Softcover
11" X 8.5”
Full color
62 pages
About the Artist
Cey Adams (b. 1962), a New York City native, emerged as a pivotal figure in the 1980s downtown graffiti movement alongside icons like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring. As a teenager, he began tagging “Cey City” on subway cars and painting murals, marking the start of his artistic journey. At 19, Adams joined Graffiti Above Ground, the first gallery to spotlight graffiti artists, immersing him in the vibrant downtown art and music scene.
He formed a lasting partnership with the Beastie Boys, designing their first logo, t-shirts, and singles, including their 1998 Hello Nasty album. Adams also collaborated with Russell Simmons at RUSH Artist Management, crafting visuals for artists like Kurtis Blow and Whodini. He later became the founding Creative Director of Def Jam Recordings, co-founding The Drawing Board with Steve Carr. Together, they defined hip-hop’s visual identity, creating iconic album covers and campaigns for Run-DMC, Public Enemy, Jay-Z, and more.
Adams’ works span cultural and brand identity themes, including his ONE NATION piece, commissioned by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. He continues to collaborate with global brands, teach, and exhibit, with his 2022 retrospective, Departure: 40 Years of Art & Design, touring nationwide.
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Softcover
11" X 8.5”
Full color
62 pages
About the Artist
Cey Adams (b. 1962), a New York City native, emerged as a pivotal figure in the 1980s downtown graffiti movement alongside icons like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring. As a teenager, he began tagging “Cey City” on subway cars and painting murals, marking the start of his artistic journey. At 19, Adams joined Graffiti Above Ground, the first gallery to spotlight graffiti artists, immersing him in the vibrant downtown art and music scene.
He formed a lasting partnership with the Beastie Boys, designing their first logo, t-shirts, and singles, including their 1998 Hello Nasty album. Adams also collaborated with Russell Simmons at RUSH Artist Management, crafting visuals for artists like Kurtis Blow and Whodini. He later became the founding Creative Director of Def Jam Recordings, co-founding The Drawing Board with Steve Carr. Together, they defined hip-hop’s visual identity, creating iconic album covers and campaigns for Run-DMC, Public Enemy, Jay-Z, and more.
Adams’ works span cultural and brand identity themes, including his ONE NATION piece, commissioned by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. He continues to collaborate with global brands, teach, and exhibit, with his 2022 retrospective, Departure: 40 Years of Art & Design, touring nationwide.
Add some text to tell customers more about your product.