Showing posts with label hip hop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hip hop. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Hip hop photography book: "Beyond South Central": Rap legends N.W.A. as seen thru the lens of Ithaka Darin Pappas (1988-1990)

 





The second edition of the 2016 photography book Beyond South Central (Sweatlodge Publishing) is now available on amazon.com. The book is the result of the three years Ithaka Darin Pappas freelanced for Priority Records, capturing the primary imagery of N.W.A., documenting almost the entire lifespan of the group, from their obscure South Central beginnings to their meteoric rise to controversial super-stardom. This publication includes iconic images such as The Miracle Mile Shot, The Bleacher Shot, Backstage In Phoenix and also rarely seen candid images of Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Eazy E, MC Ren, DJ Yella and The D.O.C.

Ithaka Darin Pappas began experimenting with his father's 35mm and medium-format film cameras as early as age 5. He started assisting professional photographers immediately after high school, and within a year, began publishing much of his own work. Perhaps the most published (and republished) commercial photographic works by IDP are his early archival images of the influential LA Gangsta rap group NWA. Pappas worked for the West Coast record label Priority Records between 1988 and 1991 and documented almost the entire lifespan of the group, from their obscure South Central beginnings to their meteoric rise to controversial super-stardom.

Friday, November 19, 2021

NWA: "Straight Outta Compton" shirt featuring photo by Ithaka Darin Pappas

(unauthorized) NWA "Straight Outta Compton" shirt featuring photo entitled "The Miracle Mile Shot" by Ithaka Darin Pappas sold on ebay by plainchampagne https://www.ebay.com/itm/E1SYNDICATE-T-SHIRT-NWA-EAZY-E-ICE-CUBE-DR-DRE-N-W-A-RAP-HIP-HOP-SNOOP-2424-/332256025668

Saturday, May 1, 2021

Eazy E: "King Of West Coast Rap" Tee (Target). Photo by Ithaka Darin Pappas

Pay tribute to the king of West Coast rap with the Men's Eazy-E Short Sleeve T-Shirt. This white cotton short sleeve tee featuring the historic 1988 photograph "Eazy On The Mic" by Ithaka Darin Pappas has a regular crew neck and a print of the legend in black & white. Made of cotton, you can wear it any time of the year, just pair it with a jacket during winters so you can show off to everyone what real rap is. NOW AVAILABLE AT TARGET! https://www.target.com/p/men-s-eazy-e-short-sleeve-t-shirt-white/-/A-80825028

Thursday, February 23, 2017

ICE CUBE - NME - Amerikkka's Most Wanted


Ice Cube - NME Magazine (UK). 
Photographed on the roof 
of Priority Records in Hollywood, 
California by Ithaka Darin Pappas

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photo: Ithaka Darin Pappas © 1990

This was one of many shoots 
That I did of Ice Cube and NWA for
Priority Records Between 1988 and 1991.

For more information about this image 
Please contact: ithaka.art@gmail.com - Also see:  @_ithaka_

Note: This image is not Public Domain, it is Necessary to acquire authorization
thru my Representatives at the Tack Artist Agency Group in Los Angeles 
before reproducing in print, online or merchandising ... thank you.


Interview in Mass Appeal (Contact High Project)
http://massappeal.com/contact-high-ithaka-darin-pappas-on-photographing-a-bulletproof-vest-wearing-skateboarding-riding-eazy-e/

Interview in The Hundreds:
http://thehundreds.com/ithaka-interview/

Interview in Gerneral Admission:
https://www.generaladmission.us/blogs/news/eazy-e-and-ithakas-iconic-photo


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Sunday, January 15, 2017

Fab Five Freddy & N.W.A. - Venice Beach - Yo! MTV Raps

Fab Five Freddy interviews Eazy-E & N.W.A for Yo! MTV Raps
at Venice Beach, California - February 24th 1989 /
Photo: Ithaka Darin Pappas

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photo: Ithaka Darin Pappas © 1989

This was one of many shoots 
That I did of NWA
Priority Records Between 1988 and 1991.

For more information about this image 
Please contact: ithaka.art@gmail.com - Also see:  @_ithaka_

Note: This image is not Public Domain, it is Necessary to acquire authorization
thru my Representatives at the Tack Artist Agency Group in Los Angeles 
before reproducing in print, online or merchandising ... thank you.


