Whilst Darren Holtom was studying Art at college in the late 80s and drawing video game characters with a mouse on his Commodore Amiga, Public Enemy and Chuck D were ripping up the rock ‘n’ roll playbook and launching Hip Hop towards world dominance, building on the foundations of an acclaimed body of work that carried heavy social and political relevance throughout the 90s.
Despite his upbringing in rural England, East Coast Hip-Hop connected with Darren at a profound level, fuelling an undying passion for the music, a commitment to the message of social justice and a fascination with its creators.
Connecting his musical passions with his art, in time, Darren advanced his own creations with the help of newly upgraded kit (Wacom tablet and a new Mac for the initiated) and started drawing Hip Hop portraits and caricatures. It was a hobby he enjoyed. And for some time, it went no further than that.