns of medieval European kings, Tupac conceived this ring as an empowering symbol of "self-coronation," as revealed by Yaasmyn Fula, who held numerous roles in his life, from godmother and advisor to "auntie," money manager, caretaker, and lifelong supporter.
For those seeking something less extravagant yet no less captivating, check out the miniature artworks of Danny Cortes. The creations of this Brooklyn-based artist, such as "The Block” and "Fat Beats", skillfully depict iconic locations in New York City and pay homage to the city's rich cultural heritage.
While the former humorously represents urban life in the very birthplace of Hip Hop in 1973, the latter is a representation of the iconic independent record store in Manhattan's Lower East Side that became a Hip Hop mecca and a community hub.
Whether a dedicated fan, a passionate collector or art enthusiast, this auction caters therefore to all who seek to immerse themselves in the captivating world of Hip Hop's vibrant history.
Comments