Interviews
These Q&A interviews were conducted in August 2009 by TC5 Vice-prez AEVON & the Official TC5 30th anniversary show curators, the Meeting Of Styles Montreal Crew.
All images are intellectual property owned by the artists and licensed via www.tcfive.com.
--Interview with Sye
Published on October 1st 2009.
In terms of style, attitude and philosophy, what defines or make The 5?
TC5 is exactly that; a crew that practices the traditions of style, attitude and shares in the philosophy of graffiti during its golden era. We are one of the last crews that emphasize letter structure.
What is the crew’s hierarchy structure? How has that played an important part in the crew’s longevity over other crews?
Crew structure gives the crew identity. Structure is extremely important in terms of continuity of tradition and crew practices. It bridges past, present and future. Without any semblance of order, crews die out and become shells of their former selves.
Did all Graffiti crews, back in the days, have a President, Vice-President, ETC, and such?
As with any organization, there is a president, usually the person who originated the crew or was given the crew by an elder retiring writer. A vice-president, usually a person who would continue the tradition, shared the same crew ideals and be able to assume leadership responsibilities should the president be out of commission. Additionally, some crews had recruiters, people who sought new members and were also in charge of their chapter or faction within the crew.
How did you get down with TC5? Was there any initiation rites or official formalities?
TC5 practices the traditions of graffiti, which means that to get down with a crew you hang with the crew, piece with the crew, have something to offer (muscle, graffiti skills, etc.)
What was the influence A&D H.S. on the 5 and the world of graph?
I didn’t attend A & D but I can tell you as an outsider looking in, at that time, that school was extremely important because it help nurture some the city’s most stylized writers.
Who was The Crazy Five?
DEATH, VAMM, BLADE, CRACHEE, TULL
How did the Crazy Five come to birth?
DEATH started it
How has The 5 influenced Graph? Has the 5 influenced others or created styles (graph, clothing, etc) that the rest of the world didn’t know of?
Since coming into the TC5 circle, I’ve come to see first hand how members of the crew help shape and form the culture in ways I never knew. Crew members have held or are currently holding positions in fashion, media and music.. i.e. PNB in the 90s, Sean John, Rocawear
How did you get your name?
It was two fold. A friend on my block had SYE as a side name and he couldn’t rock it so I took the name with his blessing. Also, whenever I was upset or a little pissed I would sigh. It became a play on words and also another alias for me
How would you describe your style?
Queens style because of simplicity and letter thickness. Since my return it’s been my mission to continue to evolve and incorporate it with the TC5 style
What is your favorite type of paints (old and new type) and colors?
In the 80s it was rusto for bombing and krylon for piecing. Now, I like Molotow because it has the best of both worlds
If you can, describe what you now do for a living?
I work baby…I get the job done
How would you describe the evolution and or destruction of Graph in New York City over the past 30 years?
To me, when I initially stopped writing in 1985-6, I felt it became too saturated in NYC. Everyone it seemed like was a writer or wanting to be and I think because of that it may have gained too much attention.
Graffiti’s destruction and evolution were caused by the loss of traditions and maybe that’s because the trains died and graff moved above ground, which caused its aesthetics to change. Now, what I see most since my return in 2005 is the lack of letter structure. The new cats are more schooled in fine art and apply that to graff and abandon lettering; concentrating more on colors and background…I think when that happens graff loses it’s raw energy
What is your view of the Press coverage of Graffiti over the years? How has the Internet affected Graffiti?
It’s a blessing as long as it’s positive in both instances. It has helps market graffiti on a more global scale.
--Interview with Aevon
Published on September 9th 2009.
In terms of style, attitude and philosophy, what defines or make The 5?
To me nothing defines The 5. We have infinite possibilities. This is what makes us different from other crews. We were and ARE ahead of the times.
What is the crew’s hierarchy structure? How has that played an important part in the crew’s longevity over other crews?
The crew was like many other crews. Meaning that we had a President, Vice-president, ETC. But our hierarchy was different; we had a High Council that consisted of the President, 2 or 3 Vice presidents, and a Council member. Now the High Council is no more. Me and Doc run or manage the day to day operations of the crew, with Seen still President. We had to change the structure in order for the crew to survive. Also, when you were MADE a 5, you were family. No other crew can say that. Your real family became our family. It’s like the Mafia, sort of. That heavily contributed to our longevity.
