FAR EAST MOVEMENT - ArtWalk (MUSIC VIDEO)

Before jetting to Europe to play at Cherrytree London and Capitol FM's Summertime Ball, Far East Movement teamed up with painter Robert Vargas last Thursday eve at LA's artwalk to create a piece of art that can be best described as a "live mural music mash up" piece. Vargas painted a Far East Movement mural while the group jammed out a few of their hits, including their Beastie Boys' tribute "So What."

After Far East Movement appeared together with Vargas to start work on the mural, a large crowd of fans swelled quickly on the street, which caused the LAPD to come in with sirens blaring and shut down part of 5th Street. Police officers helped control the chaos and let Far East Movement and Vargas continue their work while giving onlookers space to see the performance (video).

The live mural music mash up is such a cool and fantastic idea that fits both Far East Movement and Vargas perfectly. Both grew up in downtown Los Angeles and have been inspired by the area's gritty yet colorful and open-minded surroundings.

In fact, like I've written before, Far East Movement's all-inclusive, free wired mashing of styles to create an edgy, yet mainstream-friendly aesthetic was inspired by their downtown roots and is now reflected in their music, look and artistic attitude. Watch a video of Far East Movement and Vargas' mural after the break.