New York City - Black Book Masters (On the Run) [Paperback]

Alain "KET" Maridueña (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 16, 2009 | Series: On the Run (Book 6)

Black books are not just glorified sketch books; they are the real lifeblood of a writer-a communication tool and a real source of pride. Within the pages of their black books, writers try out styles, plan out their next pieces, create colorful burners and collect signature styles from other writers. 'New York City Black Book Masters' pays homage to the black book with an intimate collection of personal drawings from some of New York's finest old school and new school writers, the likes of Riff 170, Noc 167, Case 2, Chain 3, Dondi, Erni, Daze, Iz the Wiz, Lady Pink, Zephyr, Ghost, Freedom, T-Kid 170, Cope 2, Nic One, Ewok, Zimad and many more. It is an honor to be able to share the candid thoughts and styles that find their way into a writer's 'visual diary'-the black book. The successful ON THE RUN series of books introduces and showcases the very best in street art and graffiti talent worldwide. Each book in the series is numbered, the idea being that the reader can collect all the books and build their very own comprehensive library that reflects the real history of urban and graffiti culture from an insider's perspective. The OTR motto is 'know your history'.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"It just started out as a tool to get your peers' autographs, but then as time progressed, it became a staple for preparation ..." -- Part One

"Aside from the practice-which surely shows on the wall-owning a full black book packed with fresh graffiti drawings is like having a museum-quality art collection in a handy carrying case." -- YES 2

About the Author

is a publisher, writer, Hip Hop historian, activist and graffiti artist from NYC. While studying at NYU, he founded Stress, a magazine about urban communities, Hip Hop culture and educating youth about their rights. He also created art programs for inmates at Riker's Island and co-founded the collective Black August. He co-founded Complex magazine with Marc Ecko, and started a publishing imprint, From Here To Fame, to preserve Hip Hop's rich history. He also works as a consultant for urban culture.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: From Here to Fame (October 16, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3937946608
• ISBN-13: 978-3937946603
• Product Dimensions: 6.2 x 9.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #558,821 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Alain Mariduena aka Alan Ket aka KET is an artist, photographer, author, artistic consultant, marketing professional and frequent lecturer on the topic of graffiti. His photographs have appeared in Rolling Stone, The New York Times Magazine, The London Sunday Telegraph, The Source, and Stress. Ket launched Stress, a hip-hop magazine credited for breaking such artists as Jay-Z, Foxy Brown, Eminem, and Raekwon, among others. After that, he spun Stress off into an internationally published Spanish language version of the magazine called Hip Hop Nation. In 2001, with Marc Ecko, he created the men's fashion magazine Complex.

Ket is active in his community as a muralist, photographer, and graffiti advocate. His advocacy of graffiti has landed him in frequent lawsuits with the city of New York. His cases have made international news and are all now closed.

He is the author of Graffiti Planet, Graffiti Planet 2, Sento - The Fantastic Partners, and Part One - The Death Squad, New York City Black Book Masters, Graffiti Tattoo, Ghost, and most recently Rockin' It Suckers. He is a blogger on 12ozprohet.com where he frequently discusses graffiti, art, and the police state. He has lectured in universities worldwide, including New York University, Brown University, Syracuse University, UCLA, University of Wisconsin, and Wesleyan University.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Black book as visual diary, December 31, 2009

By 

Graffiti Diplomacy (New York) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: New York City - Black Book Masters (On the Run) (Paperback)

This book is a beautiful visual diary into the inner thoughts and personal works of some of the greatest writers. Many of these drawings never made it to the wall but acted as a springboard for fully realized pieces. Many were used in part or to give direction to pieces that became finished works. This book is printed on fine magazine paper and is a treat to the eye.It gives you real insight into the importance of a graffiti writer's sketchbook and the planning and skill needed to be successful in this artform.

5.0 out of 5 stars dope book., January 5, 2011

By 

Kenneth Keuntak Lee "KL" (Diamond Bar, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: New York City - Black Book Masters (On the Run) (Paperback)

It is just an ordinary book about NYC graffiti and the legends' black books. If you've read a book called "Graffiti NYC," then you actually do not have to get this book. This book just tells about black books and back in the day, but I just bought it because I love the form of graffiti. Besides, it doesn't hurt to learn history and skills from NYC kings.