The Ultimate Black Book Vol. 1

Black books are the unseen graffiti world where writers play with ideas before executing them in paint. The books are personal and private but they also form a community because writers trade books to inspire and compete with each other. Graffiti may be an international commercial phenomenon but most people have never seen these black books and know little about how the art is made. The Ultimate Black Book provides an intimate window into the world of graffiti with dazzling masterpieces from the black book of a living legend.

Serve first got fame doing trains and black books in New York City during the glory days of the 1980s. As graffiti shifted away from trains in 1989, Serve maintained his distinguished profile, designing over 40 album covers, for artists such as The 45 King, Ultramagnetic MCs, and the Cold Crush Brothers. Serve’s skills are always in demand because of his vivid style, honed through years of practicing in black books.

The Ultimate Black Book is published by Tuff City Styles and compiles the best and most compelling black book material that Serve has produced in recent years. It offers classic intricate graffiti lettering as well as Serve’s signature eye-poppingly realistic drawings. Serve has always been known for capturing the scenes of everyday life in creative and dramatic ways that entertain the eye while injecting social commentary. The Ultimate Black Book is a must-have for those who appreciate the fine art of graffiti as well as anyone looking to learn more about its great traditions.