Jamel Shabazz

Shabazz grew up in Red Hook, Brooklyn, and began photographing at 15 with his mother's cheap Kodak, directing groups of friends into poses. His method was patience: he would often talk to people for ten minutes or more before raising the camera, and he has said he let them know he saw greatness in them. The result is the definitive record of early hip-hop style on the street: b-boys, boomboxes, big hair and the pride of a well-chosen outfit. Back in the Days, his 2001 book with powerHouse, is the place to start and still the reference for 1980s New York streetwear.