Walk This Way

Paris: Editions 213 / Steidl, 2015. Deluxe Limited Edition portfolio. One of five copies (this being copy No. 1) of photographer Sophie Bramly's portfolio of 47 matte finish photographic prints in both black and white and color, depicting the emerging hip hop scene of 1980s New York. Signed and numbered by the photographer on the limitation page, and again on the verso of each photograph. Housed in a gold and red multi-tiered custom box.

Also included is a copy of the limited edition softcover, published by Galerie 213, one of 500 copies (this being no. 058) containing a signed and numbered print by Bramly. With an introduction by Fab 5 Freddie.

Arguably the most important photography portfolio documenting American hip hop that has ever been published, "Walk This Way" intimately showcases the burgeoning genre's emergence in 1980s New York, as captured via scenes backstage, in the homes of the artists, at art galleries, and of course while performing. Photographer Sophie Bramly left her native France to spend four years immersing herself in hip hop, becoming close friends with many artists, dancers, and their families. Compelled by the raw, vibrant energy of rap and hip hop, Bramly captured the outcast scene before it was considered a commodity, at a time when only a handful of clubs featured the music.

The early, largely-African American scene represented a positive creative alternative to the poverty-related violence often found in the South Bronx, and has since become such a ubiquitous force that its stylistic influence can be found in nearly every facet of modern American culture, including language, clothing, dancing, and the use of DJ sampling. Featuring Afrika Bambaataa, Kool Herc, Russell Simmons, The Beastie Boys, Run DMC, Keith Harring, Futura 2000, Herbie Hancock, The Furious Five, and more, this portfolio contains images of some of hip hop's greatest early innovators. A versatile and multifaceted artist, Bramly later returned to Paris to host Europe's "Yo! MTV Raps" before creating a series of documentaries on sex and music, then going on to start her own production company that focused largely on female-oriented pornography.

Portfolio includes: four 16 x 20 inch prints, twelve 7 x 9.5 inch prints, nine 5.25 x 7.25 inch prints, and twenty-two 11.5 x 9.5 inch prints, housed in a custom box. All photographs Fine, and housed in a Fine custom box.

Limited Edition: Fine in wrappers and a Fine printed acetate dust jacket.

[Book #137080]