The Bronx is considered by many as the birth place of graffiti. That’s why it’s so important to understand a bit of the history back in the day when hip hop culture was being born.
Born in the Bronx, the new book by Johan Kugelberg (Author), Afrika Bambaataa (Foreword), Buddy Esquire (Contributor), Jeff Chang (Contributor), Joe Conzo (Photographer) tells this story.
Shells of a building and car on Stebbins Ave., Bronx, 1978. (c. Joe Conzo)
Joe Conzo is one of the few people to have documented the decay, decline, and resistance of the Bronx during the 70’s. It’s important to know that during that time property owners were actually setting fire to their own buildings in order to collect the insurance money. As a result many of the poor people there lived in utter urban decay, with burnt out buildings all around them. To combat their depressing environment the founders of hip hop created an art form that didn’t cost much to do and that brought the members of their community together. Joe Conzo went on to document this incredible art form called hip hop- born out of poverty and inhumane conditions- that is now respected around the world. He is considered the first hip hop photographer.
Check out this article: “Go back in rhyme with book ‘Born in the Bronx,’ a photographic tour of hip-hop’s birth“ to see some pics and read more about the book.
To find out more about Joe Conzo’s background & experiences taking Hip Hop’s baby pictures read this great NY Times article
Tony Tone, Africa Bambaataa, Busy Bee, Zulu Nation Anniversary, Bronx River, 1981 (c. Joe Conzo)
See Tony Tone talk about growing up in the Bronx on Bomb It’s Youtube page
Booboo, The Bronx, 1978 (c. Joe Conzo)
Check out some more of the pics at Rolling Stone
You can see the real deal at Joe Conzo’s website: www.joeconzo.com
Grab yourself a copy at Amazon, or your independent local bookstore.
Also check out Jeff Chang’s classic book: Can’t Stop Won’t Stop A History of the Hip Hop Generation
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