This book chronicles the life and art of Massimo “Crash Kid” Colonna, a pivotal figure in the evolution of Italy’s Hip-Hop movement. Crash Kid, who initially gained recognition as a Break Dancer in Rome back in 1983, laid the foundational elements that have shaped Italy’s contemporary Hip-Hop culture.
Through a remarkable collection of previously unpublished images sourced from the artist’s archive, as well as contributions from prominent figures in both the Italian and international street art scenes, ‘Crash Kid – A Hip-Hop Legacy’ offers an intimate look into the life and career of Crash Kid. With unwavering dedication and artistic flair, this book underscores the profound influence he had on the entire Hip-Hop scene, solidifying his status as a true legend in the world of Hip-Hop.

Within the pages of this book, you’ll find a captivating collection of photographs and texts that document the emergence of Street Culture in Italy. These records date back to the early Hip-Hop concerts of the 1980s and the inception of the legendary “Zulu Party,” which served as pivotal meeting points for the movement’s pioneers. Comprising more than 400 narratives, this collection encapsulates the artistry of Crash Kid and the organic growth of this subculture.
From its humble beginnings as an underground fringe movement to its current status as a vital component of mainstream Italian culture, this story is authentically portrayed through the voices and perspectives of the key players and protagonists who shaped that era.

“I remember when Afrika Bambaataa came to Rome for the first time. It was in 1985, a very special evening. Massimo and I  went to see him together, and after the concert we went to Galleria Colonna and we danced all night. Massimo would fuel everyone, he loved Hip Hop and was a real b-boy. And those catchphrases of his…He always joked, he was like a child.” – Jimmy Fernandez

We want to thank the kind collaboration and the written contibutions of Amir Issaa, Alessandra BSF, Alessandra Magno, Alessandra D’Ambra, Alessandro Gianvenuti, Baby 00199, Barbara Mooney, Breezy G 00199, Clown MT2, 2 Daze, Canz 52, Cristiano Davoli, Alexio Davoli, Cesare Cezar Vernarelli, Cool Art LTA-MT2, B Boy Crazy CFC, Danno, Masito, DJ Baro Colle der Fomento, Claudio Donato, Pietro D’Ottavio, Emiliano “Stand Cataldo”, DC Ace, Davide “Dext One” Corsi, Andrea Doppio, Zulu Eric Mandza, Mc Esa, EAD Crew, Fast Feet Natural Force, Flycat PWD, GrassHopper, Giorgio Cinini Grandi Numeri, Haero, Igor Castiglia, Jase One TDS, Kid Head PST, MC Jimmy Fernandez Pozze Latina, La Pina, Luca “Jesus” Faraone & Alessandra Fumarola grazie di cuore, Lillo Gullo, B Boy Led, Leo Damage, Lilfly, Maelo, Mak Zone, Marcoz, Master Freeze, Max “DJ Zac” Ravanelli, DJ Orazio Testa, Mauro Puccini, Max Durante, King MC Shark, Massimiliano Verni, Natasha Naty, Ozee Kid, Tommaso Zanello aka Piotta, Poppin Tony, Quick E, Riccardo Marconi Ragno, Scien & Klor 123Klan, Sharp, B-Boy Shea 99, Skah, B-Boy Skid, Spike, Seby “Ice One” Ruocco, Speaker, Simone “Serio” Festelli, Deemo, Dj Stile, Mr Wiggles, Alessandro Zaghetti, Giancarlo Ferraldeschi, Jorge Fabel Pabo, Mario Agamennone Dj Aga, Ivan “Spike The Pusha aka Ian Solo” Stortini, B-Boy Simone Stritti Micozzi, Luca “Sumo” Riccioli Kidz San Lorenzo, Tekne NSB, B-Boy Tim Urban Force, Ugo Spinati, Alessandro Trincia, Lorenzo Trincia, Noel Mangual, Nicola Bernardini, Igor Castiglia, Christian Omodeo, Cesare Galbianco, Massimo C-Rok, George – Mike Kaplan, Diamond, Solo, Leo Lucchese, Speaker Tex, Wany, Zart, Zebster and all the friends of Crash Kid, B-Boy, writers, Djs e MCs who helped us in this project.