Did all Graph crews, back in the days, have a President, Vice-President, ETC, and such?
Yes, but not like ours. There were and are checks and balances that we have that no other crews had.
How did you get down with TC5? Was there any initiation rites or official formalities?
I was put by SEEN. Yes, there are initiation rites and official formalities, but they remain secret.
What was the influence A&D H.S. on the 5 and the world of graph?
I think that everybody would agree that it was other way around. TC5 was the bench mark for style and coolness. SEEN was the Icon. But A & D was a major force in the late 70’s to mid 80’s to the world of Graff. Most of your style masters (trains or black books) came from there.
Who was The Crazy Five?
Blade, Tull, Vamn, Crachee, and Death. They were the original members. Also Comet and Silver Tips.
How did the Crazy Five come to birth?
They started in the late 60’s as a band that evolved in a Graff crew.
How has The 5 influenced Graph? Has the 5 influenced others or created styles (graph, clothing, etc) that the rest of the world didn’t know of?
The 5 influenced Graff and the world because of our style and swagger. Our influence is great in Hip Hop and clothing. From Run DMC to Rocawear, all that has some type of 5 influence and or connection to it.
How did you get your name?
I got my name from my 1st mentor, Dero. I had many other names, but Aevon fit the best.
How would you describe your style?
Old school, Simple style. With the heavy influences of Dero, Dez, SEEN, and little of Doc and Keo.
What is your favorite type of paints (old and new type) and colors?
Wet Looks and Krylons. I used to love Martin Silver. I mostly used greens and silvers back in the days, but know I’m starting to like yellows, oranges, and pinks.
If you can, describe what you now do for a living?
I work for the State.
How would you describe the evolution and or destruction of Graph in New York City over the past 30 years?
Once you took the canvas (trains) away, Graff took a down turn. But I think through The 5 and other entities we have started a new era of funkiness.
What is your view of the Press coverage of Graph over the years? How has the internet affected Graph?
Fuck the press. The press never understood graff. As far as the internet, I’m mixed. It’s good as a medium to get your art out to other people who normally wouldn’t have seen it.
Any 5 stories you would like to share?
If I told you some of them…you wouldn’t believe it.
--Interview with Wane
Published on September 4th 2009.
In terms of style, attitude and philosophy, what defines or make The 5?
Originality, attitude, and swagger.
What is the crew’s hierarchy structure? How has that played an important part in the crew’s longevity over other crews?
Grew up in the north Bronx and would see subway cars by Blade, Comet, Seen, Doze, Doc and many other members. Tc5 is a crew that’s a major influence on me and other writers. In every era since Blade and the crazy five.
Did all Graph crews, back in the days, have a President, Vice-President, ETC, and such?
From my knowledge the major crews did have a president, vice president, etc.
What was the influence A&D H.S. on the 5 and the world of graph?
Did not get down until later years, so sorry can’t answer that one.
Who was The Crazy Five?
Blade, Comet, Crachee, Vamm, Tull 13, Ajax, and Maze.
How did the Crazy Five come to birth?
Blade started the crazy five in the 70’s and Comet past the crew on to Seen and Tcfive was born again!!!
How has The 5 influenced Graph? Has the 5 influenced others or created styles (graph, clothing, etc) that the rest of the world didn’t know of?
The five has influenced many crews as well as many generations of graff. We’ve influenced many people both in and outside of the graff community. Graff has influenced everything from customized lee jackets and t-shirts to graphic design and fashion in general.
How did you get your name?
Got many names. My first name from my mom but without the letter “y” (wane). Other names I got from hanging in the streets and acting a fool.
How would you describe your style?
Classic 80’s, Tcfive, fba with an unorthodox twist. My style is classic foundation with a twist. Everything around me is inspiring- graphics, fashion, travel and art. It’s a lifestyle
What is your favorite type of paints (old and new type) and colors?
In the old days krylon, rustoleum, and anything I could rack.
If you can, describe what you now do for a living?
I work in the fashion industry, designing graphics and clothes.
How would you describe the evolution and or destruction of Graph in New York City over the past 30 years?
New York City kids started a phenomenon that inspired the world to write graffiti as they see it.
