HOY 56 INTERVIEW © 2003 @149st Do not republish without permission. Where and what year did you start writing on streets? Bronx, 1968. Where and what year did you start writing on trains? Bronx, 1971-72; I wrote on Third Avenue El and #8 trains. What inspired you to become involved in writing? Rebellion. Did you have a mentor? No. Who influenced your style? No one. List all the other names under which you have painted? LIL HIP I and TAG 9. How did you your name and number HOY 56? I was in the middle of everything, making money at a very young age, and people I met that way said I was "today"; 56 is short for 156th Street. How did you Meet FDT and YAZ? We grew up together. What borough are you originally from? The Bronx. What lines have you hit? All lines. Who were your most successful partners? YAZ 56; TINE I; FDT 56; JBJ 56 - (73) What crews have you written for? The Rebels; 3yb; Wanted and Salsa! Did you have any memorable conflicts with other writers or crews on the subway? Respect. Do you have any good raid stories? Number 4 yard, surrounded, running and jumping on top of the cars; ten of us all got away. Who were the main cops when you were writing? Hicky and Ski, I heard, but I never met cops. Did you go to Atlantic Avenue, 149th Street Grand Concourse or Dewitt Clinton Coffee shop or WC 188 Writer's meeting spots and if so do you have any interesting memories? 149th Street. Memories are the usual - just counting how many cars that went by with my tags or pieces. Who were the top writers from your area? Me, FDT, YAZ, TINE, STAYHIGH, DEAD LEG. Are there any writers of your era that you feel need more acknowledgement in history? JBJ 56, TINE I. How do you feel about the state of writing today? It's artistic. When did you quit painting trains? '75 or '76. Any closing words? HOY 56, remember when I was doing a killin; laying back chilling; you seeing my name unwilling. Admit it now, this rebel was loud, kicking salsa to the crowd ... this 56er proud... I just wanted to get around! Back to HOY 56 main page | Home |  Artists |  Crews |  History |  Links |  E mail | Glossary |