COMMUNITY
an ecosystem of teamwork
T. Eric Monroe’s body of work features rare images and moments from the 90’s, chronicling the intertwining worlds of Hip-hop, Skateboarding, and Hardcore (Punk).
Before the digital era, T. Eric Monroe's craft coincided with a explosion of the NYC music scene. These moments capture the energy and soul of cultural legends, and unified the Hip Hop Community in artistry and style.
This project goes beyond any one individual, and the journey of unveiling these images has evolved into a collaboration of many. This page honors the community and contributors involved in manifesting an initiative to promote and preserve the iconic culture and community of 90's Hip Hop.
BEN TECUMSEH DESOTO
FEATURED ARTIST
Ben De Soto's body of work features rare intimate moments with artists and performers from the late 80's to early 90's.
This holiday season, we are featuring exciting new prints and products from Ben De Soto's Treasure Trove of photography.
Learn more about Ben DeSoto at bendesotophotography.com
BEN DESOTO
PHOTOGRAPHY
Houston, TX
"Poring over DeSoto's negatives shot throughout three decades, one glimpses how people within the punk community are often not mere passive onlookers; instead, they are smoldering, fidgeting, undulating, atavistic, dance-prone and catapulting. They are a tempest tethered to musicians via an invisible umbilical cord. As bands reach dizzying magnitudes, bodies in the crowd surge and search for release, pleasure and locomotion.
For more than a decade Ben’s work sat dormant. Photography work slowed up and it was time to seek other opportunities..."
(from Houston Press’ article on Ben DeSoto)
By David Ensminger
T. Eric Monroe x ELENEX
LA, NYC
T. Eric Monroe is excited to partner with ELENEX to bring ODB's penetrating stare to premium boards, manifesting the intersectionality of skateboarding and hip hop culture.
#HipHopIsAmericanHistory
T. Eric Monroe is opening his historic vault of 90’s Hip Hop to preserve and promote the legacies of legendary personas who shaped hip hop culture as we know it. Beyond his personal collection of photography, the T. Eric Monroe Print Shop proudly collaborates with a network of talented partners, artists and photographers from the 80's and 90's.
TDotEric.com leverages modern distribution to connect today's marketplace with iconic imagery from legendary figures of Hiphop.
THE MOMENT:
NAS, TALL AND STRONG
I did not know Nas directly, nor know enough about him to conjure what he typically looked like in photograph. I didn't have a pre-conceived subject. I wanted to capture him as he was, in the moment. Nas has a strong, quiet presence. Watching and observing from non-traditional angles allowed me to see different perspectives, different ways to allow him to tell a story without saying a word. I never directed his movements or actions. I just watched, observed, and captured.
THE MOMENT:
MECCA & GURU
As enchanted as I was, I didn't stay for the recording of the song. I must have had somewhere to be. Before I left the studio, I was in the lounge, preparing to leave. Ladybug Mecca and Guru were seated on the couch across from me — not songwriting — just vibing, having a good moment.
I quietly took out my camera, waited a moment. Mecca looked into Guru. Guru looked into me.
the Legacy of Hiphop
In an era before digital media and social content virality, photographer T. Eric Monroe pursued his craft to capture rare & unseen moments of 90's icons. Archiving imagery of these artists is essential to honoring the soul of hip hop culture, and preserving the soul of the community is essential to inspiring future generations of artists and influencers..
SPOTLIGHT
BEN DE SOTO
Photographer
BEN TECUMSEH DESOTO is a prominent photographer based in Houston, Texas.
Ben DeSoto is living a very different life from his active years photographing iconic moments of legendary musicians, but is still very supportive of the arts and culture of the people. Ben believes in making the world a better place, and serves in a variety of roles in his community as a mentor, spiritual guide, and media educator. Learn more about Ben DeSoto: https://www.bendesotophotography.com/
MADE TO ORDER archival prints
About Duggal
For more than 50 years, Duggal has served as a trusted advisor and partner in helping the world’s leading image-makers communicate visually with their audiences and customers.
Duggal designs and produces unique, custom, high volume, oversized and complex visuals and fixtures for an extremely image-conscious clientele. Handling everything from 1,000+ store rollouts from printing through fulfillment and installation, to unique exhibitions and event projects for major museums, corporations and sporting events worldwide.
Duggal is a certified 100% minority owned business. The company is an equal opportunity employer with a diverse staff and management of 340+ experienced professionals and technicians dedicated to providing the highest level of service for our customers. Duggal has achieved every major Green accreditation available including being FSC certified, Rain Forest Alliance Certified, Sustainable Green Printer Certified (SGP), and is proud to have the only LEED GOLD visual production facility in the United States. Their LEED building features solar and wind power, rainwater collection, LED lighting and sustainable building materials.