What is your view of the Press coverage of Graph over the years? How has the internet affected Graph?
The view from the media is negative, from the internet it is inspiring.
Any 5 stories you would like to share?
I grew up in the north Bronx around Allenton Ave where I used to see many Blade and Seen pieces at a young age. It’s a dream come true to have rocked subway cars with Seen and other members.
I think it was 1993. Doc brought it to the attention of Seen, Juice, Psycho, etc.
I bombed long and hard to keep the style and swagger of the crew alive.
I was put down because of painting subways, the skills, honor, and loyalty.
The crew is legendary and will always live….
Wane One
--Interview with Abby
Published on September 3rd 2009.
In terms of style, attitude and philosophy, what defines or make The 5?
Testosterone, creative originality and flair with attitude.
What is the crew’s hierarchy structure? How has that played an important part in the crew’s longevity over other crews?
There has been one blockhead or another monitoring the progress of the crew since the mid eighties.
Did all Graph crews, back in the days, have a President, Vice-President, ETC, and such?
Yes, usually.
How did you get down with TC5? Was there any initiation rites or official formalities?
Seen put me down on the south escalators of A and D while flipping thru and signing my black book. I think he had a crush on me because I had a big forehead like him.
What was the influence A&D H.S. on the 5 and the world of graph?
Many artists went to A and D. Ex: Seen and Doze, Mare 139, Lady Pink, Lady Heart, Web One, Tab One, Erni, Sizer, Bill Blaze, Ence, Fabel-the Electric Boogie Master, Abby all at the same time and in later years Poke etc. In the same classes. There were so many other artists and graff artists that somehow had tags on the chairs and ceilings and lockers and railings and on escalators, like Zephyr and Futura and Haze, it was an intoxicating atmosphere of creativity. A perfect storm that attracted lots of other creative spirits from nearby schools and artists like film star, Doc Uno (RVR at the time), Cey, Debi Mazar, Beam, Min, Kel, BOE, A-One, PGism, Cousin Frank AKA Ghost who people once threw rocks at from across the street, Kel One, an AWESOME disabled UP-ass writer named Paulistic, and the energy solemnly invited the advances of a particular sicko named Cap One, on one dark day decided to open fire on the building after Mare 139, Kel’s baby Bro. Fabel and the Rock Steady Crew used to routinely dance after school on the corner of 2nd and 57th Street, a few blocks away at Fiorucci where on cardboard boxes Crazy Legs, Doze, Frosty Freeze, Kurachi and Fable would make the girls swoon.
Who was The Crazy Five?
Blade, Vam, Death, Crachee and Tull.
How did the Crazy Five come to birth?
Blade was a Pioneer of the whole car t to b. To date in the 70’s the most ANIMATED graff artist. He gave intro to up and coming artists such as UA Artists.
How has The 5 influenced Graph? Has the 5 influenced others or created styles (graph, clothing, etc) that the rest of the world didn’t know of?
I think that has YET to be determined and directly dependent upon the TRUE heart and SOUL of the leadership. But you cannot deny the influence of the MUG that Doze established in 1982. As of today, you may see many artists represent themselves in characture as Doze did. The Mug, the grill, the Chin. It will always be DOZE TC5.
How did you get your name? It was given to me by my parents.
How would you describe you style?
My style is based in traditional graff letter structure. I tend not to close my paths and let other paths join in and influence or give emphasis to a line. I’m the free-bird, the butterfly of the crew.
What is your favorite type of paints (old and new type) and colors?
I just got all my old paint that has been stored in NY for 20 years and the first thing I did was spray the jungle green. That old smell of Krylon is intoxicating and it’s still great to paint with. Very concentrated. I now love Montana Gold hands down. With the new paint it’s all about pressure and distance. You can do anything with it and you use less of it.
If you can, describe what you now do for a living?
Owner of a Crime Scene Cleanup Company in Charlotte North Carolina.
How would you describe the evolution and or destruction of Graph in New York City over the past 30 years?
It would have been great if Koch given us an art train, I still hold that as an option one day—in any city. It will happen. The graff presence is actually weaker in NY than it is in more community oriented and artistically friendly locales like Philly, San Fran, Chicago, San Diego. Although there are places where you can ALWAYS go in NYC to be at home with graff.
