Rammellzee – stylised RAMM:ΣLL:ZΣΣ – (U.S., late 1960s–2010) was a visual artist, ‘graffiti writer’, painter, performance artist, hip-hop artist, art theorist and sculptor from New York. He was an almost mythical figure, with an unique artistic position that can best be compared to that of Joseph Beuys. He approached reality from a very personal system: a comprehensive, personal myth about the universe in which space, present, past and future are connected on the basis of mathematical theories and semiotic philosophy that was far ahead of its time. His universe came to life in his graffiti, paintings, music and illustrious performances with futuristic visions and accompanying costumes. Rammellzee left an indelible impression on the New York hip-hop and graffiti scene. His influence is reflected in the works of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring and Kenny Scharf.

In an attempt to place his work in dialogue with Western art history, from the late 1970s Rammellzee brought his work from the side of train carriages and city walls to the canvas. His first solo exhibition at the Amsterdam gallery Yaki Kornblit was soon followed with several museum shows, including the Gemeentemuseum, The Hague, and the Groninger Museum. The triptych Jams is a unique work in his oeuvre, expressing Rammellzee’s mathematical theories and semiotics.

Guillaume: ‘That’s wassup man! I’m so, so proud this is in the show. Rammellzee is an octopus – the embodiment of what I see as hip-hop – he raps, paints, collects, creates those characters…’

Edson: ‘He lived in his own world, had nothing to do with any rules and regulations. He’s the motivator and inspirator of many, many rappers. He made this classic track that goes on for 10 minutes — he just keeps rapping!’