The location of Hiip-Hop's beginnings at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue has caused a dispute between the property owners, Workforce Housing, and the city of New York over a mural that city officials claim violates advertising regulations.

The mural was created to honor the birthplace of Hip-Hop culture at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue but has become the center of a legal battle as the city alleges that it contains unauthorized commercial signage.

Despite the city issuing two code violations, including one for using prohibited signage promoting a website selling memorabilia under the name "Birthplace of Hip Hop NYC," the property owner, John Crotty, stands firm in defending the mural as art, not advertising.

Controversy surrounds the iconic Bronx apartment complex, known for hosting DJ Kool Herc's groundbreaking 1973 party that helped launch Hip-Hop culture. Crotty argues that the city's actions impede on the First Amendment rights of the artists and the community's ability to celebrate their cultural heritage.

Crotty maintains that the mural's message about Hip-Hop's roots is significant and that it should not be subjected to the city's restrictions on building signage. Despite being fined $2,500 and accused of not obtaining proper approval from the Department of Cultural Affairs for the City Canvas program, Crotty plans to challenge the city's claims in court.