What is your view of the Press coverage of Graph over the years? How has the internet affected Graph?
You now have to be perfect. That’s good though!
Any 5 stories you would like to share?
I’m saving those till I’m 60.
--Interview with Psycho
Published on September 2nd 2009.
In terms of style, attitude and philosophy, what defines or make The 5?
Growing up, what attracted me to 5 style from guys like Doze, Seen,Poke, Doc and web was that their pieces had soul and movement. It had a certain attitude and spirit about a Tc5 piece, almost a cockiness to it, as it was saying, if you were a piece, you'll want to be.
What is the crew’s hierarchy structure? How has that played an important part in the crew’s longevity over other crews?
When I got down Seen were president, with Doze and Juice being vice. People like Eps and Doc had a very strong influence as well. These guys weren't regular Joe's. They were charismatic, charming, arrogant and cocky as hell. Their swag trickled down to the rest of the crew. Once you were 5, you knew you were the shit. It's like getting made in the mafia.
Did all Graph crews, back in the days, have a President, Vice-President, ETC, and such?
Most that I knew of did.
How did you get down with TC5? Was there any initiation rites or official formalities?
I became friends with guys like Eps, Nel, Roz and Kano who introduced me to Juice. Juice and I took a liking to one another and I became like a son of his. Through him I met Seen and Doze. At the time, I had an extraordinary ill reputation that was becoming legendary in the graffiti world. It was obvious I was 5 material and Juice, Doze and Seen put me down together on 163rd street. I was 15 years old.
What was the influence A&D H.S. on the 5 and the world of graph?
Big. A and D was like a who's who in the world of graf.
Who was The Crazy Five?
Blade and Comet's crew before Comet handed it to Seen.
How did the Crazy Five come to birth?
As a rock band in someone's garage in 1969.
How has The 5 influenced Graph? Has the 5 influenced others or created styles (graph, clothing, etc) that the rest of the world didn’t know of?
You seen 5 style in all aspects of pop culture these days.
How did you get your name?
Originally from skateboarding. I was ill going down the steepest and curveist hills in wash Heights.
How would you describe you style?
Notalgic. 80's 5 style inspired by my boys, Doze, Seen, Poke and West.
What is your favorite type of paints (old and new type) and colors?
Montana black label.
If you can, describe what you now do for a living?
Tattoo Artist.
How would you describe the evolution and or destruction of Graph in New York City over the past 30 years?
The culture has definitely changed. It's definitely diluted and not as hardcore as the 80's. It's lost so much of its edge. On the good side, it's definitely matured and become sophisticated. One can actually make a living off his art these days.
What is your view of the Press coverage of Graph over the years? How has the internet affected Graph?
Good and bad. It's easier to get exposure and make a name for yourself. You have to take pains to protect and control your intellectual property.
Any 5 stories you would like to share?
I have way too many.
--Interview with Doc
Published on September 1st 2009.
In terms of style, attitude and philosophy, what defines or makes The 5?
Seen's attitude was that we had to be the best. Period! That was my motivation. We had to be the best dressed, have the hottest women and be bigger than Graffiti.
What is the crew’s hierarchy structure? How has that played an important part in the crew’s longevity over other crews?
Many division leaders, but only one Prez. Even when Seen retired, I made sure he remained visually our leader because his history is our foundation.
Did all Graph crews, back in the days, have a President, Vice-President, ETC, and such?
Prez, Vice Prez and Recruiter.
How did you get down with TC5? Was there any initiation rites or official formalities?
Initiation for me included having style in black books. I was put down by Doze in the Roxy days. But Seen was M.I.A. in Rhode Island for a couple of years. Upon his return, he was pissed that Doze had recruited so many writers in his absence and unceremoniously kicked all of us out. Seen called for a mass meeting at Rock Steady Park where he personally checked the credentials of all expunged members and made me the Vice Prez of Brooklyn and Queens. Today I am the day to day manager of the crew and Seen is President for Life.
What was the influence A&D H.S. on the 5 and the world of graph?
Well it might be the other way around. When Seen and Doze arrived they changed the complexion of the whole school. They were the Kings of Swing everybody wanted to emulate their swagger. They became the litmus of what all modern day writers should look and act like. Before them most writers were bummy ink stained tunnel rats. Seen held true to the Kings before him who were street fashion icons and through A&D brought back the flavor to writers citywide.
