Def Jam records is known for its rappers, but most people know little about the artists behind the spotlight. Ohio native, Alex Haldi, is not a tough MC, he’s just the creative coordinator for Island Def Jam Records. You may already be familiar with his work that’s graced the covers of many a Hip Hop record. Alex is undoubtedly a multi-talented artist as he explores different mediums like graphic design, illustration, fine art and photography. Although he hates the art world’s persistent need for classification, Alex categorizes himself as an Urban/Folk artist. He tries ‘to recreate substances in urban settings and surroundings and evoke an organic feeling in their visual characterizations’. He’s inspired by his own personal struggles, vices and guilt, which transform his art into some kind of disturbing beauty. Alex’s first solo show recently went down in New York’s East Village bar Plan B. If you missed your chance, you can check out Alex Haldi’s work on his website, but we’re sure it’s only a matter of time before it hits the walls of New York’s hippest galleries.