ClassX Video Lessons Subjects Art From Aaliyah to Jay-Z: Captured moments in hip-hop history – Jonathan Mannion
Imagine stepping into a vibrant nightclub in New York City in 1995, where the energy is electric, and the legendary Notorious B.I.G. is performing. This is where my journey as a dedicated photographer began. My passion for capturing iconic moments in hip-hop history has driven me to create images that resonate with future generations. I wanted to capture the essence of that night, standing next to Lil’ Kim, and produce a photograph that would become a timeless piece of history.
Photography is more than just a profession for me; it’s a pursuit of fleeting moments that can never be replicated. Each photograph I take is a definitive portrait of a person in a unique moment. When you think of Jay-Z, I hope the image that comes to mind is one of the eight album covers I’ve had the privilege to shoot for him. It’s a testament to my dedication and passion for my craft.
Aaliyah was not only stunning but also incredibly talented. My time with her was more than just taking pictures; it was about building a connection. We talked about our shared love for Caribbean culture and discussed the idea of a photo shoot in places like Trinidad, Barbados, and Jamaica. She was enthusiastic about the idea, and during our sessions, we connected on a deeper level. At the end of our shoot, she signed a Polaroid for me, expressing her excitement for our future plans. Her words are a poignant reminder of how precious these moments are and the importance of making meaningful connections.
Working with Drake for FADER magazine was another memorable experience. I spent three days photographing him, two of which were in New York. At the time, he had just signed his record deal and was eager to celebrate with his family in Toronto. I was fortunate to capture a personal moment with his grandmother, where he shared his success with her. Her simple wish for a kiss and a hug highlighted the importance of family and personal connections, even amidst fame and fortune. This experience reinforced why I love what I do—capturing the essence of an artist beyond the spotlight.
One of my most challenging yet rewarding shoots was with DMX for his album “Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood.” I envisioned him in a pool for the cover, but convincing him was no easy task. He initially refused, but after a bit of humor and persuasion, he agreed. The resulting photograph became one of the most iconic images in hip-hop, showcasing the power of vision and collaboration.
Back on my home turf in New Orleans, I had the opportunity to work with the incredible Lil Wayne. Capturing his journey and growth as an artist was about trust and understanding. It’s about creating a legacy together and making a difference through photography. As DJ Quick once said, my work allows people to see hip-hop through my eyes, and I take immense pride in that. My goal is to produce quality work that resonates with those who believe in it as much as I do.
In conclusion, photography is not just about taking pictures; it’s about creating lasting memories and connecting with people on a deeper level. Through my lens, I strive to capture the essence of hip-hop and the artists who define it. Thank you for joining me on this journey.
Analyze a selection of Jonathan Mannion’s photographs. Choose one image and write a short essay discussing the emotions and story it conveys. Consider the historical context and the artist’s persona. Share your insights with the class and engage in a discussion about the impact of photography in hip-hop culture.
Participate in a hands-on photography workshop. Use your smartphone or camera to capture moments around campus that reflect the essence of university life. Focus on candid shots that tell a story. Present your best photograph to the class and explain the narrative behind it.
Pair up with a classmate and role-play an interview between a photographer and a hip-hop artist. One of you will be Jonathan Mannion, and the other will be an artist like Jay-Z or Aaliyah. Prepare questions and answers that explore the creative process and the importance of building connections during a photo shoot.
Plan a conceptual photo shoot inspired by one of the artists Mannion has worked with. Develop a mood board and outline the theme, location, and style of the shoot. Present your plan to the class, explaining how it captures the essence of the artist and the message you aim to convey.
Write a reflective essay on the role of photography in preserving cultural history, using examples from Mannion’s work. Discuss how photography can influence public perception of hip-hop and its artists. Reflect on how Mannion’s approach to photography has inspired your understanding of visual storytelling.
Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
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This is The Notorious B.I.G., 1995, at the Palladium nightclub, New York City. What I want to talk about is my dedication, my 100% focus, and finding something that I love—my passion point. I fought to be on this stage, to stand next to Lil’ Kim and take all these pictures to create one definitive photo. A photo that was the most important of anything that I took. I wanted it for future generations to feel the energy that was in that room, and certainly, you can feel that right there.
I’m a photographer; this is what I do for a living. I chase these moments, these fractions of seconds that will never be the same again. You can’t take this picture again because I took it, and he’s no longer with us, sadly. The definitive portrait of that person, in that moment, is what I strive for every single time. Like when you close your eyes and think of a picture of Jay-Z, I want it to be my picture. So far, so good. Eight album covers for Jay-Z later, I’m not doing too bad.
