Da Mad Artists 1985 - 2010.......

I took a day off today before starting work for an upcoming show and come to the realization that DMA crew is now 25 years old. So, a 25th anniversary traditionally requires something silver! (and maybe with a little '80's flair!!)

A little history:

The crew arrived at a period when USA crew were 'the' Melbourne crew. Tame and I looked up to the work of Prime and Dskiz. I still remember where and when I first met Dskiz, it meant a lot that he and Prime were friendly and encouraging to us. They got up and had style, they were the Melbourne masters and represented what writing is to us. Ransom among others, also had dope trains.

DMA started off in late 1985 as 'Da Magic Artists' in Broadmeadows, not as a Belgrave line crew as supposed. Ream (who had super dope handstyles for the time) was our crew prez, and at that stage included (DJ) Idem, Mear, followed by Mishen, Brink, Tame, Cure and New. After that came Nab, Plot, Sena, Paris and Peril. 

Idem, Mear, Mishen and Ream dropped off pretty early and the remaining eight continued on and made the crew into the post USA writers to be reckoned with. (subject to opinion!!)

Puzle (probably one of the most well known and respected of our crew here in Europe) later joined, along with the all city king Pronto and dope Sydneysiders Prins, Dmote and Metro. Many others, were put down, including the out an out incredible bomber Worm, even Dskiz had a stint.

This was a crew all about the trains and tracksides. It was built on the notion that you had to be up all city with insides, throw ups, pieces and it had to be done with style. It was an expected that it be a constant thing, a way of life. Rack up, get up, rack up, get up. 

Other guys were out there producing immaculate, inventive murals, and props to them. It's probably their walls that are remembered now. They proved how progressive Melbourne was for the time, Ie: Merda's productions make you proud to be part of Melbourne's writing scene.

DMA managed a long term, day in, day out assault. I mean, we often got up for first train loops and finished the night with panels or wall productions. As I once said to Merda, we were 'meat and potatoes' writing. 

DMA were maybe more into the attitude and style of the likes of Bio, or Skeme as opposed to the (amazing) Vulcan and other style masters. The 'best with the most' philosophy was paramount with us.

Big ups to Tame, the real deal DMA.

Crew is family, in the words of Nabit......'We Large'