east3

“East 3” (E3), who was born in the Bay (SF) & raised in Honolulu, HI, started painting at the age of 14.  His writing name, ‘East (inspired by Asians coming from the Eastern Hemisphere),’  was created to assist in bringing much deserved recognition to the Asians involved in Hip Hop. Respectfully, the number ‘3′ is a dedication and remembrance to a high school friend & fellow crew member (R.I.P. Triad3 T3 = EAS T3).
E3’s first commissioned project as an aerosol writer was a mural painted in Hawaii, in 1993 with Legendary “PHASE 2″ (NYC). Phase 2 became a good friend & mentor & made a huge impact on E3’s development. Other pioneers who mentored & influenced his grounded traditional foundations as a writer include Deno TC5 (RIP), Mr. Wiggles, King Scotty, King Zen (R.I.P.), Frosty Freeze (R.I.P.) & Syze One. The opportunity to work with such legends taught E3 the importance of learning all Hip Hop culture & history, & keeping it alive for future generations.

In 1994, East 3 was recruited by Mr Wiggles & Crazy Legs to build a new Hawaii chapter of Rock Steady Crew. E3 became the first member of Rock Steady Crew & Zulu Nation from Hawaii & later recruited Stylen, Skillroy, Radical R and Sweepy.
E3 has done graphic design work for the Afrika Bambaataa (NYC), Kid Robot (NYC), Dj Qbert & Thud Rumble (SF), Tristate (LA), Gold Chain Military, Babe Ruth Band (UK), UK B-Boy Championships, Mighty 4 (SF), Rock Steady Crew/Anniversary (NYC), Tony Touch & Big Dawg, Rawkus Records, Clear Channel Broadcasting, & GQ Magazine. EAST3 has also been featured in Source Magazine in 1994 for his involvement in artwork created for stage decor for Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg's concert in Hawaii. The Source later did a followed up article on Hawaii Hip Hop in 2000 which covered East 3 & his current projects as well.
East’s current project is with the W.A.I.L. Project (When Art Imitates Life) brought to you by World Famous King Tech & Sway from the Legendary Hip Hop Radio show called "The Wake Up Show". East 3 is developing new technology art as well as designing/painting works of art that collaborate as well as feature the best hip hop artist in the world and will be dropping a series of East 3 Masterpieces available for marketing & purchase @ www.whenartimitateslife.com.