A few days ago, I took a trip to the iconic Ol' Dirty Bastard (ODB) mural at the corner of Franklin and Putnam Avenue in Brooklyn, New York. As a long-time fan of the Wu-Tang Clan and ODB's unique artistry, visiting felt like a journey onto hip-hop's sacred ground.
Approaching the intersection, I anticipated finding the mural on the side of a modest corner store. However, the scene had evolved. The mural, a vibrant homage to ODB's debut solo album, now peeks out from behind a recently added planting box, partially hidden from view. Despite this, the essence of the artwork remains undiminished, and its presence true testament to the artist it honors.
The mural itself is a striking reproduction of the album cover for "Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version," which was released on March 28, 1995, THATS RIGHT 30 YEARS! The solo debut showcased ODB's raw energy and unorthodox style, solidifying his place in hip-hop history. Released on Elektra Records, it was the second solo effort released by the Wu. The album sold 81,000 copies its first week, and was labeled certified Platinum in 2019. Produced mostly by the RZA, Return of the 36 was even nominated at the 1996 Grammy Awards for Best Rap Album, but lost to Naughty By Nature. One of the most memorable notes is the album's cover art, featuring ODB's distinctive food stamp identification card.
The mural, created by artist Vic Goldfeld, was initially painted as part of a documentary project. Goldfeld, like myself, an adamant Wu-Tang fan, considered this work a highlight of his career. I took some time to reach out to Vic, who has since moved away from mural painting, but gracious enough to answer.
Cool:
What was the process you had to go through to paint it..meaning legally?
Goldfeld:
So first off I was and am a Huge fan of the Wu Tang Clan. I’m a first generation Immigrant from Ukraine, came here with nothing when I was 5 and grew up in Brooklyn and then Staten Island. When I was a young teen I got really into their Music, and then in 2006 I got super lucky. I don’t recall the exact details but It was around the 4th of July. I was contacted through craigslist of all places, by Raison Allah from Brooklyn Zu, he was ODB’s cousin. After ODB passed he was looking to create a documentary about his cousin’s life in his old neighborhood. I was of course stunned to be invited. He asked If I could paint and then asked to paint a Mural of ODB’s album cover all while they interviewed his family and friends.
Cool:
How long did it take and why was that particular corner picked?
Goldfeld:
Well they grew up on Putnam and Franklin. If I recall correctly at the time it was a Bodega or Liquor store with some older men watching the world cup. I came down to the spot with my friend Yury Getsin who would assist me. Raison introduced me to another man who took me to buy whatever supplies I needed. It all happened very fast. Basically I started one afternoon and painted through the night into the next morning as a block party emerged.
Cool:
What ever happened to the documentary that it was created for?
Goldfeld:
You know, I am not sure what happened to the documentary but everyone was generally very supportive in the neighborhood and I got to meet many nice people.
Cool:
(Because of assholes defacing it) Was it disheartening having to paint it over?
Goldfeld:
Crazy thing, I heard the land lady of the building did not like ODB, but this is all here-say. I felt like I painted it for the community and if they defaced it or did not want it there, that was fine. “The streets have spoken” so to say. So I left it alone. Eventually a more professional artist fixed it, and over the years the neighborhood changed as time moved on. Now it seems to be a staple. I was a young doofy kid just getting out of art school at the time. I look back at those fond memories because it has become a small landmark to the legacy of one of the most unique voices in Hip Hop. It even made the channel 12 news!
See over the years, the mural has faced challenges, including instances of defacement. Notably, it was repainted after being vandalized in 2007 and again in 2009, reflecting the community's commitment to preserving the cultural landmark.
Standing before the mural, I couldn't help but feel a profound connection to ODB's spirit and the neighborhood that shaped him. The surrounding area, mere blocks from Fort Greene, pulses with the rhythms and stories that influenced his music, and the people who passed me while taking pictures seemed excited for me. It's a place where hip-hop's past and present merge, inviting fans and visitors to reflect on Dirt’s colorful past.
For those planning a visit, the mural is located at Organic’s Deli 448 Franklin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. While the addition of the planting box may alter the viewing experience, the site's significance remains intact. It's a journey worth making for any hip-hop enthusiast, offering a tangible link to the legacy of Ol' Dirty Bastard.
I am extremely thankful for Vic lending me insight on the creation of his artwork and answering my questions so quickly. He now works mostly in animation and advertising but is open to the right opportunity.
You can follow his ig page victor_goldfeld_art_motion or visit his website https://www.victorgoldfeld.com/
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