GRAFFTV

GRAFFTV

By Richard CastroArtsVisual Arts
Download on the App Store

GRAFFTV episodes

  • TOOMER TKO (Part 9): On Giving Writers Respect After They Get Caught

    In the next clip of our exclusive sit-down interview with Los Angeles graffiti legend TOOMER TKO, he breaks down what it really takes to earn his respect in the world of graffiti. The legendary writer shares that no one truly proves themselves until they’ve been raided, battled a legal case, or served jail time—only to return to the streets.


    TOOMER speaks candidly about survival, noting that writers who continue to write even after being shot at or gaining enemies have earned his respect.


    He also addresses one of the central decisions every graffiti writer must make: whether to join an established crew or create their own. TOOMER dives into the risks and rewards of both paths, urging writers to consider their long-term impact on the scene. He also uncovers a hidden layer of the graffiti world—a global game that many writers are unaware of.

    8 min
  • TOOMER TKO (Part 8): Shares His Best Advice to any Leader of a Crew

    In the next clip of our exclusive sit-down interview with Los Angeles graffiti legend TOOMER TKO, the well-known leader of the infamous TKO crew shares his most valuable advice for anyone leading a crew.


    Toomer reveals rarely heard wisdom from his journey, showing how he elevated TKO to legendary status—not just in Los Angeles but around the world. He dives into what it takes to recruit new members, revealing whether 'heart' is the number one quality he looks for.


    The vandal also discusses a critical decision every leader faces: is it more important to make your crew well-known or to make a name for yourself? Don’t miss these powerful insights from a true icon of Los Angeles.

    8 min
  • TOOMER TKO (Part 7): Reveals The Origins Of The Infamous TKO Crew

    In the next clip of our exclusive sit-down interview with Los Angeles graffiti legend TOOMER TKO, he details the origins of the iconic TKO crew and how he chose those three powerful letters that would soon dominate the streets.


    The vandal goes on to detail how struggles in school led to him getting kicked out several times, which surprisingly turned into a blessing in disguise. These experiences brought him into contact with some of the best graffiti vandals across Los Angeles, who would go on to become part of his new crew.


    Don't miss this inside look at the creation of one of LA’s most notorious graffiti crews and the unexpected twists that helped shape its rise to fame!

    8 min
  • TOOMER TKO (Part 6): Describes Downtown LA when Gangs were prevalent and Picking Up His First Teen Angel Magazine

    In the next clip of our exclusive sit-down interview with Los Angeles graffiti legend TOOMER TKO, he takes us back to the gritty streets of downtown LA, where gangs ruled the blocks and danger was around every corner. As he rose to fame, Toomer navigated this intense landscape with caution, sharing how he skillfully avoided conflicts with gang members while painting his name across the city.


    He also opens up about a pivotal moment in his journey—the first time he picked up a copy of the iconic Teen Angel magazine. This magazine, filled with prison art and stories from LA's street gangs, became an early source of inspiration that fueled his drive to become a Los Angeles legend.

    7 min
  • TOOMER TKO (Part 5): Smashing Downtown LA With 2 Backpacks and Making Sure there is only one TOOMER

    In the next clip of our exclusive sit-down interview with Los Angeles graffiti legend TOOMER TKO, he reveals his master plan for ‘smashing’ downtown LA and making his mark as the one and only TOOMER.


    He shares rare, behind-the-scenes stories of how he would take the bus to the heart of Los Angeles armed with not one, but two backpacks filled with spray cans. Discover his clever strategy of stashing a backup backpack in case things went sideways, allowing him to keep painting through the night without missing a beat.


    Tune in to hear the brilliant tactics behind his relentless pursuit to cover downtown LA in his soon-to-be legendary name, cementing his status as a Los Angeles icon!

    8 min
  • TOOMER TKO (Part 4): On Why He's In Disguise and The Rumors About Him Before Social Media

    In the next clip of our exclusive sit-down interview with Los Angeles graffiti legend TOOMER TKO, he explains why he's chosen to wear a disguise for this interview and addresses the wild rumors that surrounded him before the rise of social media. Known for his creative approach to graffiti, Toomer reveals that his decision to stay incognito is a reflection of his desire to bring even more creativity into the graffiti scene.


    He candidly discusses how he never paid much attention to the rumors and emphasizes how much he's evolved over the years—stating he's not the same person he was five, ten, or even twenty years ago. 'We all grow and change,' he says, shedding light on his journey of transformation."

    8 min
  • TOOMER TKO (Part 3): Unveils the Secrets Behind His Infamous Name and Its Mysterious Origins

    In the next clip of our exclusive sit-down interview with Los Angeles graffiti legend TOOMER TKO, he reveals the story behind his infamous name and its origins. He shares how a perfectly timed comment from his mother sparked the creation of his legendary moniker.


    Plus, the vandal shares his journey of discovering graffiti, from his first interest in the art form to the moment of inspiration that came from watching a KRS-One music video. Fueled by the sight of graffiti on TV, Toomer recalls how the powerful visuals motivated him to grab his spray can and start tagging the streets.


    Don’t miss this compelling insight into the making of one of graffiti’s most iconic names!

    7 min
  • TOOMER TKO (Part 2): Recalls First Seeing Gang Graffiti On The Way To Church

    In the next clip of our exclusive sit-down interview with Los Angeles graffiti legend TOOMER TKO, we dive deep into his early years, exploring the stark contrasts of his home life and his first encounters with gang graffiti on the streets while heading to church. TOOMER vividly recalls these eye-opening moments and how they laid the groundwork for his understanding of graffiti.


    He educates us on the distinctions between gang graffiti and hip-hop-style graffiti, shedding light on the unique elements that set each apart. The vandal also shares the story of discovering hip-hop culture and how it influenced his artistic journey from the beginning.


    In a raw recollection, TOOMER reflects on a childhood memory of his father walking in on him as he tried adding alcohol to his dry markers—a moment that ended with a severe beating but fueled his determination from then on.

    8 min
  • TOOMER TKO (Part 1): The L.A. Legend Is Welcomed To The Show

    In the first clip of our exclusive sit-down interview with Los Angeles Graffiti Legend TOOMER TKO, we dive right in by welcoming the well-known vandal to the show and kicking things off with a fascinating discussion about his throne build for a graffiti king. Hear firsthand about the time, dedication, and creativity he poured into this project.


    Plus, TOOMER gives us an inside scoop on his much-anticipated upcoming Art Show in Mission Viejo on September 14th. Don’t miss this rare chance to connect with one of LA’s true graffiti icons!

    8 min
  • HERT USC (Full Interview): The Valley Legend Who Painted His Way To L.A.'s Graffiti Elite

    In our exclusive sit-down interview, San Fernando Valley's graffiti icon, Hert USC, he opens up like never before. From his gritty beginnings in the graffiti underworld to battling adversity on his way to legendary status, Hert’s story is one of resilience and rebellion.


    He reflects on the trials, tribulations, and ultimate rise to recognition, including his influence. Now available in full, this daring conversation with the USC crew legend pulls back the curtain on a world few truly understand.

    1 hr 44 min

About GRAFFTV

From the publisher's feed

Documenting the Past, Present and Future of Los Angeles Graffiti Culture