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by Adam Figman
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by URB Staff
by Som Khamsaysoury
RIVAL, LA graf legend: Write In Peace
Posted Tuesday, June 03, 2008 @ 06:00 in Culture by RISK
RIVAL W.C.A. "Write in Peace"
Rival was one of our city's most important writers. His contribution to the graffiti scene was enormous. He paved the way for most Los Angeles writers today. What people don't know is Rival was the guy who pushed the "All City" movement. He also pioneered the "crew pride" attitude. Most people remember him as a style king from the Legendary W.C.A. crew. And he was that, but what he really had was the initiative to start a movement.
I'll never forget when he walked up to me at the Pan Pacific Auditorium on Beverly Blvd. (the first Los Angeles Hall of Fame). He said, "Hey let's start a crew called W.C.A. West Coast Artist." I said, "Yeah, sure let's do it." He said no let's start a crew.....and repeated himself. I didn't really get it, until that night while we were taking the bus as far as we could go to bomb un-charted territory. It was then I understood his vision: He wanted to start a crew to take over everything. Sure, there were crews out there mostly made of friends from the same neighborhood or school, but none had the attitude that they were going to dominate everybody, everywhere. From that point on we treated our crew as a corporation, so to speak. We head hunted for every position. Our members were from diverse backgrounds whom lived miles away from each other. Minor and Wisk were to dominate all city with getting up, Rival and I were to burn everyone with burners, Pj and Cool Boy were in charge of characters, and Ace and Cash were handing out beat downs, so no one would think about stepping to us. Etc., etc. You get the picture. We had crew meetings and outlined goals and targets, battles, etc. From that point on the format was laid out, Strictly Kings or better. Cartoon, Slick, even Bates from Denmark pushed W.C.A. See, Rival had the vision, similar to Armand Hammer's business philosophy of "I may not be the smartest guy but I'm smart enough to hire the best people for every position." Rival, as was everyone in the crew, was a stand alone, all around king. However, he knew we had to recruit and have a superstar line up to take it to the next level. This may seem elementary to you now, but without this attitude over 20 years ago, our movement would not be worldwide or where it is today.
He initiated a lot of Los Angeles graffiti's firsts. He was there the first time we hit the 10 freeway. I'll never forget Trak Auto was open 24 hours, we went in, bought some Krylon dull aluminum, Flat Black and High heat Orange for our border. We met behind the dumpsters of a 7-11 on Wilshire, planned out our mission and it was on! Sounds simple but we're talking about 25 years ago. Think about it. That's a quarter of a century ago. Seeing stuff like this was "Way Out." I don't really think I have to go into detail on the door that opened for Los Angeles graffiti!
Rival was aggressive and a natural born leader. Rival, true to his name, initiated the infamous West Coast K2S battle. He also bread a whole generation of Fairfax/Melrose writers who dared to be different. He had many clones, most famous the K.S.N. crew. Founders Rise and Rev were long hairs, like Rival, they listened to speed metal, hard core and punk. All of a sudden, it was OK to be who you were. You didn't have to be 100% hip-hop to do graffiti. This is what makes graffiti so unique today. It's a subculture of many eclectic personalities and lifestyles who all share the same social conscience about getting up!
Rival, thank you for all you have done, you will be loved and missed forever! Write In Peace, Nathan, I love you brother.
-- RISK ONE WCA, SEVENTH LETTER
Also, check out this this interview with RIVAL on Guerilla One.
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. Comments:
checkout those pieces all illegal, all done with regular tips. Those were the days! The top one was a wall where the new shopping center at farmers market is now located. The other is a parking lot by his pad and the Nikki piece was at the 1st West Coast tracks on Sepulveda and Pico, before they tore the wall down. love the last one in venice Beach. We got chased that night and we both broke our ankles jumping off a roof top. That wall is now only a nub sticking out of the sand!
Posted Tuesday, June 03, 2008 @ 06:53 by Risk
he was and always will be a true legend and will be missed
Posted Tuesday, June 03, 2008 @ 07:18 by pest uti
OK, that top piece--I call it the "seven" piece. when I saw it originally, I was fucking blown away. it showed me that nathan (RIVAL) was on some next level shit. the absolute innovation to use a consistent character and link all the letters through it's shape... that was a pioneering move. it's those little things that set him apart. he also helped pioneer the multiple names with 'DUST' and the dedication pieces he did that called out various chicks. he was the coolest of the cool. I admired him, from the day I met him. he is missed.
