Jay Shells takes rap lyrics back to its roots – quite literally

Date
3 April 2013

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It’s widely known that New York City is the birthplace of hip-hop, but how much has been done to honour its rich history? From the likes of Big L, Jay-Z and the Wu-Tang Clan, Jay Shells has taken it upon himself to pay homage to these artists in a guerrilla style project, creating a series of signs displaying rap lyrics that specifically reference a street corner. Jay then proceeds to attach the official-looking signs to their correlating sign post.

Pretty freaky too that the street corner, 139 and Lenox Ave, Big L raps about being dangerous, is actually where he was shot four years later. Who knew? Well we do now, thanks to Jay.

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Jay Shells: The Rap Quotes

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Jay Shells: The Rap Quotes

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Jay Shells: The Rap Quotes

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Jay Shells: The Rap Quotes

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Jay Shells: The Rap Quotes

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Jay Shells: The Rap Quotes

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