The legendary Cey Adams, the creative genius behind hip-hop’s most iconic visual identity, has transformed Broward County streets into an open-air gallery. His Lead With Love mural initiative is bringing vibrant, community-inspired artwork to neighborhoods across the region, offering South Florida residents a chance to experience world-class public art steps from home.
Adams made his mark as the founding creative director of Def Jam Recordings, where he designed album covers, logos, and merchandise for hip-hop royalty including Run-DMC, LL Cool J, Jay-Z, the Beastie Boys, Method Man, Slick Rick, and EPMD. He also created the recognizable logo for Chappelle’s Show. Now, this Cey Adams murals project represents a new chapter in his artistic journey.
Where to Find the Lead With Love Murals in Broward
The Cey Adams murals are strategically placed throughout Broward County, each one telling a unique story about its community. Art enthusiasts and families can plan a mural tour visiting these locations:
- Plantation — featuring designs inspired by local heritage
- Pompano Beach — coastal-influenced artwork celebrating beach culture
- Tamarac — vibrant colors reflecting community diversity
- Las Olas — sophisticated designs matching the area’s artistic vibe
- Dania Beach — creative pieces honoring neighborhood history
Six murals have already been completed as of August 2026, with three more scheduled before the project concludes in 2027. Each piece reflects the personality, history, and colors unique to its neighborhood.
From Album Covers to City Walls: A Hip-Hop Pioneer’s Evolution
Before these Cey Adams murals became landmarks in Broward County, the artist spent decades shaping how the world saw hip-hop. His work extended far beyond album art into every visual element of the culture.
“Anything that had a visual — logos, T-shirt designs, tour backdrops, clothing, everything. If it had an image on it, I was designing,” Adams explained about his extensive career in hip-hop design.
Adams began collaborating with artists like Run-DMC and the Beastie Boys in the early 1980s, before they achieved global fame. He built his career alongside these rising stars, growing with them from underground artists to cultural icons.
The Community Foundation Partnership Behind Lead With Love
The Lead With Love initiative represents a powerful collaboration between the Community Foundation of Broward and Business for the Arts Broward. Together, these organizations aim to install nine custom murals across nine Broward communities by 2027.
This public art project goes beyond beautification. Each Cey Adams mural serves as a community gathering point, a source of neighborhood pride, and an inspiration for local youth interested in creative careers.
“One of the things that’s really exciting for me is that I get to create something that’s shared by the community,” Adams shared about his motivation for the project.
Mentoring the Next Generation of Florida Artists
Perhaps the most meaningful aspect of the Lead With Love project is its commitment to developing young talent. Adams works directly with emerging artists from across Florida, providing hands-on mentorship while creating these large-scale murals.
His message to aspiring artists carries the weight of personal experience and hard-won success in a competitive industry:
“I really want them to understand that once upon a time, I was just like them. I was a young artist that didn’t have a specific path carved out. I just knew I had talent, and talent combined with support is what success looks like.”
This mentorship component transforms the mural project from simple public art into a comprehensive community investment program that benefits both established and emerging creative professionals.
Why This Matters for Miami’s Latin Community
Hip-hop culture has always shared deep connections with Latin music and artistic traditions. The Cey Adams murals in Broward County represent an intersection of urban art, community identity, and cultural expression that resonates strongly with South Florida’s diverse population.
For families looking for free cultural activities, these murals offer perfect photo opportunities and conversations about art, music history, and community pride. The accessibility of public art means everyone can experience world-class creativity without gallery admission fees.
Getting involved with the Lead With Love initiative is simple. Community members interested in supporting the project or learning more about upcoming mural installations can contact the Community Foundation of Broward directly. Whether you want to volunteer, donate, or simply visit the completed works, this project welcomes participation from all South Florida residents passionate about public art.