Posted Tuesday, June 03, 2008 @ 07:24 by teckONE kgb (aka, the puublisher)
RISKY. I'M MOVED. THANKS FOR YOUR LOOK INTO THE PAST. FOR THOSE THAT DIDN'T KNOW, NOW THEY DO. MY HAT GOES OFF TO RIVAL AND ALL THE PIONEERS FOR CREATING AN ART FORM AND A WAY OF LIFE THAT WILL NEVER DIE. REST IN POWER. FOREVER PURE.
Posted Tuesday, June 03, 2008 @ 08:57 by GUERILLAONE.COM
may god bless u my brother,R.I.P
Posted Tuesday, June 03, 2008 @ 09:33 by REKALone
Rival is someone who really made Los Angeles special. I was one of the people who was truely inspired by the great writers/artists of the early days of LA graff. Pan Pacific was a place that was decades ahead of it's time here in LA and on the west coast in general. And Rival himself was a person who was decades ahead of his time also. Many of you guys never had the opportunity the witness the magic of this period in this culture, but you feel the effects of it everyday. We are blessed to have had people like Rival in the culture and within the city of Los Angeles. You will be truely missed Mr. Rival. You will never be forgotten. And your work has inspired us all. 110% of respect for you sir. Thank you for your inspiration and effort...We have grown through your work and guidance.
Posted Tuesday, June 03, 2008 @ 09:56 by WISE KSN/AWR/TSL
I've been just sitting here for awhile now just thinking of all the times we had Nathan. I have so much to share with Teck 57's magazine and it's readers but I just need a little more time.
Posted Tuesday, June 03, 2008 @ 09:56 by " Wisk " One - West Coast Artist's
RIVAL without a doubt was one of my favorite writers from the old days. He had it all down; Letters, colors, and can control! Although I was with K2S in those early days he always treated me like a friend and we shared a lot of good times together, especially when he and Realm KSN lived together we would party! I always greeted him with a hug and a shake later in life as we grew older and I was always asking him to come out and paint. He took me up on that when he showed up to paint at a little event I through with Redbull and in my opinion he burned everyone with a "WCA" piece he had done. I'll miss you Nate and you will always live on in the memories of those who have love for you brother! Rest in Power! Frame DTK
Posted Wednesday, June 04, 2008 @ 01:21 by Frame One
Rival was this fine, older kid with style and a great smile. He took my homegirl to prom and was a complete gentleman. He was always in the LA scene repping as an artist and a hardcore fan - seeing Nathan was always love. He is missed.
Posted Wednesday, June 04, 2008 @ 08:54 by Eve
I played little league with Nathan(Rival. We were the Pirates in 1979 at West Wilshire Recreation Center. He was the smallest and cutest kid on the field. He had a tremendous heart that kid...We drifted over the years, but all that I am reading about him makes perfect sense..He was a great artist and leader..He will be missed..Write on bro!!
Posted Wednesday, June 04, 2008 @ 10:35 by JD Shultz
Whatever Nathan put effort into he got good at, REALLY good. Whether it was graffiti, skateboarding, bmx or wrenching on one of his Chevys...he was always top notch! Most importantly he put alot of effort into being a good friend, we will miss you Nate!
Posted Wednesday, June 04, 2008 @ 09:10 by Phyn KSN (Phyn-Dawg as Nate called me)
RIVAL WCA - What can I say? A true legend from the early grass roots days of L.A graffiti. When I saw my first RIVAL piece back in 1985 I was an instant admirer. When I met the man in person I was even more of an admirer because of his attitude. He was one of the coolest dudes you could ever meet, and one of my favorite letterists of all time. Rest in piece my brotha...
Posted Thursday, June 05, 2008 @ 07:13 by OG CHARLIE LOVE - DTK Prez, WCA Crew
Rival and West Coast were my some of my earliest influences as far as the painted word was concerned. Maximum Respect due! Thank you RIVAL, Write in Peace..
Posted Saturday, June 07, 2008 @ 12:47 by Serf One Los Angeles
rival one of the originals,a great homie a great friend ,REST IN PEACE..BROTHER
Posted Thursday, June 12, 2008 @ 05:42 by grem one
Nobody had it like Nate. He was a natural. LA Legend. It was an honor to know you, homeskillet.
