Jay Shells' "Rap Quotes" Art Project Hits the Streets of New York

Graphic designer, hip-hop head and as it seems, a community philanthropist, Jay Shells has taken the initiative to highlight geographical lyrics from the likes of Mos Def (aka Yasiin Bey), Jay-Z and Big L over a series of bright red signs. While it’s habitual for rappers to represent their neighborhood in their music, now thanks to the artist this nostalgia can be translated into visual form, reminding local New Yorkers of all the great hits coming from their respective boroughs. With nothing more than a step stool, screws, and a merriment for hip-hop, Jay Shells and ANIMAL hit the streets to redecorate the street corners. The clip also takes us to the neighborhoods of some of hip-hop’s greats, with shots of the infamous Marcy projects and Big L’s mural on 140th & Lenox in Harlem.