Customized Jacket, worn by Crazy Legs

This customized denim jacket was worn by breakdancing pioneer, Crazy Legs (Richard Colón) in the 1980s. Crazy Legs was born in 1966 and grew up in the Inwood section of Manhattan. His older brother introduced him to the “breaking” style of dancing at the age of nine. In 1979, Crazy Legs became one of the original members of the American "b-boy" and hip hop group, the Rock Steady Crew.

Crazy Legs describes the significance and history of this customized jacket, “People have been asking about who was the artist that painted the jacket that I donated. Just to clear things up on that. I have to let you know that it was Easy Roc, from Rock Steady Crew. Easy Roc is a b-boy from the west coast who has served as a major influence to b-boys and b-girls on the west coast as well as through out the world, especially in the late 80′s and 90′s. I felt that it was important to donate that jacket and make sure that there was something that was representative of East and West Coasts. In the artwork there are pillars that feature the names of RSC members that passed away as well. Buck 4, Kiriaki, Shy 147, Dondi, Lil Edgar, Rasean (Kippy D) and Larry Love are the names on the pillars. I just wish that I could add Frosty Freeze, who also is no longer with us.”

Currently not on view