About

“NYC Hip Hop foundation and history is a ‘must’ to learn if your involved with Hip Hop Culture. NYC deserves respect for creating Hip Hop & paving the way for the culture so the world could embrace it. LA’s Hip Hop scene also deserves respect for contributing to the culture as well (Lockin, Poppin and Boogaloo Foundations).  You must have the same respect for learning about Hip Hop culture as you would for any culture such as Hawaiian culture & the Art of Hula. Hip Hop isn’t a trend or fad, it’s a culture. You can’t disrespect trends/fads but you can disrespect a culture”.  –East3–

“East 3” (E3), who was born in the Bay (SF) & raised in Honolulu, HI, started painting at the age of 14.  His writing name, ‘East (inspired by Asians coming from the Eastern Hemisphere),’  was created to assist in bringing much deserved recognition to the Asians involved in Hip Hop. Respectfully, the number ’3′ is a dedication and remembrance to a high school friend & fellow crew member (R.I.P. Triad3 T3 = EAS T3).

E3′s first commissioned project as an aerosol writer was a mural painted in Hawaii, in 1993 with Legendary “PHASE 2″ (NYC). Phase 2 became a good friend & mentor & made a huge impact on E3′s development. Other pioneers who mentored & influenced his grounded traditional foundations as a writer include Deno TC5 (RIP), Mr. Wiggles, King Scotty, King Zen (R.I.P.), Frosty Freeze (R.I.P.) & Syze One. The opportunity to work with such legends taught E3 the importance of learning all Hip Hop culture & history, & keeping it alive for future generations.

In 1994, East 3 was recruited by Mr Wiggles & Crazy Legs to build a new Hawaii chapter of Rock Steady Crew. E3 became the first member of Rock Steady Crew & Zulu Nation from Hawaii & later recruited Stylen, Skillroy, Radical R and Sweepy.

Source Magazine featured E3′s backdrop installations for a Dr. Dre & Snoop concert in Hawaii & also did a follow up article on Hawaii Hip Hop in 2000 which covered East 3 & his current projects.

E3 has done graphic design work for the Afrika Bambaataa (NYC), Kid Robot (NYC), Dj Qbert & Thud Rumble (SF), Tristate (LA), Gold Chain Military, Babe Ruth Band (UK), UK B-Boy Championships, Mighty 4 (SF), Rock Steady Crew/Anniversary (NYC), Tony Touch & Big Dawg, Rawkus Records, Clear Channel Broadcasting, & GQ Magazine.

E3′s current projects include upcoming art shows & King Tech’s Wake Up Show, which will be dropping a series of East 3 Masterpieces available for marketing & purchase @ www.whenartimitateslife.com. Other Hip Hop legends & rock stars such as RZA, DJ Qbert, Hieroglyphics, & Shavo (System of a Down) will also feature releases of their limited edition canvases.