Last month, we profiled the archival donations the Museum received. These artifacts include vivid, creative art pieces that capture the most important voices and personalities throughout Hip Hop culture.

One artist we highlighted last month was Fiorentina De Biasi. Born in Italy, Fiorentina came to New York City in 1999 already enthralled with Hip Hop culture. A passionate fan of 2Pac, Fiorentina’s artistic style leans heavily on photo collages. We spoke Fiorentina about her love for Tupac Shakur, her art style, and how Hip Hop culture influenced her growing up in Italy.

If you are also interested in donating any Hip Hop artwork, media, fashion, collectibles, and historical pieces, please email: archivesmgmt@thhm.org. 

Hip Hop Museum: Please introduce yourself and tell us where you grew up.

Fiorentina De Biasi: My name is Fiorentina Dibiasi. I was born in Italy and made in New York. I am in Italy right now, but I am also a New Yorker. I landed in New York in 1999. I collected all the Hip Hop magazines in Italy, such as Vibe. Love for the culture has always been part of my life.

I was born in South Italy and have been a visual artist all my life.

HHM: How did you get involved with The Hip Hop Museum?

FDB: There was an original Museum in the Bronx, and I contacted the curator. He loved my work and asked if I would donate it to the Museum. And, of course, I said yes!

HHM: A lot of your art focuses on 2Pac. Why 2Pac? What about him inspires you so much?

FDB: I don’t believe in politics anymore but have always been an idealist. I always found 2Pac to be for everyone, not one race. I felt 2Pac. I didn’t even understand the lyrics in the beginning. I love his poetry. My work is very connected to his duality as a person.

HHM: How would you describe your artistic style?

FDB: My work is a photo collage made with staples. I created this style around 1999. I used to be a painter. My first work was with 2Pac based on his Vibe Magazine cover, the last interview with Kevin Powell. It was my dream to honor 2Pac’s memory.

I took the picture from the cover and added another photo of a background of New York City. I created these unique images from them, cutting the pictures and putting them together with staples. It’s kind of like the idea of what Rap music is – you cut and borrow and put it together into a new version.

HHM: It’s like you’re almost sampling from an art sense.

FDB: Yes, that was my concept. The 2Pac piece was my first piece, and then I came to New York and stayed.

HHM: Being in Italy, what interested you specifically in Hip Hop culture?

FDB: I love music. I love dance. I used to dance. I’m a visual artist. I grew up with Jazz music and studied music as well. I believe Jazz music is very connected to the culture. Hip Hop is where I feel like myself. Hip Hop was the first real movement that welcomed anyone into it.

I was so happy when I heard about The Hip Hop Museum being built in the Bronx because that’s where it’s supposed to be. That’s where Hip Hop was born.

HHM: When The Hip Hop Museum opens, what would it mean to you to see your work displayed?

FDB: I would die of joy. It would be like achieving my dreams. Seeing my work displayed in the museum would be a dream come true. I also wanted to mention that my work is available for purchase. My Instagram profile is Tny2020 or by email Tinadbs2012@gmail.com

Read more interviews on The Hip Hop Museum