Aaliyah—gorgeous and amazing. I spent proper time with her, conversing and connecting, which I find is a big part of my work. That connection, to be able to have a conversation, to say you’re doing great, to express why I want a certain picture and a certain attitude. In this moment, we talked about shooting in the Caribbean, which is a passion point for me—Caribbean culture, Trinidad, Barbados, Jamaica. I suggested, “We should do a photo shoot there because I think it would be incredible.” She agreed, and as we took these beautiful pictures, I continued to converse with her and really connect.
At the end of the day, I have people sign Polaroids as a kind of diary for myself. She wrote, “I can’t wait for the Caribbean. I’ll see you then.” (Exhales) You’ve got to take a breath. She’s missed incredibly. The reminder is that these moments are really precious, and you have to take the time to connect with them, to be part of that process, to make a difference in people’s lives in that moment. You never know how you’re affected by somebody, clearly I am, but you never know how you affect that person, how you make that moment a little more important for them.
This is my good friend Drake. I had the opportunity to work with him for FADER magazine. He is a beast and one of my favorites. I shot him for three different days, two in New York, and he had just signed his record deal. He said, “What’s most important to me is going home to Toronto to celebrate with my family.” So, we flew home. He mentioned he had to see his grandmother in the afternoon, and I said, “It would be an honor to meet your grandmother.” I asked for access that nobody else had because this is what makes a photographer greater—to have a picture that nobody else has.
He shared a moment with his grandmother, saying, “Grandma, I just signed a record deal.” She responded, “A million dollars?” He clarified, “No Grandma, millions of dollars. What do you want?” She simply said, “I want a kiss, and I want a hug.” This reminded me of why we do this. It revealed another layer of Drake as a character and how important he is—his message. He’s not just about the limelight; he’s connected to these moments as much as I am as a photographer.
I know everybody asks DMX to get in a pool for a shoot. This was my challenge that day. I needed him to see my vision for “Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood,” which was his album cover. I envisioned photographs of him in this pool, but he didn’t see it the same way. He walked in with brand new pants and said, “I’m not getting in that pool.” I insisted, “Oh yes, you’re going to get in that pool.” In a bold move, I dropped my pants in front of everyone on set, and DMX laughed, saying, “Alright, put your pants back on, and I’ll get in the blood.” It became one of the most iconic photos in hip-hop.
I’m on home soil in New Orleans, and we have to give love to Lil Wayne. He is an incredible MC, and the biggest point I want to drive home is about the opportunity to create somebody’s legacy with them—to take pictures and see them grow. It was about trust in the moment and understanding that you could make a difference. DJ Quick once said, “Isn’t it incredible how you make people see your vision in hip-hop? The way that people look at hip-hop is through your eyes.” I’m really proud of what I’ve created and passionately work to make quality work constantly. It’s not just about taking a photo; for me, it’s about giving a photo to people that believe in it so much. Thank you.
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This version maintains the essence of the original transcript while removing any explicit language or sensitive content.
Photography – The art or practice of taking and processing photographs. – The university’s photography department hosted an exhibition showcasing the evolution of digital photography in contemporary art.
Moments – Brief periods of time that are captured or highlighted in art, often conveying emotion or significance. – The dancer’s graceful movements captured the fleeting moments of joy and sorrow in the performance.
Connection – A relationship or link between elements in art that enhances meaning or emotional impact. – The artist’s use of color created a deep connection between the viewer and the painting’s underlying themes.
Artist – An individual who creates art, often expressing ideas or emotions through various mediums. – The visiting artist gave a lecture on the role of social commentary in modern sculpture.
Legacy – The lasting impact or influence of an artist’s work on future generations and the art world. – The legacy of the Impressionist painters continues to inspire contemporary artists around the globe.
Culture – The shared beliefs, practices, and artistic expressions of a particular group or society. – The theater production explored the rich culture of the indigenous people through traditional music and dance.
Journey – The process or experience of exploration and discovery in the creation or appreciation of art. – The filmmaker’s documentary took the audience on a journey through the history of jazz music.
Images – Visual representations or depictions created through various artistic techniques. – The gallery featured a series of images that captured the essence of urban life through street photography.
Portrait – An artistic representation of a person, often focusing on the face and expression. – The artist’s portrait of the renowned author was praised for its ability to convey the subject’s complex personality.
Collaboration – The act of working together with others to create or produce a work of art. – The collaboration between the choreographer and the composer resulted in a groundbreaking ballet performance.
