The story of hip hop as documented by two of the greatest photographers in the game today
JONATHAN MANNION
Jonathan Mannion is one of the country’s most acclaimed portrait photographers and a singular sensation within the world of hip-hop. His 25-year career includes over of 300 album covers ranging from Jay-Z to Aaliyah to D.J. Khaled, notable advertising campaigns including Beats by Dre’s “Straight Outta”, Cadillac, and Bushmills, and editorial work for The Fader, Vibe Magazine, and Complex. A master at his of craft, Jonathan produces images that have defined legendary artists and entire eras of cultural iconography, which is why he is still in demand with groundbreaking talent today.
MEL D. COLE
NYC based, Syracuse NY raised self-taught photographer Mel D Cole is one of Hip Hop’s most accomplished and celebrated photographers with a career spanning almost 20 years. He released his first book called GREAT: Photographs of Hip Hop in 2020. Great includes both behind the scenes and live concert shots of Hip Hop and RnB superstars such as Kanye West, Drake, Sade, Lil Wayne, Rihanna, Erykah Badu, Common, Tyler the Creator, Pharrell, Trey Songz, Kid Cudi, J. Cole, Mos Def. His love for soccer led him to launch Charcoal Pitch FC in 2019. CPFC is the first Black owned soccer specific photo agency.
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HIP HOP SCHOLARS PRESENTS:
THE CATALOGUE
INTERVIEW WITH JONATHAN MANNION AND
MEL D COLE – HOSTED BY PANAMA JACKSON
Jonathan Mannion
MS. LAURYN HILL
This cover shot for the first preview issue of Honey Magazine became on of the most iconic photos of Ms. Lauryn Hill. Click to hear Jonathan Mannion talk about the moment. 1999
Mel D. Cole
J. COLE
Photographer Mel D. Cole reminisces about the moment he met then-newcomer J. Cole backstage at S.O.B.s New York City after his performance. Press play. 2010
Jonathan Mannion
OUTKAST
Press play to hear photographer Jonathan Mannion’s story about capturing Big Boi and Andre 3000 for this cover shoot for The Fader Magazine. 2000