Interview in Mass Appeal (Contact High Project)
http://massappeal.com/contact-high-ithaka-darin-pappas-on-photographing-a-bulletproof-vest-wearing-skateboarding-riding-eazy-e/

Interview in The Hundreds:
http://thehundreds.com/ithaka-interview/

Interview in Gerneral Admission:
https://www.generaladmission.us/blogs/news/eazy-e-and-ithakas-iconic-photo


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Friday, January 6, 2017

Ithaka's NWA & Eazy E Images featured in Mass Appeal


  • @contact.high.project is pretty amazing. @vtobak interviewed @_ithaka_ Darin Pappas on the time he photographed a bulletproof vest-wearing Eazy-E (RIP) riding a skateboard, circa 1989. The image has been stored away for decades and only recently surfaced. Also, the contact sheets and stories he shares are bananas. He recalls the day: "I think Eazy was wearing the vest for legitimate reasons. This was at the height of his fame and Venice was a bit rougher back in those days. Literally anything could have gone down that day. The skateboard wasn’t his own, he’s signed it for someone and I think kind of borrowed it without asking. I wasn’t even sure I should have been using too much film on the shot." Link in profile. 

Saturday, September 3, 2016

Controversial NWA Manager, JERRY HELLER, Dead at Age 75

NWA Manager JERRY HELLER Dead at Age 75

Jerry Heller, who served as N.W.A.'s original manager, died of a heart attack on Friday, September 2, at Los Robles Hospital in Thousand Oaks, California. He was 75.Heller was involved in a car accident on Friday morning and was taken to the hospital with serious injuries shortly before his death.
Heller was best known for kicking off N.W.A.'s highly successful career in the '80s after teaming up with band member Eazy-E to launch Ruthless Records. The record label also launched the careers of several R&B and hip-hop stars such as J. J. Fad, Michel'le and the D.O.C.

Heller had a contentious relationship with N.W.A. member Ice Cube, who left the group in 1989 over a royalty dispute. Ice Cube, now 47, later released a diss track against his former manager titled "No Vaseline," on which he rapped, "N.W.A. ain't s--t without Ice Cube!" (Dr. Dre also left the group in 1991, citing similar monetary issues.)

Source: http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/jerry-heller-dead-former-nwa-manager-dies-at-75-w437938

_____________________________________

Jerry Heller

Jerry Heller
Born October 6, 1940
Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
Died September 2, 2016 (aged 75)
Thousand Oaks, California,U.S.
Nationality American
Occupation Music manager
Years active 1960–2016
Net worth US$20 million (2016)[1]
Gerald E. “Jerry” Heller (October 6, 1940 – September 2, 2016) was an American music manager and businessman. He was best known for managing west coast rap supergroup and gangsta rap pioneers N.W.A and Eazy-E. He rose to prominence in the 1960s and '70s, importing Elton John and Pink Floyd for their first major American tours, and representing Journey, Marvin Gaye, Joan Armatrading, Van Morrison, War, Average White Band, ELO, Eric Burdon, Crosby Stills and Nash, Ike & Tina Turner, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Otis Redding, The Who, Grand Funk Railroad, Black Sabbath, Humble Pie, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Four Tops, Dr. John, Jose Feliciano, The Grass Roots, and The Standells, among many others.
In the mid-1980s he worked with R&B and hip hop acts like Michel'le, World Class Wreckin' Cru, J.J. Fad, The D.O.C., Egyptian Lover and L.A. Dream Team.
Heller played a role in the emergence of West Coast rap music when he cofounded Ruthless Records with Eazy-E and discovered, signed, or managed the likes of N.W.A, The Black Eyed Peas, Above the Law, The D.O.C., and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.
Heller died on September 2, 2016 due to unknown causes

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Heller

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Kings Of Compton (documentary) DVD cover Japan - photo by: Ithaka Darin Pappas



Kings Of Compton (documentary)
DVD cover (Japan) photo by: Ithaka Darin Pappas / @_ithaka_

This inclusive documentary takes a unique look at the most influential West Coast rap group in history and inventors of gangster rap: NWA. The life and death of controversial rapper Eazy-E and the birth of the career of highly successful actor, movie producer and rapper Ice Cube and world renowned music producer Dr. Dre is documented through never-before-seen candid interviews, personal photos, and touching stories, giving insight into the real men behind the records. Eazy-E took America through the streets of Compton for an unforgettable ride, and created a new music style that spawned a billion dollar industry. This is the personal story of Compton boy Eric Wright, and his journey to becoming the King of Gangster Rap as a man who actually lived the criminal lifestyle he featured in his music. His legacy is captured here in the way Eazy-E and NWA changed the landscape of rap and hip hop forever.  

