NYC Gazette

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso has introduced an impressive 18-foot-tall sculpture named Rappin’ Max Robot at the Brooklyn Borough Hall Plaza. The sculpture, weighing 7,000 pounds, was created by Welder Underground, a Brooklyn-based apprenticeship program. This artwork brings to life Eric Orr’s “Rappin’ Max Robot,” which is recognized as the world’s first Hip Hop comic book character.

The unveiling ceremony included performances by the Brooklyn United Evolution Drumline, musician Aaron Ruperto, and DJ Teeburr. Workforce development groups such as St. Nicks Alliance, RETI Center, and Welder Underground were present to provide resources for those interested in pursuing careers in skilled trades.

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso stated, “Hip Hop is so much more than music, it’s culture. When Hip Hop was first created over 50 years ago, New Yorkers created a system of expression that transcends national boundaries and holds the power to bring us closer together.” He further expressed his excitement about Brooklynites enjoying this tribute before its permanent installation in Paris.

Welder Underground is a nonprofit organization based in Bushwick that offers six-month paid apprenticeships for aspiring welders and fabricators from Brooklyn. The program aims to equip participants with experience and certification needed for careers in welding and metal fabrication. Adina Levin, Co-Executive Director of Welder Underground, highlighted the high demand for welders and said that their initiative combines technical expertise with community engagement.

According to the American Welding Society, there will be a need for 330,000 new welding professionals by 2028. Welder Underground plans to continue creating large-scale public art installations in collaboration with established artists through future cohorts.

The design of Rappin’ Max Robot is inspired by Eric Orr’s comic book character created in 1986. This character represents Hip Hop culture and its aesthetic influence. After being displayed outside the Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx initially, Rappin’ Max Robot will remain at Brooklyn Borough Hall Plaza for six months before moving to its permanent location at Place de la Bataille-de-Stalingrad in Paris.