In 1984 a short-lived program called “Graffiti Rock” aired on national television. Though the initial pilot was the only episode ever to be broadcasted, it served as an important moment in the history of Hip Hop, due to it being one of the first times the genre was ever showcased for a national television audience. The show was set up in the same manner as other popular music TV shows such as “Soul Train” and “American Bandstand.” “Graffiti Rock’s” only episode featured Run-DMC, Kool Moe Dee, Special K of The Treacherous Three, breakdancing crew The New York City Breakers, and had an in-studio dance crowd.
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the show the producer and host of “Graffiti Rock,” creator, producer and host Michael Holman, has launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund the making of a documentary titled Graffiti Rock: The Untold Story. The film would be a behind the scenes look at the making of the program and will also include reactions and memories from prominent figures in Hip Hop with their experiences with the show. Another goal of the fundraising effort is to remaster footage of the original telecast and include it in the DVD package with the documentary.
Holman was the screenwriter of the 1996 biopic Basquiat, which was about the famous New York City artist Jean-Michael Basquiat. In addition to writing a film on the Haitian-American, Holman also co-founded an experimental Rock group with Basquiat know as Gray. Holman has also taught at prominent colleges such as Howard University as well.
To contribute to the Kickstarter campaign for Graffiti Rock’s 30th anniversary visit the Kickstarter page.
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