Jay Shells Brings "Rap Quotes Project" to Atlanta
Much of the charm of rap music is rooted in its ability to give a guerrilla perspective of the
Much of the charm of rap music is rooted in its ability to give a guerrilla perspective of the environment that influenced it. Nas’ penchant rasp on Illmatic guided us through the anxious, drippy Queensbridge project halls; State Property came together to vividly illustrate the grime of Philadelphia’s rough wayward side streets. Recognizing this, designer Jay Shells started the “Rap Quotes Project” back in 2013, pairing specific places mentioned in rap songs with signs that highlight the bars. After establishing the project to critical acclaim in New York City and Los Angeles, Atlanta’s rich musical heritage is the subject of Shells’ latest series. Traveling around the great Southern capital, Shells learns his way around Atlanta’s intricacies through music – perhaps the purest way to explore. Enjoy a video chronicle of the piece above, created by ANIMAL’s Aymann Ismail.
