Poster, The United Kings, Atlanta, Georgia 1984 – Atlanta’s First Hip Hop Graffiti Crew • 18″ x 24″

Poster The United Kings, Atlanta, Georgia 1984
Atlanta’s First Hip Hop Graffiti Crew

This is the poster from The United Kings’ first-ever gallery show curated by Antar Fierce.
The five United Kings members exhibited past and current art at the EyeDrum Gallery, directed by Will Lawless (Show Dates: November 10th to December 7th, 2024). The poster is 18″ x 24″ printed on heavy card stock and limited to a 50-piece edition. This poster ships flat. The photograph was shot on 35mm print film in 1985, and the film negative was *drum-scanned and printed in 2024.

WHO IS IN THE PHOTO?
L-R: Dwyane “JUST ONE” Devoe • Rodney “RAD1” Wills • Fernando “ESKEME2” Alexander • Hackwin “ESKAN” Devoe

WHO TOOK THE PHOTO?
Rodney “Rad1″ Wills took this photo in 1985 using the timer mode on a Minolta XGM 35mm film camera. Two sets of railroad tracks run alongside this wall, and the camera was precariously stabilized with rocks and such to sit on top of the adjacent train track so RAD1 and his crew members of The United Kings could be in the same photo. This photo has only ever been seen in a 3″ x 5″ print, and this is the first time this image has been seen enlarged to the 18″ x 24” poster.

What Wall Is That?
If you are riding the MARTA Northbound from the Art Center Station, when the train exits the underground and travels over the 85-Freeway, this wall runs parallel to MARTA on the North side. Access to this wall was made from Peachtree Street. The wall is a “sound barrier” for the neighborhood behind it. In the photo below and with recent visits to Atlanta, this wall is hard to see now as the trees have grown in between the wall and the train tracks, making it a less desirable place to paint for visual impact. But back then, many people traveled from all over the city via the MARTA subway to the Lenox Mall, giving us great exposure on this wall.

*DRUM SCAN? 
Why and What the heck is a drum scan? Simply the best possible way to create the highest resolution digital image from the film. A drum scanner uses photomultiplier tube (PMT) technology to convert the light passing through the film into very sensitive electric signals. These RGB signals are then “multiplied” and converted to a digital file, resulting in sharp, geometrically accurate, colorful scans devoid of digital noise and flare. e6it.ca/what-is-a-drum-scan
You should also read “Drum vs Flatbed Scanner—Side by Side Comparison” by Alex Burke Photo.

The 35mm film negative for this poster was drum-scanned by Digitize Denver. i received a 180megbite file:
https://digitizedenver.com/our-full-list-of-services/film-scanning/

DESIGN
As you can see or imagine, that’s a giant wall! Why didn’t you show us the whole image?! Because Antar said, “No graff” photos! Only photos with us in the image. So, I got creative! It’s a teaser of “more to come” from my archives. I sketched the rough idea and sent it to my favorite graphic designer, Scott Roberts, whom I have worked with for over twenty years!

PRINTING
Another long-time industry friend, Direct Edge Media, is one of, if not the largest, digital print houses in Southern California. They also have a facility in Denver, Colorado! They have printed so much for me at the various companies I have worked for over the years! And if you have ever seen any Vans (shoe company) signage in any store across the country, they’ve printed it! directedgeinc.com/

THE UNITED KINGS – ATLANTA
In the early 1980s, the spirit of Hip Hop was transmitted out into the universe to destinations unknown, far and wide. It arrived in the South in the hearts and minds of five kids from Atlanta. They actively explored the dance and music elements but found their calling in the art element. It is without question that the United Kings are among the earliest practitioners of elemental Hip Hop in the City of Atlanta. The United Kings’ crew was formed in 1984. From inception, they moved “United” and were revered as Kings. Since their reign in the 1980s, they have been underground and off-air, never before seen during their “street tenure” – until now. Today, we present a glimpse of Atlanta’s history that has yet to be seen or heard. Eyedrum Music and Art Gallery presents The United Kings.
– Antar Fierce, Curator of #KingsArriveATL

Photo: Rodney “RAD1” Wills
Design: Scott Roberts instagram.com/graphicsdump/
Drum Scan: Digitize Denver digitizedenver.com
Printing: Direct Edge Media directedgeinc.com/

This poster is limited to 50 pieces total.
Price includes shipping: $50
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