Please join XXL veteran journalists and contributors on May 9, 2023 — Sheena Lester, Datwon Thomas, Bonsu Thompson, Larry H

Almost 25 years ago, on September 29, 1998, I placed my Rolleiflex camera in my shoulder bag and took the train up to 126th Street to meet Gordon Parks on the block where he would capture history for XXL — a magazine I helped launch in ’97. I spent the day with Mr. Parks for what would become one of my greatest life moments.  

I was always drawn to journalists and photographers. In my era, they were the documentarians of the golden age of hip-hop journalism: The Source, Vibe, Rap Pages, Ego Trip, On the Go, Stress, 4080 and, of course, XXL … those were the days, man. Although one of the greatest photographers to ever live, Parks had never documented hip-hop culture, and he was about to make some noise.

17 East 126th Street had already made history in 1958 with Art Kane’s original shoot for Esquire, coined “A Great Day in Harlem,” in which he captured 57 legendary jazz musicians. It was a powerful and cerebral moment watching the sun attempt to shut down the shoot of close to 200 rap legends as Parks was waiting to press the shutter-release button. He got the shot and history was made. As the dozens of rap artists dispersed, I took out my camera going through 10 rolls of film. I made it a mission to identify other folks who were snapping photos that day and developed the largest archive of behind-the-scenes photos of that “great day.”  

I am honored to receive the invitation from Fotografiska to moderate a discussion about the legendary photoshoots from ’58 and ’98. iD8 Entertainment has published a special-edition journal for the evening, in which I edited, entitled “Hip-Hop’s Greatest Day” — giving a glimpse of some of the day’s images that were captured by Parks’ protégé Johanna Fiore, former SLAM editor Ben Osborne and myself. (Shout out to Paul Scirecalabrisotto for the masterful design work).  

Tickets on sale here

It is incredible witnessing Kane’s photo continuing to reunite people 25 years later.  I’ve learned firsthand: Most great work is that which stands the test of time — which can only be realized later in one’s life when least expected.  

With the soon-to-be-released, five-episode podcast series on Audible (in which I am Executive Producer) entitled “The Greatest Day”, about Sheena Lester’s story of making the impossible happen, it is truly an honor to continue to strive to make sure this day is never forgotten and recognized as the greatest day in hip-hop history.

1 luv,

JONATHAN RHEINGOLD, RESPECT. Founder

Gordon Parks prior to capturing Hip-Hop’s Geratest Day. Photo: © Johanna Fiore

What also turn out to be … Hip-Hop’s “greatest” block party! Photo: © Johanna Fiore

The post A Great Night In Hip-Hop. Paying Tribute to Hip-Hop’s Most Iconic Photo at Fotografiska NY appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

As a founding member of the iconic group The Fugees, alongside Wyclef and Lauryn Hill, Pras’ name is forever etched in the Hip Hop history books. In recent years, Pras has explored his other passions involving politics, business and humanitarianism, making a name for himself among the globe’s elite.

In 2017, Pras hinted at a return to music with the release of his Young M.A assisted single “Pump Fakin’.” Now, since releasing his Wave Culture EP back in May, he revisits the project with the release of the visual to “Water Boy.” Directed by Cricket & The RiskTakerZ, the clip finds Pras surrounding by art both visually and the female variety as he experiments with his flow. 

Peep the visual at the top of the post and be sure to drop us your thoughts in the comments section.

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The post #PeepTheVisual: Pras – “Water Boy” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Los Angeles producer, Iman Omari works his magic on the mellow and hypnotic “Oo Lah Lah [Loop]”. The short but sweet loop borrows from the classic Fugee’s track “Fu-Gee-La (Refugee Camp Remix)”, which was released back in 1996 on their critically-acclaimed, six times platinum and final studio album, The Score. Check it out below along with the original for good vibes.

The post New Music: Iman Omari – “Oo lah lah [Loop]” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.