Skip to Content
Art

Interview with L.A. Graffiti Pioneer Graff1

Graff1 is one of the pioneers of hip-hop culture in Los Angeles. As a member of the legendary B-Boy crew Shake City Rockers, one of the very first on the West Coast, he was known as Quick Draw-- but in the streets of Los Angeles he wrote Graff1. As one of the original graffiti writers in Los Angeles, he participated in what's often referred to as the first graffiti battle at LA history, on the walls of the famed Belmont Tunnel yard. Graff1 has done countless amount of artwork throughout LA during the 80’s, as well being active at the Radio, known to us now as Radiotron-- the epicenter of early hip-hop culture in Los Angeles. Find out Graff1’s favorite taco spot, and learn the history of your city in this exclusive interview conducted by Ryo1 of Ghetto Dojo.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

René Redzepi Exits Noma L.A. Amid Allegations, Protests, and Fleeing Sponsors

On Wednesday, the Noma head chef and co-owner announced his departure after protests broke out in Silver Lake.

March 12, 2026

Daily Memo: While ICE Lays Low, They’re Still Active While Building Up Its Fleet, Offices, and Detention Centers

ICE activity still continues at a slower pace, but it has not disappeared. This past weekend was a rare, quiet one. What we’re seeing is that ICE is laying low, sticking to courthouses, jails, and check-ins, especially from their special ISAP unit.

ICE Rams Vehicle and Hospitalizes the Same U.S. Citizen Again in Ventura County

"I expect this kind of lawlessness from ICE, I don’t expect the hospitals to be complicit in that lawlessness and detain people," says Thomas Harvey, one of Leonardo Martinez's lawyers, after the hospital refused to remove his handcuffs.

One of the Best San Fernando Valley Coffee Shops Owes Its Success to Argentine Culture

Mate has been enjoyed in the region for centuries, originally by the Indigenous Guaraní people and eventually spread by Jesuit missionaries. In time, the drink became a symbol of unity and togetherness since it is a common pastime in Argentina.

March 10, 2026

The Best Signs That Turned Tired Legs into Smiles at the 41st L.A. Marathon

Despite those who found street closures a nuisance, the overall consensus was that this city shows up for its people. In a time when community is most needed, supporters showed up with a level of commitment L.A. could use more of these days.

March 9, 2026

Iranian National Dies in Mississippi, Marking 17th ICE-Related Death Since December 31

Fifty-nine-year-old Pejman Karshenas Najafabadi is currently the 11th person to have died while in ICE custody this year that we know of, and the 17th ICE-related death since the killing of Keith Porter on December 31, 2025.

March 9, 2026
See all posts