Back in 1986, I walked into Stan's Records on Bergen Avenue in Jersey City to peep the latest rap offerings. I quickly spyed the EP "Make the Music With Your Mouth, Biz" by rap's newest rhymer on the scene, Biz Markie. The cover of the EP featured an animated Biz jumping in a double exposure, motion type of effect. I really dug the concept, including Biz's logotype in the popular early 80s Gothic iron-on letters and thought the photography was great. The cover was unquestionably simplistic in nature, but nicely thought-out and highly effective.

Fast forward nearly 30 years later and I vividly remember that great album cover; a testament to fine art direction and photography. Photographer George DuBose was the man responsible for that great album cover...and many more. DuBose's incomparable Hip-Hop photography has already reached "timeless status" and it seems only fitting that he would release 'The Big Book of Hip Hop Photography.'

What's great about his book is that it's not your average coffee table photo book; but more of a visual diary. Ironically, the book itself isn't big in size, but definitely big in content. It includes great anecdotes to accompany even greater photos. The unique back story for each collection of photos is intimately revealed by DuBose, giving the viewer a greater level of appreciation and respect for the end result.

'The Big Book of Hip Hop Photography' is an excellent document by revered lensman, George DuBose, and a welcome addition to Hip-Hop's unique visual history.

Koe Rodriguez

Hip-Hop Historian

Owner / Founder athousand-words.com