KRITIKUS grew up in the city of Lynwood, bordering Watts and Compton, and found graffiti art as a way to avoid gang life. "You either got in a gang or became what you call a 'tag-banger' (a graffiti writer or tagger who has implemented the traditions of gang violence in his or her graffiti practice)."
Neces began writing with a tag-banging crew called 'VIP'. But she soon saw the mirrored reflection of gang culture in her crew. After three of her close friends and an ex-boyfriend were shot and killed, Neces dropped the crew. "I quickly realized that I didn't want to participate in that lifestyle anymore," said Neces, "so I began doing graffiti solo."
Neces began writing with a tag-banging crew called 'VIP'. But she soon saw the mirrored reflection of gang culture in her crew. After three of her close friends and an ex-boyfriend were shot and killed, Neces dropped the crew. "I quickly realized that I didn't want to participate in that lifestyle anymore," said Neces, "so I began doing graffiti solo."