Stars:, ,

  

Camera and Electrical Department 

Ithaka Darin Pappas ... still photography

 

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photo: Ithaka Darin Pappas © 1988

This was one of many shoots 
That I did of NWA
Priority Records Between 1988 and 1991.

For more information about this image 
Please contact: ithaka.art@gmail.com - Also see:  _ithaka_

Note: This image is not Public Domain, it is Necessary to acquire authorization
thru my Representatives at the Tack Artist Agency Group in Los Angeles 
before reproducing in print, online or merchandising ... thank you.


http://thehundreds.com/ithaka-interview/


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http://thehundreds.com/ithaka-interview/


Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Ice Cube's Instagram - NWA - Photo by: Ithaka Darin Pappas


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Excerpt from Ice Cube's instagram account February 2016

photo: Ithaka Darin Pappas © 1988

This was one of many shoots 
That I did of NWA
Priority Records Between 1988 and 1991.

For more information about this image 
Please contact: ithaka.art@gmail.com - Also see:  _ithaka_

Note: This image is not Public Domain, it is Necessary to acquire authorization
thru my Representatives at the Tack Artist Agency Group in Los Angeles 
before reproducing in print, online or merchandising ... thank you.


http://thehundreds.com/ithaka-interview/

Thursday, February 11, 2016

EAZY E "WE WANT EAZY" (12-inch vinyl cover) by: Ithaka Darin Pappas


Eazy E photographed by Ithaka Darin Pappas 
in Los Angeles (1988) 
for the cover of his 12" single "We Want Eazy"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eazy_E

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For more information about this image please contact: 
ithaka.art@gmail.com - Also see: @_ithaka_

EAZY E - Downtown Los Angeles - By Ithaka Darin Pappas ©1990


Eazy E photographed by Ithaka Darin Pappas 
in Downtown Los Angeles (1990) 


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eazy_E

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For more information about this image please contact: 
ithaka.art@gmail.com - Also see: @_ithaka_

NWA - U.K. Vinyl Cover 1989 - Photo: Ithaka Darin Pappas


NWA photographed by Ithaka Darin Pappas 
in McArthur Park - Los Angeles (1989) 
for the cover of the U.K. 12" vinyl edition
of Express Yourself, Straight Outta Compton, Fuck The Police

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eazy_E

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For more information about this image please contact: 
ithaka.art@gmail.com - Also see: @_ithaka_

Agent: Tack Artist Group - Los Angeles

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

DR. DRE - Los Angeles - Photographed by Ithaka Darin Pappas ©1988


Dr. Dre (Andre Young)
photographed in the Miracle Mile area of California in 1989
by Ithaka Darin Pappas.

This was one of many shoots 
that I did of NWA members for
Priority Records between 1988 and 1991.

For more information about this image 
please contact: ithaka.art@gmail.com - Also see: @_ithaka_

Note: This image is not Public Domain, it is necessary to acquire authorization
thru my representatives at the Tack Artist Group Agency in Los Angeles 
before reproducing in print, online or merchandising...thank you.


http://thehundreds.com/ithaka-interview/



DR. DRE & THE D.O.C. - Venice, California - Foto: Ithaka Darin Pappas ©1989


Dr. Dre and The D.O.C. 
photographed in Venice, California in 1989
by Ithaka Darin Pappas.

This was one of many shoots 
that I did of NWA members for
Priority Records between 1988 and 1991.

For more information about this image 
please contact: ithaka.art@gmail.com - Also see: @_ithaka_

Note: This image is not Public Domain, it is necessary to acquire authorization
thru my representatives at the Tack Artist Group Agency in Los Angeles 
before reproducing in print, online or merchandising...thank you.


http://thehundreds.com/ithaka-interview/