Fab 5 Freddy

One of rap's most colorful and recognizable characters, Fab Five Freddy has been a nationally exhibited painter, an actor, a rapper, a graffiti artist, a producer, and a host for MTV, each endeavor carrying his trademark zeal and charisma. Growing up in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of New York, Freddy first entered underground culture as a popular graffiti artist. After fostering a friendship with music columnist Glenn O'Brien, Freddy became part of his public-access show. Through this friendship, Fab Five was introduced to the downtown hipster scene, including Debbie Harry of Blondie, Andy Warhol, and Keith Haring. During the late '80s, Freddy began directing videos for rappers such as KRS-One, Shabba Ranks, Queen Latifah, and EPMD. Soon Fab Five was also approached by MTV to host a new show, Yo! MTV Raps. Through his MTV exposure, Freddy was acknowledged as a champion and founding father of hip-hop culture.