Who was The Crazy Five?
Blade, Vamn, Death, Crachee and Tull and then Comet who passed the crew to Seen and Kems after Blade and Comet started a new crew called the Impact Brothers.
How did the Crazy Five come to birth?
2’s and 5’s 1967-1970. Formed by Death in a working class immigrant neighborhood these five teenage friends with so much in common were destined to do something great for their time, either through their band or painting trains... guess which won.
How has The 5 influenced Graph? Has the 5 influenced others or created styles (graph, clothing, etc) that the rest of the world didn’t know of?
Our influence is derived from the fact that we are the keepers of the style. Many of our members are direct or indirect students of style masters... like Case2, Dondi, Part1, Chain3, Butch2, Noc167, Riff170, Phase2, Slave and many others. What we do has not been diluted by perception; we had the facts and we passed it on to the world. The Cool 5ive also pioneered through Doze the modern day graffiti character. Every writer in the world including myself owes Doze a royalty check for his efforts in creating the ultimate character.
How did you get your name?
My mom used to call me the Disco Doctor; she felt I wouldn't be able to choose between wanting to be a medical technician and a Dj.
How would you describe you style?
Mechanical, but my mastery is in color.
What is your favorite type of paints (old and new type) and colors?
Red Devil (Supreme Quality) - Mahogany, Bermuda Blue and Delta Grey. This brand was the best paint ever created. It could beat any German brand hands down! Rustoluem- Dunes Tan, Fed Green and Cascade Green. Good paint for rusty cars. Krylon (Paper Label) Jungle Green, Adobe, Spanish Brown, Chippewa, Pastel Pink, Topaz Yellow, Aqua Turquoise, Hot Raspberry and Icy Grape. Kyrlon had the best palette. Wet Look- Hot Dog Mustard Yellow, Passion Purple, Mad About Pink and Groovy Green. Martin Paint also had an Avocado, Plum and Berry Pink that was out of sight!
If you can, describe what you now do for a living?
After I retired from illegal activities, I joined the MTA.
How would you describe the evolution and or destruction of Graph in New York City over the past 30 years?
Well the problem is 30 plus years of graffiti, New Yorkers are tired of it. I am waiting for the new generation of wack ass hipsters to make it trendy again. Destruction wise I blame the new paint. Before it took a toy 3 to 6 years to master spray paint, with this new paint toys are building a false sense of achievement. Basically what you are seeing is well painted pieces of crap!
What is your view of the Press coverage of Graph over the years? How has the internet affected Graph?
I don't care about the press; they always have a hidden agenda. The internet is good and bad. Good- before the internet the only point of reference was Style Wars, Subway Art and whatever half truths were told by American artist on tour. Bad- all the internet gangsters, hiding behind a web alias talking mad shit and starting beefs with no fear of retribution.
Any 5 stories you would like to share?
Not really.
--Interview with WEB
Published on August 31st 2009.
In terms of style, attitude and philosophy, what defines or makes The 5?
If you look at a TC5 production, you can see that there is a similarity in style that we all have. Different,but similar. The cleanliness of lines, eye poppin' colors, perfectly designed letters, ill characters,and amazing themes. TC5 is the cream of the crop in the graff world.Our letter structure is different from any other crews.
What is the crew’s hierarchy structure? How has that played an important part in the crew’s longevity over other crews?
SEEN is the prez of the 5, but Doc and Aevon basically run the crew. I know that Psycho was a vice prez, but has "retired" or stepped down.Juice and Doze also have/had power. I believe that having these brothers in charge has kept the crew in an elite status.You are basically hand picked to be down in the 5. It also goes beyond graff.Most of us have known each other 20 - 30 years.
Did all Graph crews, back in the days, have a President, Vice-President, ETC, and such?
As long as I remembered crews had Prez,VPs and recruiters.
How did you get down with TC5? Was there any initiation rites or official formalities?
DOC TC5 put me down sometime in late 1983.Initiation.....lol...1988 beach party Rockaway Beach. Thrown in the water fully clothed. Thanks guys!
What was the influence A&D H.S. on the 5 and the world of graph?
