Along with emceeing, DJing and breakdancing, graffiti is one of the four fundamental elements of hip-hop, and it's been an integral part of the culture since the beginning. Films such as Charlie Ahearn's Wild Style and Stan Lathan's Beat Street helped define this vivid form of expression in the 80s, and it's since grown into an international phenomenon. You'll find graffiti art in most corners of the globe at this point.
From pioneers such as Grandmaster Melle Mel, KRS-One and Rakim to contemporary acts such as Lupe Fiasco, Action Bronson and Immortal Technique, emcees have been participating in and paying homage to bombing since day one.
Read on for a breakdown of some of the best lyrical references to graffiti over the past three decades. Keep in mind, they appear in no particular order.
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