The roots of sticker slaps can be traced back to the graffiti subculture of the 1960s and 1970s, particularly in cities like New York and Philadelphia. Graffiti artists sought to leave their marks in public spaces, often using spray paint to create elaborate murals and tags. However, as the movement grew, artists began experimenting with other forms of expression, including stickers.

The emergence of stickers as a medium for self-expression can be attributed to the accessibility and portability they offered. Artists like Shepard Fairey, Marc Ecko, Eli Morgan Gessner, and 14 Bolt recognized the potential of stickers to reach a wider audience. Stickers could be easily printed, carried, and stuck on various surfaces, allowing artists to spread their messages quickly and efficiently.

Sticker slaps found a natural affinity with the hip-hop culture that emerged alongside graffiti. Both movements shared a common desire to reclaim public spaces and express individual identities. Sticker slaps became a way for artists to promote their graffiti tags or street art personas, extending their presence beyond the walls and trains they had traditionally painted.

Notable graffiti artists such as Eric Haze, Chris RWK, Royce Bannon, and Above recognized the power of sticker slaps as a form of self-promotion. These stickers often featured the artists' signature tags or logos, allowing them to gain recognition and build a following. The stickers acted as miniature billboards, asserting their presence throughout the cityscape and connecting with a diverse audience.