Joey Slae: From Washington Heights to the World

The Legacy of a Street-Born Visionary

In the heartbeat of 1980s Washington Heights, a movement was brewing. The streets pulsed with rhythm, rebellion, and raw creativity. It was here, in the thick of a rapidly rising hip hop culture, that a young artist named Joey Slae—known to many as Joey Slae—began carving his name into the legacy of New York graffiti.

What started as curiosity quickly turned into obsession. A kid running with the building crew, exploring every element of hip hop culture, Joey found himself drawn to the rush and rebellion of street bombing. In 1986, fate introduced him to a local graffiti crew, and from that moment on, the streets would never look the same. Without fully understanding the rules but driven by a thirst to create, Joey dove headfirst into the world of graffiti. He didn’t just paint walls—he learned the culture, the code, the history. And above all, he paid homage to those who laid the tracks before him.

A Style Forged in Fire and Asphalt

Graffiti isn’t just art—it’s identity, it’s war, it’s message, it’s memory. And Joey Slae knows this better than most.

From the early days of tagging walls and bombing trains, to the evolution of his signature four-letter name, Joey’s style has matured into a powerful blend of illustration, comic book aesthetics, and graphic storytelling. He’s not just writing his name anymore—he’s building worlds, one spray, one line, one canvas at a time. Whether he's rocking a highway billboard or drawing the fine lines of a cyborg character, his work hits with intensity, style, and soul.

Everyone in ACK Crew—Joey’s long-running art family—has their own signature flair, but Joey’s ability to evolve while still staying true to the streets sets him apart. His throw-ups are instantly recognizable, but his newer works explore deeper themes and more complex visuals. He’s a bridge between eras: the raw energy of old-school bombing and the polished precision of contemporary design.

The Art of Collaboration & Community

Back in the day, street partnerships were sacred—ride or die. These days, Joey moves between crews and collaborators like a nomad of expression, adapting, growing, and always respecting the art form. From painting alongside billboard bombers to collaborating with multi-medium artists, he brings authenticity to every project. And no matter how far he travels creatively, his admiration always goes to the train bombers who started it all—the true ghosts of the city.

A Creator in Constant MotionA Creator in Constant Motion

Joey isn’t slowing down. In fact, he’s speeding up.

His latest ventures include original animations, a soon-to-be-released art book compiling decades of work, and a line of futuristic, cyborg-themed posters and canvases that blend graffiti with sci-fi flair. These are not just art projects—they're full-fledged experiences that reflect his growth as both a visual storyteller and cultural documentarian.

As a curator, Joey has brought hip hop and street art together in events that have even been featured in The Source Magazine, a nod to the enduring impact of his vision. From underground tunnels to magazine covers, he’s made the leap without losing the grit that defines him.

Where to Find Him

Joey’s community is alive and growing. He connects with his followers regularly through:

Instagram: @joeyslaya

TikTok: @Slaya63

Facebook: Joey Slae ACK

DM for exclusive merch and artwork

Follow the movement using #SlaeAllDay—a hashtag that’s become more than a catchphrase. It’s a stamp of identity. A rallying cry for those who live art, breathe hip hop, and believe in the beauty of the grind.

Interview with Slae

When did you begin your journey as an artist, and where did it all start?

It all began in 1985, in Washington Heights I made friends with the building kids for a few years already. I was going through the process of experimenting with the elements of hip hop. A local graffiti crew recruited us to paint with them.

Since graffiti was a category I hadn’t dealt with but yet very interested in 1986. This is how it all started.

What was your main source of inspiration to pursue a career in art?

I got into graffiti not knowing exactly the rules. So I was learning while still bombing. I learned about writer’s history real quick. So I pay homage to those that put in so much work still.

Which artists do you collaborate with or draw inspiration from?

Is totally different when you street bomb. bACK in the days when you partner with someone you stayed with homie. But now is just seasonal you can go hard on the streets/highways and anything train related with a brother for a year or two and then bomb with others. You might paint with someone who just rock’s billboards for a while then is the next adventure. My admiration goes out to the train bombers that started it all, and those that go all city. I collaborate with all artists and all mediums.

Do you have a distinct style or theme in your work? If so, how would you describe it?

Everyone in ACK has a wicked hand style and a throw up people can read quick. My four letter name has grown up thou. I’m more into illustration, comic book & graphic art now which I’m very proud of.

Where can people view or purchase your artwork? I do some of the comic-cons in New York City where you can purchase my work. I’m on Facebook: Joey Slae Ack TikTok: Slaya63 Instagram: joeyslaya Joey Slae DM: For exclusive Slae Wear & Canvases.

Celebrity Rapper Fabolous

What are some of the most recent exhibitions or shows you’ve participated in?

I curated a art shows/hip hop event that appeared on The Source magazine. Art shows I’m featured on I am very grateful for. What projects are you currently working on or have planned for the near future? I’m doing more animation. I’m putting all my images in a book to sell plus more cyborg posters & canvases. How can people stay updated on your latest work and follow your journey? Instagram and #Slaeallday with me.

A Legacy Still in the Making

Joey Slae is a product of New York’s grit, of graffiti’s golden era, of hip hop’s original heartbeat. But he’s not just repeating history—he’s writing his own. From train lines to tablet screens, he continues to inspire, innovate, and illustrate what it means to stay true to your roots while growing into something much bigger.

In the world of Joey Slae, art is not just created—it’s lived.