Some tracks shaped the world as we know it. Others are hidden in the dust of forgotten vinyl. Together, they hold the keys to music’s past—and future. Sampling came from necessity. In New York City’s South Bronx of the 1970s, where money was tight and instruments were few, DJs and artists turned to the records they had. They found gold in the grooves—drum breaks, basslines, melodies that spoke louder than their surroundings. A culture was born not from stealing but from survival. And with it, a new art form: hip-hop. One of the earliest pioneers, DJ Grandmaster Flash, would mark his records with crayons to identify the perfect “breaks”—those magical seconds of rhythm that could keep a crowd moving. This technique gave birth to breakbeat DJing, a cornerstone of hip-hop’s rise. Around the same time, producers like Rick Rubin championed the drumbeat as the heartbeat of rap. He often referenced foundational tracks like Run-D.M.C.’s “Sucker M.C.’s”—a minimalist masterpiece that stripped music to its raw essentials and made the beat the star of the show. At its core, sampling is rebellion. It’s a way of taking what exists and flipping it into something fresh. A bassline from CHIC, a drum break […]

Explore how David Bowie redefined art, music, and identity with his fearless creativity. From his collaborations with legends to his personas like Ziggy Stardust, Bowie’s influence spans generations.

Jean Schlumberger’s fantastical creations at Tiffany & Co. redefined luxury jewelry, blending nature with surrealism. From the artist's early years in Paris to his timeless impact on modern jewelry, explore his enduring legacy through iconic designs, auctions, and collaborations.

New York City hums in the background, a pulsing heartbeat as timeless as the art within the MET’s storied walls. On a quiet afternoon, I wander through the halls, eyes drifting over centuries of masterpieces, not yet realizing I’m about to stumble upon something that will shift my creative universe. I’m here to soak in inspiration, to get lost in the kind of art that breathes life back into you. I roam freely, letting my curiosity guide me. I find myself standing before an exhibition I hadn’t expected: Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty. The name, bold and unapologetic, sends a shiver through me and the hairs on my arms stand up. I step inside, not quite sure what to expect but am feeling drawn in by an indescribable pull. As I move slowly from piece to piece, the darkness and individuality of McQueen’s art grips me instantly. It’s like walking through a fever dream—a world where beauty and brutality hold hands, where the fabric seems to whisper secrets from another world. I can’t help but feel a pang of regret, realizing that I’m discovering this after McQueen is gone. I wonder how I hadn’t known about him until now, and I […]

The Bones Brigade redefined skateboarding, pushing boundaries with DIY videos, rebellious tricks, and a punk and hip-hop soundtrack. Follow their legacy as they influenced art, music, and culture, inspiring creative freedom worldwide.

Max Headroom, the digital ghost of the 1980s, remains a cultural icon whose critique of media and technology resonates even more today. As a prophetic symbol of the digital age, Max embodies the subversive spirit that RIOT brings to every creative project, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and visual design.

The ZX Spectrum 48K wasn’t just a home computer; it was a digital canvas that sparked a revolution. From pioneering game developers to bedroom coders, this humble machine inspired a generation of creatives, transforming technical limitations into boundless opportunities for innovation and imagination. Dive into the story of how the Spectrum 48K became a cultural icon and a gateway to digital dreams.

Nikola Tesla, the inventor who dared to dream beyond the known, revolutionized technology with his visionary ideas. Discover the story of this misunderstood genius and his legacy that continues to shape our world.

Dylan Thomas’ defiant poetry, from his Welsh roots to New York’s chaotic streets, continues to inspire modern artists like Bob Dylan and Patti Smith. This in-depth exploration covers Thomas’ legacy, his relationship with death, and his influence on creativity at RIOT.

MC Escher revolutionized the boundaries between art and science, creating iconic works of optical illusions, tessellations, and geometric explorations. His legacy continues to influence modern architecture, filmmaking, and digital art, making him a timeless visionary.