Jake Northfa$e is living proof that survival is an art form. Through the Deadly Art of Survival movement, he embodies a philosophy rooted in endurance, discipline, and cultural continuity, representing what many consider Hip Hop’s often overlooked sixth element, martial arts.
Born and raised in the Lower East Side, Northfa$e’s roots are inseparable from the neighborhood’s cultural history. He is the son of Shidoshi Nathan Ingram, star of Charlie Ahearn’s Deadly Art of Survival and a pioneering martial artist who served as one of the first Black Ghost Shadows in Chinatown. Ingram became a vital bridge between Black, Puerto Rican, and Chinese communities, a legacy Northfa$e openly carries forward. As he puts it, his mission is to reconnect Hip Hop with its lost martial arts foundation.
As co owner of Deadly Art of Survival Magazine, Northfa$e has built momentum both on stage and in the streets, opening for artists like Cormega, Neek Bucks, and Shabazz the Disciple. A Lo Life affiliate, his rise aligns with the same original wave that shaped foundational street culture long before it became commercialized.
The movement’s centerpiece is DAOS CON, a recurring summit that fuses Hip Hop, martial arts, and media into one cultural space. DAOS CON 6 is set for New York City on 03/08/26 and will feature live performances, martial arts demonstrations, panel discussions, and vendors, all centered on the shared influence between discipline, music, and community.
Deadly Art of Survival is more than an event or a brand. It is a gathering point for those who understand that Hip Hop is not just sound, but survival knowledge passed forward. Until then, Northfa$e’s latest release Nissan provides a 90s inspired soundtrack for forward motion, lane switching, and staying sharp.