Renowned photographer Ilja Meefout has compiled his most iconic hip-hop portraits in a photography book. The stunning 1,2 1,2 - Portraits of Hip Hop provides an overview of Meefout's impressive body of work in hip-hop culture and showcases a selection of iconic portraits he took of national and international hip-hop stars over the past 12½ years.
Hip-hop greats
Meefout grew up in the Bijlmermeer in Amsterdam Southeast. The concrete landscape with many abstract compositions, and the prevailing underground hip-hop culture inspired Meefout to capture it. For 12½ years, Meefout has been intuitively photographing the world's biggest hip-hop artists, such as Snoop Dogg, A$AP Rocky, KRS One, Lil' Wayne, Common, Fat Joe, Pusha T, Wu-Tang Clan, Beastie Boys, Ice Cube, Kempi and Extince.
1,2 1,2 - Portraits of Hip Hop
With the title of the book, 1,2 1,2, Meefout also hints at his career as a photographer over the past 12½ years. In addition to the hip-hop portraits, the book shows the hip-hop scene in the Bijlmer and the developments that have taken place there in recent years; from the demolition of buildings to the renovation and formation of a new urban environment. Through his portraits, Meefout provides special insight into a subculture that attracts millions of people worldwide. With his keen eye behind the lens, Meefout flawlessly interprets the music and background of national and international hip-hop artists. The vulnerable nature of his photographs makes his work distinctive.
Exposition
To mark the book launch, Ilja Meefout's portraits will be on display and for sale at New Metropolis Southeast from Nov. 28 through Jan. 24, 2020. The exhibition is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday evenings until 9 p.m. and is free of charge.