044: CAZBEE
“I still love music. I’ve been on a never ending honeymoon period with records since as long as I can remember. I still get my hands dirty sifting through second hand records most weeks.”
Graffiti in London had been bubbling under the surface since the early 70s, but it wasn't until tthe early 80s that it really took off. While Banksy might be the poster boy for London street art today, he's just the tip of the iceberg. Dig a little deeper, and you'll find a rich history of artists who left their mark on the city in bold, unforgettable ways. London was a breeding ground for some of the most daring and innovative graffiti artists of the 1980s.
At this time graffiti was more than just an art form. It was a way of life for many street kids who risked everything to leave their mark on the city. NYC's "Wild Style" had a profound influence on London's artists, with the media coverage of the Big Apple's graffiti scene helping to spread the movement across the pond. As in NYC, spray paint was the weapon of choice for London writers, as it was both cheap and reliable. London writers used it with reckless abandon to make their voices heard. London's artists didn't just copy what they saw in the States, they remixed it with their own local flavors and expressed their own attitudes. The tunnels and tracks of the Tube were also dangerous environments, with live rails and passing trains posing serious risks to those attempting to create art, but it was the best canvas for these young artists who were willing to sacrifice anything to express their voices.
One of these street artists is Cazbee, a true OG of the London graffiti scene. His work on the London tube system in the 80s is legendary, and his tags are still recognizable today. Cazbee's pieces are characterized by his intricate designs; they serve as a reflection of the cultural surroundings that inspired them.
But Cazbee's talents aren't limited to the streets. Cazbee was also active in the London music scene, spinning records as a DJ during the rise of Acid House in the late 80s. In more recent years, his collaborations with fellow London graffit writer and OG Richard Sen on Mixed Blood Cuts have spawned some killer tracks that have, like the artist himself, flown a bit under the radar. When you listen to Cazbee’s productions his love of black music will become obvious. His edits of 70s soul, disco and funk are raw and heavy affairs that celebrate the spirit of the original source material rather than watering it down. His musical style is a reflection of his lifetime in the game, and his selections as a DJ reach far and deep. As a graffiti writer and a musician, Cazbee’s expression is a testament to his spirit, his refusal to be silenced. His art and music are emblematic of the resilience and independence of London's underground culture in one of its most authentic moments.
Cazbee, thank you for your contribution to our mix series. The mix jams in all the right ways, especially with the arrival of Spring.
There is a lot to unpack here, so let’s take it from the start: Where did you grow up? What was your home like as a kid?
I grew up in Chelsea. Hanging out on the King’s Rd during the 70’s and 80’s… Wild times…Home life was pretty normal till most weekends, then my mother’s house would turn into the party house. Music . drinking . etc…
What was your first real experience hearing music - when it actually meant something to you for the first time?
I can always remember music playing in my house. I’d always be dancing at my mother’s parties until being discovered and sent to bed promptly.. But when it actually started meaning something was when I started spending my pocket money on 7’’ records (Madness, Toto Coelo, The Piranhas, etc) and the occasional LP, so… late 70’s. My first 12’’ was Grace Jones –”Nipple To The Bottle” which I still have in my collection and still play out…
You are a famed writer in London. How did you get into graffiti?
I got into Graffiti through breakdancing in the very early 80’s.
What was the breakdancing scene all about, and what were you dancing to?
The breakdancing scene was exciting cos it was fresh and new at the time I started, which was about 1982, My older brother got me into it, We didnt have much to go on but the occasional grainy video... Then along came Buffalo Gals, Toni Basil, Wildstyle, etc...changed the game for me... The music i was listening to was mainly old Zulu Nation recordings, Afrika Islam Shows, Bambaataa, Jazzy Jay, Nigga Twins, Whiz Kid...etc... Listening and finding the breaks that they were playing was a mission for me from day 1.
When did you start tagging and how did your style develop? Are there any pieces that come to mind as a memory or worth sharing?
My style really started to develop more when I stopped dancing around 85/86 and went on a lone mission to Paris for inspiration. The “Cazbee - Howard the Duck” piece, done in 87 is one that stands out. I never imagined that it would stand the test of time and be so inspirational to other artists.
Was there any music - or tracks in particular - that fueled your graffiti writing in the early years?
The Zulu Nation tapes were always on play...I was also big on JImi Hendrix and The Doors... You can see lyrics on some of my pieces 'Excuse me while I kiss the sky' 'Wild Thang' both references to Jimi.
Are there any crazy stories from your bombing days you'd be willing to share?
Too many... Wouldnt really know where to start.
We got your contact through Dennis Kane, whose prior label, Ghostown is a personal favorite. Your edit on his label is something special. You two have a mutual acquaintance and pal in Richard Sen, another early London graffiti writer. How did you link up with Richard?
I linked up with Richard way back in the 80’s through graffiti, not quite sure how are meeting came about but it was most probably in Ladbroke Grove. We’ve been good friends ever since.
I know you were involved in the rave/ dance scene during its come-up. What were your acid house days like? What was unique about that scene at the time?
My acid house days were wild. Partying mid-week and every weekend, tripping. stoned, buying music I was hearing at the time, by 89 I was DJing at a lot of the raves, so great times, what was unique was the sense of freedom and that you were with so many others on the same buzz.
We’ve heard your Ron Hardy dedication mixes. What do you love so much about Ron Hardy? Has he had an influence on your style?
Ron Hardy had such an energy that no other DJ could touch in my opinion, his selection of tunes, his edits, his trickery, when I listen to his mixes I can feel the energy in the room. The bass, unbelievable. Listening to his edits from his old mix tapes got me started into the editing world.
How do you feel about music after all these years? Are you still feeling things coming out? Where are you looking/ what are you playing?
I still love music. I’ve been on a never ending honeymoon period with records since as long as I can remember. I still get my hands dirty sifting through second hand records most weeks.
How do you feel about graffiti today? Is there still a vibrant underground scene?
I don't really follow it as much, but I do believe it is still going strong, I'm forever being asked to come out and paint again.
Finally, I’ve been listening to your mix ad nauseum. What can you tell us about it?
I did this mix about a year ago to play as a warm up for my birthday party at my good friend Toto’s casa di campagna in Sicily.
Any final shout outs???
My family, My kids, The Goonies, Richard, Dennis, Toto, Junior…
