The Odyssey of Rappin' Max Robot: Celebrating Art, Culture, and Community

At Welder Underground, we’re driven by a mission to empower and elevate the next generation of welders through hands-on experience. Thanks to the generous support of ESAB, we were able to launch our first cohort of apprentices, a group whose journey culminated in the creation of something truly iconic: Rappin' Max Robot. This project stands as a testament to the intersection of art, culture, and community, while also giving our apprentices an opportunity to learn and leave a lasting mark on the world of public art.

A Monument to Hip Hop: The Birth of Rappin' Max Robot

Towering at 18 feet tall, the steel sculpture known as Rappin' Max Robot pays homage to the global cultural movement of hip hop, and it now plays a central role in one of the world’s greatest stages—the Olympics. Created to celebrate Breaking's inclusion as an official Olympic sport in the Paris 2024 Games, this sculpture marks a monumental fusion of art, culture, and international athletic competition.

Originally born as a comic book character by Eric Orr in the 1980s, Max Robot has evolved into a symbol that transcends borders—representing hip hop’s influence on music, art, dance, and fashion.

Now standing proudly outside the soon-to-open Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx, just steps away from the genre’s birthplace, the sculpture serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact hip-hop has made on the world.

But Rappin' Max Robot is only at the beginning of its journey. In 2025, it will be transported to Paris, where it will become a permanent installation—a bridge connecting hip hop’s roots in the Bronx to its global legacy. The unveiling of the sculpture in Paris will cement the universal reach of hip-hop, further solidifying its place in history​​.

Empowering Through Collaboration

The realization of this project was a collaboration between legendary artist Eric Orr and Welder Underground’s apprenticeship program.

Our six apprentices learned the skill of welding and metal fabrication while building the sculpture. Honing their skills on a curriculum that combined real-world experience with artistic creation. Under the guidance of their teachers and mentors, the apprentices worked to complete the sculpture in time for the unveiling—a massive feat that demonstrates the power of teamwork, mentorship, and hands-on learning.

A Community Celebration

The unveiling of Rappin' Max Robot at Welder Underground's Brooklyn studio was a celebration of creativity, community, and hard work. Supporters, collaborators, and members of the local community gathered to witness the welding ceremony, which marked the culmination of months of dedication by our apprentices and mentors. The event embodied an amazing energy: empowering the next generation of welders and artists, fostering creativity, and creating a space where art and industry meet.

Gratitude to Our Partners and Supporters

A special thank you goes to ESAB for their commitment to advancing education and innovation in welding. Their support of the apprenticeship program provided the tools, resources, and inspiration that turned this dream into a reality.

Looking Ahead: The Journey Continues

As Rappin' Max Robot embarks on its next adventure, heading to Paris where it will find a permanent home, the legacy of this project continues to grow. This is just the beginning.

Welder Underground is gearing up for its next cohort of apprentices, set to begin in January, with new projects on the horizon that will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible when art, industry, and education come together.

Have a project or want to collaborate? Reach out!