GRAFFTV

GRAFFTV

By Richard CastroArtsVisual Arts
Download on the App Store

GRAFFTV episodes

  • HERT USC (Part 17): Reveals His Top 5 All Time List of L.A. Vandals

    In the final clip of our exclusive interview with San Fernando graffiti legend HERT USC, he reveals his top five L.A. graffiti vandals of all time. Known for his bold and influential style, Hert’s list is a rare look into the artists he believes have shaped the city's streets.

    Before the interview ends, Hert shares how he wants to be remembered in graffiti culture, leaving viewers with a powerful insight into his legacy. Don’t miss the full video to see who made his top five and hear his final thoughts on his place in the culture.

    9 min
  • HERT USC (Part 16): How Todays Graffiti Vandals Would Fare In The 90'S Era

    In the next clip of our exclusive interview with San Fernando graffiti legend HERT USC, he pulls back the curtain on the gritty reality of being a vandal in the 1990s. In contrast, today's graffiti writers have it easier with online stores and YouTube tutorials guiding their every move.


    But Hert's story isn’t just about the tools of the trade; he also shines a light on the women who left their mark on L.A.’s streets, acknowledging the trailblazers who challenged the male-dominated world of L.A. Graff.

    6 min
  • HERT USC (Part 14): On San Fernando Valley Writers Rivalry with LA Writers

    In the next clip of our exclusive interview with San Fernando graffiti legend HERT USC, he breaks down the myth of a rivalry between San Fernando Valley and LA writers. He also dives deep into his evolving style, revealing how the new generation of writers constantly pushes him to elevate his game. Hert doesn't shy away from naming the voices he respects in the graffiti world and drops hard-earned wisdom on what it takes to rise to the top in this dangerous art form.

    8 min
  • HERT USC (Part 13): Painting for the 1st Psycho Realm Concert in Los Angeles

    In the next clip of our exclusive interview with San Fernando graffiti legend HERT USC, he takes us behind the scenes of a pivotal moment in Los Angeles hip-hop history—Psycho Realm’s first concert. Long before the group became a household name, Hert and TLOK were entrusted with painting the backdrop for this groundbreaking event, setting the stage for what would become an iconic act in the music scene.


    Hert also shares a memorable encounter from that night when he ran into graffiti legend Tolse while managing security, making way for his lowrider and ensuring everything was set for the big show. The Vandal then recounts the electrifying Silver and Black Battle for Los Angeles, where his crew emerged victorious, solidifying their place in graffiti lore.

    5 min
  • HERT USC (Part 12): On Other Writers Going Over His Characters and How He Handles The Hate

    In the next clip of our exclusive interview with San Fernando graffiti legend HERT USC, he opens up about the dark side of the streets—when rivals mercilessly paint over his meticulously crafted characters. Hert reveals the raw emotions and fierce determination required to face such blatant disrespect head-on, turning hate and jealousy into fuel for his artistic fire. He also shares his journey to mastering the spray can, offering insider tips and tricks that helped him elevate his skills to the next level.

    10 min
  • HERT USC (Part 11): Recalls First Meeting L.A. Graff Legend TOLSE STP On The City Bus

    In the next clip of our exclusive interview with San Fernando graffiti legend HERT USC, he reveals how he first encountered the legendary TOLSE of the STP crew on a city bus—a fateful meeting in LA’s graffiti history. Hert recounts TOLSE's early days as a "bus chaser" and his stint with USC before aligning with STP. He also reflects on meeting other notorious USC members, STESEK and UNIT, and how a chance encounter with TLOK at a rap concert sparked an infamous alliance.

    12 min
  • HERT USC (Part 10): Reveals The Untold History Of The USC Crew

    In the next clip of our exclusive interview with San Fernando graffiti legend HERT USC, he takes us on a journey through the storied history of one of the city’s most notorious graffiti collectives. Hert delves into the origins of the USC crew, revealing how he was brought into the fold by his cousin, a longtime member of the group.

    Hert sheds light on the differences between the Los Angeles chapter of USC and its Valley counterpart, offering rare insights into the dynamics that shaped the crew's legacy. He also reminisces about the iconic USC yard in the Valley a legendary graffiti spot that stood for over a decade before being transformed into a public park.


    9 min
  • HERT USC (Part 9): Recalls The Rodney King Beating And The Foothill Division

    In the next clip of our exclusive interview with San Fernando graffiti legend HERT USC, he offers a rare glimpse into his past, reflecting on his encounters with the infamous Foothill Division, a police unit that gained global notoriety after several of its officers were implicated in the Rodney King beating.

    Hert, whose vivid recollections bring to life the tense atmosphere of his youth, describes growing up under the watchful eyes of the Foothill Division.

    One poignant memory stands out: the day before the Rodney King verdict, Hert joined forces with legendary graffiti vandal SKATE, a member of the CBS and MTA crews. The two painted the town, unaware of the historic moment that was about to unfold.


    5 min
  • HERT USC (Part 8): Talks About The Tag Banging Era In 90's Graffiti Culture

    In the next clip of our exclusive interview with San Fernando graffiti legend HERT USC, he opens up about the dangerous realities of the 1990s tag-banging era. Hert describes this volatile period in L.A.'s graffiti culture, where the lines between graffiti and gang violence blurred, turning the city into a battleground.

    Hert shares a chilling personal experience—one night, he unknowingly accepted a ride home from a friend, only to discover the driver was armed and ready for a deadly confrontation. This harrowing moment, Hert reveals, was a stark reminder of the risks that came with the lifestyle. As tag banging escalated, graffiti artists like Hert found themselves navigating a world where every decision could mean the difference between life and death.

    7 min

About GRAFFTV

From the publisher's feed

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