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The TATS CRU is a group of Bronx-based professional muralists whose work in aerosol has changed the perception of graffiti as an art. Sixteen years ago, these Bronx teenagers began their artistic careers by creating subway graffiti. What began as a juvenile territorial recognition tactic has brought the TATS CRU to the forefront of an evolved style and culture of wall murals. TATS CRU has been commissioned by many community-based patrons to produce advertisements for neighborhood businesses and institutions. In addition, they teach mural classes at The Point Community Development Corp. TATS CRU are also major proponents of New York style memorial murals, created in remembrance of victims of untimely and often violent deaths.
TATS CRU has worked closely with rap stars and hip-hop pioneers such as Afrika Bambaataa (Zulu Nation), Fat Joe, S One, Diamond D, and Mad Lion designing logos and backdrops for music videos and concerts. "560" and "Brim Phat Gear", their own line of clothing feature silk-screened and embroidered hats, T-shirts, jackets, hockey jerseys, sweatshirts and sweathoods.
In 1995, TATS CRU was commissioned by Coca-Cola to recreate winners work from an art contest sponsored by the company called "Paint the Town Red / Living in Harmony", which resulted in the creation of fifty murals throughout the Tri-State area. As a result, St. Ides', a beverage distributor, then commissioned TATS CRU to implement a promotional campaign throughout the metro-area for their new product called "Crooked I", an all natural fruit juice. In 1996, TATS CRU has added ABC Carpet & Home, AVIREX, The House of Seagrams, Victory Outreach and Firestone to their list of clients.
TATS CRU's work has been featured in such publications as the New York Times, USA Today, N.Y. Daily News, El Diario, Vibe, The Source, Stress, Details, Spraycan Art (Thames and Hudson, Inc., 1987), and R.I.P.: Memorial Wall Art (Henry Holt & Co., 1994). A TATS CRU mural was selected as the cover art for R.I.P. and another for Spike Lee's movie "Clockers". TATS CRU, members have been featured on National Public Radio, ABC Nightline, CBS Sunday Morning, Eye to Eye (CBS), CNN, B.E.T. Rap City, Swedish Television Channel 1, Italian National Television, BBC Talk Show, French Television and are the subject of the video documentary "R.I.P. N.Y.C".
The TATS CRU seeks to employ graffiti as a commercially viable art form and market customized aerosol art to businesses, institutions, and individual consumers in major metropolitan areas throughout the United States. TATS CRU also seeks to furnish advertising and design services to businesses targeting young urban consumers.
940 Garrison Avenue
Bronx, New York, 10474
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