Cey Adams
Cey Adams is the mind behind some of our culture’s most iconic visuals.
The legendary Creative Director of Def Jam and a designer working today, Cey Adams created album artwork, logos, and advertising campaigns for the likes of Jay-Z, Run DMC, Beastie Boys, Notorious B.I.G., Maroon 5, and many others.
Cey launched his career as a graffiti artist in the streets of his hometown New York in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. Around this time, he began a long-time professional relationship with Russell Simmons, cofounder of Def Jam Records. Later, he began designing marketing material for the Beastie Boys, and due to their friendship, Cey was dubbed the ‘Unofficial 4th Beastie Boy.’ He designed logos and products for The Chapelle Show, NYC’s Hot 97 radio station, Nike, Coca-Cola, and more.
In 2016, The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington commissioned Cey to create a large-scale mural entitled One Nation, during Freedom Sounds: A Community Celebration. He designed the spectacular Def Jam Recordings: The First 25 Years of the Last Great Record Label and co-authored DEFinition: The Art and Design of Hip-Hop – the first comprehensive anthology written in the name of the genre. Bill Adler, formerly of the Boston Herald, says, “Cey’s career is a microcosm of the history of hip hop.” Cey recently co-authored a book that features recreated iconic hip-hop photos by graffiti artists called, The Mash Up.
Cey’s vision pushes the boundaries of art and design as it intertwines with Hip-Hop culture and society at large. His artistic practice focuses on themes including pop culture, race and gender relations, and cultural and community issues. He exhibits, lectures, and teaches art workshops at many established institutions including the MoMA, Pratt Institute, and universities nationwide. His current retrospective, Departure: 40 Years of Art & Design, debuted in 2022 at Stone Gallery at Boston University, and continues to travel in 2024 and beyond.
Cey continues to work as a freelance artist, muralist, and brand consultant. He has collaborated with global brands including Levi’s, Mattel, The Recording Academy, Apple, Bacardi, IDEO, Converse, YouTube, Google, Meta, among others. Cey lives in Brooklyn, New York where he is always creating mind-altering masterpieces.
A global ambassador for hip hop’s visual culture, Cey Adams is available for keynotes, conversations, and workshops on the significance and history of hip hop, crafting an authentic brand identity, and innovating in the field of art and graphic design.
“Every word he said and image he projected, had each and every person in that room captivated and inspired. His name continually came up in conversations throughout the day and well into the evening; he struck a chord and we can't thank him enough for sharing his story and insights. And now they all know what I’ve known for years: Cey Adams is truly one the most incredible artists working today.”
—Meta/Instagram Design Summit
Trinity Says
“Who else do you know who graffitied New York with Herring and Basquiat, toured with the Beastie Boys and has work in the Smithsonian? Cey is the real deal and he always has time to share with young artists.”
Expertise
- Celebrated entrepreneur in graphic design and creative direction
- Shares universal lessons in how to access your creativity, innovate on artistic traditions, and create an authentic brand and visual identity
- A historian on hip hop and its global influence on culture
Video Highlight
“There’s so much space if you want to make it as a professional artist” —Cey Adams, The Museum of Graffiti