Brooklyn has a new eye-catching addition in the form of an 18-foot-tall metal sculpture of the 1980s comic-book character “Rappin’ Max Robot.” This massive piece of public art was created by apprentice welders right in Brooklyn and has already spent time outside the Hip Hop Museum in The Bronx. Now, it is making its temporary home at Brooklyn Borough Hall Plaza before heading off to Paris, where it will serve as a tribute to the inclusion of breakdancing in the Olympics.
The sculpture, weighing a whopping 7,000 pounds, has been sparking amazement and wonder among the people of the borough, with many passers-by unsure of what exactly they are looking at. Some have described it as looking like a bug, complete with antennae coming out of its head. However, as they take a closer look, they realize that it is Rappin’ Max Robot, representing the influence of hip hop culture.
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso emphasized the significance of hip hop as a cultural movement, stating that it goes beyond just music. He highlighted how hip hop, created over 50 years ago, serves as a form of expression that transcends boundaries and brings people together. The sculpture of Rappin’ Max Robot symbolizes the various ways in which hip hop can manifest, whether through dance, comic books, or monumental metal sculptures crafted by skilled Brooklyn welders.
While opinions on the sculpture may vary, with some finding it silly or not their cup of tea, many appreciate the artwork for its unique rustic look. Wendell Wells, a musician and tech consultant from Brooklyn, praised the sculpture for its transformation from “nothing into something,” drawing a parallel to the essence of hip hop itself.
The sculpture will remain on display at Brooklyn Borough Hall Plaza for the next six months, allowing residents and visitors to admire its grandeur before it makes its way to its permanent home at the Place de la Bataille-de-Stalingrad in Paris. This larger-than-life creation serves as a celebration of hip hop culture and its enduring impact on art and society.
