If you love hip hop photography, Contact High by Vikki Tobak is a must-have book for your collection. This isn’t just a photo book. It’s a visual archive of hip hop’s greatest moments, artists, and photographers. Flipping through these pages feels like stepping back into my own childhood, surrounded by legendary faces and the raw, creative energy that shaped hip hop culture.
Why Contact High Is Essential for Hip Hop Fans
Contact High goes beyond the surface. Each page invites you to slow down, look closer, and appreciate not just the icons in front of the camera, but the genius behind the lens. You get to experience the photographer’s style, their hustle, and the untold stories that live within every frame.
Standout Photos and Stories
- “Flying High” by Jamelle Shabazz: The Roots used this shot on their Undone album cover. You can feel the joy and style of the kids, the Coca Cola sign, the graffiti, and the energy of old-school New York. Growing up in Southside Jamaica, Queens, moments like this felt real and familiar to me.
- Fab Five Freddy at White Castle: Shot by Sophie Bramley, this is classic Brooklyn hip hop energy.
- Keith Haring and Futura in 1983: Two icons in the East Village, captured by Bramley.
- Run DMC by Janette Beckman: Black-and-white magic. Hollis and Southside had a rivalry, but the music and images are legendary.
- Salt-N-Pepa in Dapper Dan: Kente cloth, koofies, and pure style. This is hip hop royalty.
The real magic of Contact High is in the contact sheets. You get to see the shots that didn’t make the cut, the outtakes, and the moments before and after history was captured. This approach turns each photo spread into a story about process, timing, and the one shot that becomes iconic.
Events and Exhibitions
After the book’s release, there was a massive Contact High exhibition at the International Center of Photography in New York. Seeing these photos blown up, with all the detail and presence, was next level. I also attended events where legendary photographers spoke about their work and the moments that defined hip hop’s visual identity.
Iconic Shots and Personal Memories
Every time I revisit this book, I spot something new. Whether it’s women in early hip hop, Eazy-E on a skateboard, Jay-Z, Wu-Tang Clan, Yasiin Bey (shot by Mike Schreiber), or that rare frame with Tupac, Redman, and Nas together, the collection is loaded with moments that shaped the culture.
I even found my old notes from interviewing Charlie Ahearn. The creativity and wild style just leap off the page. And who can forget LL Cool J on a bike, shot by Danny Clinch?
Why You Should Own Contact High
This book is evergreen. It’s a genuine piece of hip hop history and a master class in music photography. If you’re a fan of hip hop, street photography, or visual storytelling, you need this on your shelf.
Want to check it out? Grab your copy of Contact High. (If you want to support the blog, use the link!)
Peace,
Amon