Are you kidding?A&D? Personally it influenced me, because if I didn't go to A&D, I would have never become a writer.I knew of graffiti as a kid, seeing it on the trains, but I never knew the culture of it. I would say that A&D between the years of 1977 and 1986 produced some of the best writers AND bboys ever. SEEN TC5,Doze,Lady Pink,Fome,Par,Abby,2Cute,Myself,Tack,Airborn,Daze,Mr.Wiggles(Rek),Pop Master Fabel,Lady Heart,Ence,Erni,Sizer,Tab.
Who was The Crazy Five?
The Crazy 5. Vamm, Tull, Crachee, Death, Blade Later came Ajax, Comet, Silver Tips, Maze, Z73 etc...
How did the Crazy Five come to birth?
I believe that The Crazy 5 were neighborhood friends that were really close. I know some of them were in a band.
How has The 5 influenced Graph? Has the 5 influenced others or created styles (graph, clothing, etc) that the rest of the world didn’t know of?
TC5 influence has been there from day one.Everyone was trying to imitate the whole cars that Blade was doing. Clothing wise we have the shirt king Phade. After Phade,all these places started popping up doing shirts. Then we have Wane's Writer's Bench. An actual writer, with his own clothing line. After that,writers wanted to do their thing. So the 5 has been a big influence overall in the graff world. And of course Doze. ALL bboy characters can be traced back to Doze. He's one of the most influencial writers around.
How did you get your name?
I got the name Web from on of my best friends that gave up on writing when we started at A&D in 79.
How would you describe you style?
My style..A little bit of TC5,FBA,CIA,and TMT mixed together with some WEB seasoning. EVERYONE is a son of a son of a son (Style wise).
What is your favorite type of paints (old and new type) and colors?
I'm not committed to one brand of paint. I was dedicated to Belton Molotow due to an affiliation with the first North American distrbutor. I use Sabotaz80, Montana Gold and Black, and the new Montana 94 .And of course I'm always going to use Rustoleum. Back in the train days I used Rusto, Krylon, Red Devil, Wet Look, Wet Paint and Martin Paint silvers and Avocado.
If you can, describe what you now do for a living?
Manager of Production Center at well known law firm in Atlanta.
How would you describe the evolution and or destruction of Graph in New York City over the past 30 years?
I would say the evolution of graff in NYC was just everyone(crew) trying to out do the next person or crew. Competition. That always takes it to the next level. The desruction..toys. You got these toys doing throwies everywhere. It looks bad. I'm just old school. I believe that the proving grounds were the train yards.That's just me. There's a lot of cats that never hit live trains that are good. The destruction of the trains started with Cap MPC. Writers got tired of wasting time doing fresh burners and whole cars only for it to get dissed. So writers started doing more throwies than pieces. Trains looked a mess. The few remaining diehards kept going until the end and beyond(clean train era).
What is your view of the Press coverage of Graph over the years? How has the internet affected Graph?
Press coverage about graff has usually been negative. Especially in the train days. ow it's like a cool thing. You can see graffiti influences all over. You see how they wrap trains and busses in these advertisements? They copied that from T2B whole cars. And I think that the media and people don't get the correct info AND facts. Perfect example...SEEN TC5. My man was a Tour de Force on the trains,inside and out. But who gets the credit??? Think about it......
Any 5 stories you would like to share?
Hmm..5 stories... so many, but the one that sticks out was one night in 85 or 86 we were going to painting one night. It was going to be DOC, EBN,and myself. DOC's house was usually the hangout or meeting place. So we were there and the phone rings. DOC answers it and after a few minutes hands me the phone. This really weird voice comes on and says WEEEBBB.I recognized who it was right away..DOZE. He says he was coming painting with us that night.I knew something special was going to happen.
Doze shows up and he starts sketching out this nasty BAGEL outline. That was only the begining.T hen DOC told DOZE to pick his colors for the piece. I don't remeber what colors he took, but DOC was left with like 5 or 6 cans. I looked at him and he was like "It's all good. No problem". That night,or should I say early morning EBN and I did the OH RATZ/ HOLY SHIT car, and DOC and DOZE did the ARAB/BAGEL car. To this day I still tell DOC that's the best piece he ever did. 5 colors,and he killed it.It just goes to show you that you don't need 15 colors in your piece to rock. AND he used an orange tip for fill ins,designs and outline.