Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop

Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop presents forty years of hip-hop culture through rare contact sheets and photographs from the genre's most significant moments. The collection, curated by Vikki Tobak, features contributions from over sixty photographers and includes forewords by prominent artists like Questlove, RZA, and DJ Premier. The book chronicles hip-hop's evolution from its 1970s origins through the late 2000s, featuring iconic artists such as Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, Jay-Z, and Kendrick Lamar. Each photograph is accompanied by personal narratives from the photographers, providing context and behind-the-scenes insights into their sessions with these influential artists. What began as an Instagram project in 2016 has become a comprehensive visual archive of hip-hop culture, documenting not only musicians but also influential figures like DJ Kool Herc and artists Keith Haring and Futura. The chronological organization traces hip-hop's transformation from a local movement to a global cultural force. Through its collection of unedited contact sheets and firsthand accounts, the book examines the relationship between photography and hip-hop, revealing how visual documentation shaped the culture's identity and legacy.

Readers appreciate the behind-the-scenes photos showing hip-hop artists in unguarded moments, with many highlighting the contact sheets that reveal multiple shots from each session. Several note the book provides historical context through photographer interviews and detailed annotations. Positive reviews mention: - High print quality and image reproduction - Comprehensive coverage from 1970s-2010s - Inclusion of both iconic and never-before-seen images - Detailed photographer stories behind each shoot Common criticisms: - Some feel the later years (2000s+) are underrepresented - Price point considered high by some readers - A few note the binding quality could be better Ratings: Goodreads: 4.6/5 (200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (500+ ratings) One reader on Amazon noted: "The contact sheets let you see the whole story of a shoot, not just the one famous image everyone knows." Multiple reviewers called it a coffee table book that they actually read cover-to-cover.

Hip-Hop Files: Photographs 1979-1984 by Martha Cooper Documents the birth of New York City's hip-hop scene through street photography of b-boys, graffiti artists, and early MCs.

Back in the Days by Jamel Shabazz Captures the fashion, style, and street culture of 1980s Brooklyn through portraits of hip-hop pioneers and community members.

Born in the Bronx: A Visual Record of the Early Days of Hip-Hop by Joe Conzo Chronicles the groundbreaking years of hip-hop through photographs of performances at venues like The Bronx River Center and Cedar Park.

Check the Technique: Liner Notes for Hip-Hop Junkies by Brian Coleman Presents oral histories from artists and producers about the creation of classic hip-hop albums through interviews and archival materials.

Beat Positive by David Corio and Janette Beckman Showcases photographs from hip-hop's golden age through two photographers' documentation of performances, studio sessions, and street scenes.

🎵 The book started as @contacthighproject on Instagram, where Tobak shared contact sheets and stories from hip-hop photography, gaining over 100,000 followers before becoming a published work. 📸 Contact sheets shown in the book reveal that the iconic photo of Biggie wearing a crown was actually shot in just 12 minutes by photographer Barron Claiborne in 1997. 🏆 The book's exhibition at the Annenberg Space for Photography in Los Angeles became their most visited exhibition ever, drawing over 1 million visitors. 👥 Author Vikki Tobak drew from her experience as a former culture editor at Paper Magazine and her work with early hip-hop radio show "The World Famous Supreme Team" to connect with photographers. 🗣️ The book includes never-before-seen outtakes from over 100 photo shoots, including rare images from photographers who had stored their contact sheets in basements and personal archives for decades.