Posted Saturday, June 14, 2008 @ 07:53 by Relm KSN
I grew up around nate with my brother relm,he was so nice to me,I am going to miss the atmosphere he created with his presence,he was one of the reasons I wanted to get into writing,who he was as a person and a writer will live on forever....
Posted Sunday, June 15, 2008 @ 08:25 by Exyle WOS
Write in Peace. Nathan
Posted Monday, June 16, 2008 @ 10:23 by SM
Rival (Nate) you will be missed my man. I will always remember your big smile, warm heart and dope ass pieces. Risky, I remember the Venice piece. I think it was Pjay, Rival, Miner, Dim, Sed, you and me. We got chased twice, the first was a homeless guy that spooked us. The second was the cops. We all scattered in different directions and they didn't who to go after and we all got away, as usual. Thanks to everyone that made it out to the funeral. It was a great show of love for Rival. Rest in Power!!!
Posted Monday, June 16, 2008 @ 12:20 by SELone (aka Vice67) WCA
met him when i was 13- 4 years later he was like the big brother i never had.he tought me many things,grafitti,cars,dogs, and pool. my best memory is us drivin irene's caddi drinkin a tall boy on the way to hollyhood billards. (the og billards)i will truly miss you. rest in pit bull heavin.
Posted Monday, June 16, 2008 @ 01:27 by shane
Nate, You were the king of kings and I will never forget you. You were not only a big influence on me but every writer in L.A. and beyond that was chilling back in the days. We would not see one another so often has the years passed but when we did we would chill for days and have a great time laughing and goofing on shit. And to everyone that came out to the funeral has my boy Sel said I thank all the crews and homies for it was utter respect and love that meant a lot to his Mom and family plus us WCA's. RIP brother.
Posted Tuesday, June 17, 2008 @ 06:28 by Rakone "WCA"
damn,i remember when i was chosen to be in the new young breed in wca,it was 1986.it was,rival,design9,pjay,miner,risky,that was the core.he told me i was to uphold this crew with pride.in those days everyone in the crew had to approve before you got in and it took about a month of hazzin they were all going to teach you something they all did,how to get the lines you want,where to rack etc i remember having to come from south central l.a to the west side go to his house so he could teach me how to rock a blackbook with him and pyro.nate was just sick nice,he was so ahead of his time ,the W.C prez has passed i wish i was there just to say goodbye after all these years.Im still painting,and i can use those lessons he gave me when i was 16.thankx nate.W.C.A ONCE A DYNASTY,FOREVER LEGENDARY.......
Posted Saturday, June 21, 2008 @ 02:13 by MUNK(DELO) W.C.A
It gives me such comfort to read all these comments about my precious son. He was so blessed to have had dear friends like these.
Posted Monday, June 23, 2008 @ 04:49 by Mama
When I first met Nathan,I was 17 years old. I fell for him. Like so many other women, he charmed me instantly. How could you not fall in love with this deeply charming,cool,artistic,talented man? I was very lucky to have remained friends with him for many years, then to fall in love with him again at 35 years old. It's been 7months and 6days since he was taken from me. I don't care how selfish I sound, I want him back. I try and think of a way to make sense of his death,that God has a plan kinda thing. But nothing puts my mind at ease. My heart goes out to you Irene. I want to thank you for raising such a wonderful son. Nathan/Rival would'nt be, if it were'nt for you. I don't mean because you gave birth to him, but how he was artistic,like you. The way he was with women, because of your love. For the very short time he was with us, he blessed us with his art,his can't fuck with attitude,his compassion,and for me his devoted love. Thank you Nathan,my love for letting me be a part of your life. I carry your heart, I carry it in my heart. I hope you're reeking havok up there with junior by your side and a can of krylon in your hand. You're too young to rest in peace. I'll see you again. But until then, I will miss you terribly.
Posted Sunday, January 04, 2009 @ 01:20 by Jenifer
Nate was a cool cat. Amazing talent at Fairfax High back in the day- Rival, Pyro, P-jay, Rise, Revolt, Sire, Dread, Skate, god knows who else-hell yes-all there at the same time!
Posted Friday, June 19, 2009 @ 10:49 by Live, KSN
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