In many parts of the modern world, graffiti is vilified. Here in Mexico, it´s a respected art form. Often encouraged.
From the renowned muralist culture, to even farther back to its ancient civilizations, communicating through art on walls has always been the way here.
Today, with the support of a paint company and local government agencies, what is essentially a free hip-hop festival will take over Mexico´s main soccer stadium. A place were people go to worship futbol, for the 3rd year in a row, becomes a place for hip-hop´s faithful.
I went in 2009, and the event was regarded as too commercial by many graf heads. But, it´s one of the rare times in this megalopolis that lovers of rap music get a free open-air concert. ¨Wild Style¨ incarnate, here in Mexico City.
Below, Jezzy P , a rapper from Ecatepec who just dropped a new album (she´s been putting years of work into her music) will be a featured rapper on Saturday afternoon. About two dozen rappers will perform over the weekend, while graf artists are competing on the walls of the stadium.
It´ll be like a day in the Bronx circa 1979.
Check out the list of scheduled rap performances on Jezzy´s blog.
In addition to Jezzy, highlights include performances by 2Phase, Skool 77, Ana MC, Van T, T-Killa and Manicomio Clan, also check for ongoing cyphers in the parking lot.
The 3er. Concurso de Graffiti en tu Estadio Azteca 2010, co-sponsored by the Secretary of Public Security, takes place April 17 and 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mexico City´s Azteca Stadium.
channibalsmith.com 
