Born August 15, 1969 – Murdered February 17, 2000
Mike “DREAM” Francisco of Alameda/Oakland was an amazing artist & Bay Area Hip Hop style writing pioneer and king. He was a local hometown hero throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s. Today, DREAM is an internationally known legend. The international specter of style writing and aerosol art has exponentially expanded to the far reaches of our world. From its explosive beginnings in NYC in the early 1970’s, it is the fastest growing art form in the history of art and it is created by youth.
As DREAM’s notoriety grew locally, through airbrush and tattoo work, his stylistic pieces at the train tracks and in the ‘hood’ began to resound a call to action. He garnered respect as a vocal spokesperson for the Hip Hop scene and addressed human rights issues through the pen and spray paint.
DREAM began his writing career in Oakland/Alameda, California, and became one of the pioneers of a movement that would blossom into a cultural renaissance. What DREAM made attracted people’s attention, with his intricate lettering styles, and held people’s interest with his ideas and philosophies on life. DREAM’s artistic success spanned the globe, and many gave him recognition for being a versatile stylist. None of that fame ever went to DREAM’s head. He remained a humble servant to the masses. DREAM always gave time to talk with new young writers, teaching technique and exchanging ideas. The Bay Area’s writing community loved Mike DREAM because his life was committed to excellence and “did it for the love”. DREAM is a source of pride for many up and coming artists, writers, activists, people of color, those of Filipino descent in the US and throughout the diaspora.
