Fab 5 Freddy
American visual artist, filmmaker, rapper
Fab’s introduction to pop culture came courtesy of a name check on the group Blondie’s1980’s hit Rapture.
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Full Bio
Fab’s introduction to pop culture came courtesy of a name check on the group Blondie’s1980’s hit Rapture. “FAB 5 FREDDY told me everybody’s fly”. That line was Fab’s calling. He initially exploded on the scene in the early eighties as one of the first Graffiti artists to exhibit internationally along with close friends and contemporaries, Futura 2000, Keith Haring and Jean Michele Basquiat. Fab quickly used those opportunities and connections to explore all facets of creative expression. Linking up with budding filmmaker Charlie Ahearn, Fab came up with the idea that eventually became the cult classic and first film on hip-hop culture, Wild Style, which he also produced, starred in, and composed all the original music for.
Moving away from painting in the late eighties, Fab wanted to reach a broader audience so he decided to expand on his experiences from Wild Style and direct music videos. His first assignment was the song “My Philosophy” for hip-hop legend KRS-ONE. Fab would go on to direct over 75 music videos and commercials for artists like Queen Latifah, Nas, Snoop Doggy Dog and companies such as Pepsi. He also was a producer of the hit Hollywood film, New Jack City. Yet shortly after settling in behind the camera, MTV asked him to host a show called YO! MTV Raps, which immediately became the highest rated show on the network and blasted hip- hop culture into the living rooms of mainstream America and those of numerous countries around the world including most of Europe, Africa, Brazil, and Japan. Nearly ten years later Fab departed MTV to embark on business ventures including a brief stint as the head of independent label Pallas records where he signed and executive produced the Chicago rap group, Crucial Conflict.
Fab, now considered one of hip-hop’s architects and pioneers, has lectured at schools and universities around the world, published numerous articles for various publications including The New York Times Magazine and written a book on hip-hop slang entitled Fresh Fly Flavor, words and phrases of the hip hop generation.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
Fresh Fly Flavor.
Videos
'Tupac & Fab 5 Freddy' ???? Official Throwback Clip | Yo! MTV Raps | MTV
Fab 5 Freddy on Relationships with Jean Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring (Part 2)
News
Testimonials
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