Museum of Graffiti Launches Podcast with First Guest Legendary Graffiti Pioneer, Cey Adams -- Check out a quick recap below.... Make sure to watch the whole thing and subscribe to
The Museum of Graffiti kicked off its Oral History Podcast that highlights the Mark of a Fighter with a powerful first episode, sitting down with none other than legendary artist and designer, Cey Adams. Hosted by Museum co-founder Alan Ket, the episode was more than just a trip down memory lane—it was a deep dive into the roots of graffiti, hip-hop culture, and the evolution of a young Queens writer into an internationally celebrated creative.
A True Pioneer: From the Streets of Queens to Global Art
Cey Adams, or CEY as he was known on the streets, began tagging in the 1970s. He shared how, as a pre-teen, he was captivated by the artistry of handstyles—the creative calligraphy that graffiti artists used to tag their names. “It was like beautiful calligraphy,” he said. "People really took pride in their style.”
He walks listeners through his earliest influences—writers like Quik, Jester, and Stay High 149—and the moment he chose his tag. Originally writing “Fire,” inspired by the Ohio Players song, he later shortened it to “Cey” after seeing the baseball player Ron Cey’s name and deciding he could make something unique out of the unexpected spelling.
Getting Up and Gaining Respect
Cey details his initiation into the graffiti scene, including his first tags, early bombings in Jamaica, Queens, and the crucial difference between tagging in the street and hitting the trains. “Tagging in the neighborhood didn’t resonate the way painting on trains did,” he explained. That realization sparked a deeper commitment to the movement.
He recalled the thrill of painting trains, the risks of racking paint and markers, and the secret-agent energy of sneaking into train yards under the cover of darkness. “It was like being a superhero,” he said. “The mission was to do your work and vanish before morning rush hour.”
The Birth of a Crew
Cey spoke about forming City Crew, which stood for “Children Invading The Yards”—a nod to their ambition and youthful energy. It later evolved into TPA (The Public Animals), a tight-knit group of writers including Vade, Wise 3, and Demo. His house became the crew’s HQ, just blocks from the 169th Street station. From there, they spread their names and styles across the city, eventually welcoming other legends like Lady Pink and CAP.
The Shift: From Trains to Canvas
By 1984, with the birth of his son Eric, Cey was ready to put down the spray can and pivot. “It was kid stuff compared to literally having a kid,” he said. The responsibilities of fatherhood led him to explore new outlets for his creativity. While many writers transitioned to canvas, Cey found his path in design.
He co-founded The Drawing Board, a design firm responsible for iconic hip-hop album art for the likes of the Beastie Boys, Run DMC, and Biggie Smalls. This shift not only elevated his career but helped shape the visual identity of hip-hop during its golden era.
Remembering the Roots
Cey reflected on the importance of documentation in preserving graffiti history. He credited photographers like Martha Cooper and Henry Chalfant for capturing work that would have otherwise been lost to time. “Without Martha, I wouldn’t have a historical record of any of that early work,” he shared, recounting her generosity in providing him with Polaroids of his pieces and negatives for later projects.
Honoring the Culture, Preserving the Legacy
This first episode of the Museum of Graffiti’s Oral History Podcast sets the tone for what’s to come: real stories, raw history, and personal insight from the artists who helped build this global culture. With Cey Adams as the inaugural guest, listeners are treated to an intimate, honest look at the origins of graffiti, the rise of hip-hop, and the spirit of perseverance that still drives the culture forward.
Stay tuned for more episodes as we continue to amplify the voices that wrote the story of graffiti—one tag at a time.