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Hip Hop and Photography
RnB/Hip Hop | Sunday 29th September 2013 | Natasha
Creativity comes in all shapes, sizes, shades and mediums; yet however it is dressed or disguised, you will undoubtedly see a close connection between each one of them. Inspired by some of hip hop’s greatest photographers, we take a look at moments in hip hop through photography.
It’s hard not to look at this picture without a mix of feelings and a surge of appreciation for hip hop and its culture. Taken in 1994, just before the relationship between Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G took a turn for the worst. This image speaks a thousand words; an iconic photograph within the hip hop world.
Taken in Harlem on the 29th September 1998, by photojournalist Gordon Parks, this iconic XXL cover was a tribute to the 40th anniversary of 1958's ‘A Great Day in Harlem’. You’re bound to recognise some faces in this ‘Great Day for Hip Hop’ image. Filling up three stoops, the image features artists such as Big L, Rakim, Naughty By Nature, De La Soul, The Roots, Common, A Tribe Called Quest and Slick Rick. A proud photograph that represents in full force some of hip hop’s greats.
Taken by New York city-based photographer Mike Schreiber, this image of Mos Def was taken in Brooklyn. The photograph captures a raw and ‘real’ Mos Def, reminding us that when you take everything away, we are all the same: human beings. We all breathe and sleep the same and we can all be captured in a state of ‘normality’.
No caption needed, ‘cause it’s like that, and that’s the way it is!
I challenge you to look at this photo without being rightfully reminded of the album, Reasonable Doubt and tracks like ‘Can I live?’ or ‘Can’t Knock the Hustle’. Arguably Jay Z’s greatest album, this image defines an important moment within the history of hip hop and, at the very least, an unforgettable and significant moment in Jay Z’s timeline.
We all know hip hop has its accessories and here was one of them – the high top fade. A trend that symbolises the earlier moments of hip hop, sported by Big Daddy Kane, this photo defines so much more than a style - it’s a movement.
Whenever I see this photo, I can’t help but think of some of the most memorable moments in hip hop. ‘Made Nas Proud’ was - for many - such a proud day for hip hop and this image brings back those feelings present when Nas first released the remix to Cole's, ‘Let Nas Down’. This photograph represents the acceptance of incredibly talented, newer artists by those prominent figures - a proud day to be a part of hip hop.
I’ve added this photo to the selection because it is one of my (many) favourite Kendrick Lamar moments. This is the moment when Kendrick Lamar first heard Jay Z’s Verse on the remix of ‘B*tch, Don’t kill My Vibe’, and is testament to photography capturing precious and vulnerable moments in time. T.D.E surprised Kendrick with the first listen when he stepped in the studio - in the video recording there is a split moment when Jay Z starts rapping and you can see Kendrick’s eyes zone in. You can see from the photograph just how intense this moment was. It is a great photograph that captures so much ambition, focus and determination from the man himself.
They say a picture speaks a thousand words - it is photographs such as this which anchor this statement. This photograph tells a million stories and combines deep and soulful tones covered in vivid lyrics - another beautiful photograph captured by Mike Schreiber.
Natasha Artwell.
@NatashaArtwell
