Iz the Wiz, graffiti legend and one of the forefathers of hip-hop culture and graffiti art passed away on Wednesday morning at 3 am from heart failure. The artists collapsed at his brother’s home and was rushed to the hospital.
Iz The Wiz is without question one of New York City’s most prolific writers of all time. He holds the title of the All time All City King of New York City Subways, and only one person holds that prestigious honor. In aka Kill 3 is credited with the most extensive all-city bomb in NYC during 1975 and 76, but Iz was the longest reigning all-city king in NYC history, taking the title many times throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Iz was well known for his throw-ups in the mid 1970s on the IND and BMT subway divisions. In the late 1970s he broadened his focus by working on top-to-bottoms, burners and scenery whole cars on the prestigious 2 and 5 lines of the IRT subway division. During this period he simultaneously maintained all-city throw-up king status. He painted for a variety of top level crews. He has served as president of The Master Blasters and the Queens division of Prisoners Of Graffiti. He has also painted for The Odd Partners, The Crew, The Three Yard Boys and others too numerous to mention. Iz appeared in the documentary film Style Wars and portrayed a transit police detective in the film Wild Style. His work has been displayed in museums and galleries throughout the world. Iz played a major role in the development of writing and provided inspiration for every generation of writer that exists. 
Hailing from Queens Iz took over the city subway system line by line. During his career, there was a time when he was doing at least 100 throw-ups every night, for an entire year. The dedication and love for writing is apparent in all of his works, from the burners on the trains, to the sketches on paper, and the canvases that capture the essence of writing, Iz often drops little side notes next to his the pieces, a little message that takes a minute to sink in and when it does, you always get a grin. Iz is also known for his epic role played in the film Style Wars. His witty remarks remain some of the most quoted words and phrases in the writing lexicon. When just the words you have said 20 years ago are recognized and used in current conversations, you have successfully made your mark in the world. In the film Iz was asked “when will you stop”, and he replied “will come back every now and then to let people know I am still around.” The true beauty is the fact that he never left and continues to bless the people with gems that capture the essence of what graffiti writing all about.
