Fred Brathwaite (born 1959), more popularly known as Fab Five Freddy, is a Hip hop historian, and former graffiti artist. He was active in New York City in the 1970s and early 1980s. He is credited with helping to broaden the exposure of rap beyond The Bronx.
In the fall of 1980, Freddy was cast along with fellow Lower East Side graffiti writer Lee Quinones in Glen O'Brien's film Downtown 81. That film showcased artist Jean-Michel Basquiat in his Downtown NYC environment and the music that surrounded it. Shortly after, Freddy began production along with filmaker Charlie Ahearn on his film Wild Style, which showcased artist Lee Quinones in the Uptown NYC environment of the Bronx and the music that surrounded it. In April of 1981, Freddy was booked on Michael Holman and Keith Harring's art show "Beyond Words" at the Mudd Club, which also featured Afrika Bambaataa. This was the first time the Bronx Hip-Hop scene appeared in the Downtown NYC art-scene. The following month, Freddy was...
Created by dipity
on Jan 24, 2008
Last updated: 11/11/09 at 09:21 PM
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