12ozProphet Exclusive Interview: New York Street Bomber Easy

Easy, along with his partners Josh5 and Joz (RIP) are often recognized as the first generation of New York street bombers. Their fat cap tags, most common on gates, became a ubiquitous site around the city. After a long break in their action Easy and Josh5 made a comeback two years ago that turned heads, filling older writers with nostalgia and excitement and teaching younger writers a thing or two about how it’s done. Recently, 12ozProphet got to sit down with Easy and discuss his history, his return and his plans for the future.

Where are you from originally?

I’m originally from Brooklyn. However I started writing Easy while living in Harlem in 1983.

When and why did you start writing?

I first started writing LC in 1982 but I don’t count that year and I never have any intention to. I started writing because my older brother manipulated me into graff.

What would you describe your style as?

I describe my style as being very simple, simple enough that an old lady can read it.

What makes you notice another writer?

Back in the 80’s it was always the bubble style that caught my eye the most.

Who influenced you when you started writing?

After I started writing I have to say Cap and Jonone.

Who do you think is killing the streets today?

After I made my comeback it seem like a whole entire army followed me, but it’s a beautiful thing for graff. Let me mention one thing I love writers from all eras OK? The one’s that’s getting it in are, Sen4, JA, Trap, Gusto, Lewy, Kech, Fib, Dast, Dart, Base, Adek, Miss17 and a few more I guess. I apologize if I missed you.

Have your reasons for writing over the years changed?

Yes, it was all for fun back in the 80’s, but in this current era it’s became a moody thing and that’s the reason I can’t see myself going all out like the past.

Did you catch any cases?

I’ve got hemmed up plenty of times.

What do you want to be remembered for?

As someone that loves graffiti and does it only for the people.

It looks like you love gates man! Why do you like to hit gates so much?

This might sound ironic to you all, but I’m not a gate lover it just always seems to be the clean canvas to market on.

What should we look for from Easy in the future?

I want to get the team together and talk about our future, as of now it’s unclear. There is one thing we will be doing and that’s taking it back to the 80’s once again, Tekay, Josh5, Trap, Bester, Ghast, Joz AND Easy.

Any shoutouts?

I would like to give a shout out to Cope2, Ladybug, June, Riot, Dude, Base, JA, Sen4, Tekay, Dage, Kit17, Josh5, Ghast, Cenas, Ghost, Bester, Trap, Chama, Cap, Slave, Pean, Slade, Criz, Tanya, Magoo, Phobia, Frisk, Soe TNS, Zook, Checker170, KH1 357, KRSONE, I also want to give a shout out to my brother Joz who now hangs with his heavenly father.

Text: Nadia
Photos: 36th Chamber and WhiteyBulger