Throw- ups

Forms of Graffiti

The throw-up is basically a very simplified piece. It evolved from what are known as bubble letters. The form developed from the desire to render names in a form that was more substantial than a tag, but less time and paint consuming than a piece. It is usually rendered in two colors. One color for the outline of the letters and one for the interior. Unlike conventional pieces, the interior of the letters are misted lightly rather than being completely painted. 

Many forms of simplified pieces predate the throw-up, but it became a standard form of graffiti around 1974. It was popularized by crews like The Odd Partners, The 3 Yard Boys, The Crew, No Comp Boys and the Bad Yard Boys. 1974 through 1977 marked the most intense period for throw-up, but it remained extremely popular long afterward.  

Displayed here are some of the subway era’s most prolific throw-up kings.

IN aka KILL 3 TOP, IZ THE WIZ TMB, VINNY 3YB, DY 167 aka JESTER TC,  TO 729 aka MICKEY TOP, TEE 3YB,  TI 149 aka MOVIN 2 TC, LE, aka DEAN BYB, CY aka CAZ 2 TMB, DS3 aka DYNAMITE SPEAR TOP, NE aka MIN RTW, QK aka QUIK RTW, CAP MPC 

Other throw-up significant kings were AT aka WEO TMB, AW, EX aka KEVIN 97, EL5 aka ROTO NCB, HE 3, SACH RTW, OI aka HURST TOP, PEO aka CISCO TMB, MC aka SLY 108, PI, and KB aka KRAZY BOY, UNCLE JOHN aka UJ.


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