Skip to Content
Obituary

Ricky Powell, Pioneering Photographer Who Captured Hip-Hop Culture in the 80s and 90s, Has Passed Away

[dropcap size=big]I[/dropcap]conic photographer Ricky Powell has passed away at the age of 59. Tono Radvany manager & business partner confirmed with Complex on February 1st. Powell captured and documented the early days of Def Jam Records in the early 80s and 90s. His vision and style for portrait photography is considered a pillar of hip-hop and rap culture.

Here is just a handful of some of our favorite portraits taken by him.

Ricky Powell photographed at CONTACT HIGH: A Visual Story of Hip-Hop opening night at Annenberg Space for Photography.
Jean-Michel Basquiat & Andy Warhol
Laurence Fishburne
Kenny Scharf. Oops Excuse Me. NYC. 1986
Mike Tyson circa 1988
Run DMC in Paris, 1986.
L.L. Cool J

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More Stories

Raised On Highland Park’s Legendary Mariscos Truck, This Street Omelet Chef Is Striving For His Dream Restaurant

Phillip Cejudo grew up serving tostadas at El Mar Azul, and currently oversees his own Venice breakfast street stand by a truck he calls home. His hope is to open Rosie's Canteen in a vintage Airstream and bring wholesome food back to the community that raised him.

July 8, 2026

The Best New Breakfast Sandwich in L.A. Is Hiding In La Mirada

At the center of it all? An all-beef longanisa patty, made entirely from scratch by Filipino-American chef Anthony Evan.

July 7, 2026

Venezuela’s Earthquake Victims Are Hurting. This Is How Angelenos Can Help

Continue supporting Venezuela's earthquake victims with L.A. TACO's list of donation requests, drop-off locations, and charities.

July 7, 2026

‘Mr. B Baby’ Is Painting Wings of Resistance and Representation on East L.A. Streets Against AI Art

"I essentially feel like the communities that I paint in have some sort of ownership towards the murals that I'm creating," says the City Terrace-based artist. "And I really like creating artwork that is accessible, much different than a gallery piece.”

July 7, 2026

These 4 Black L.A. Businesses Are Stepping Up Against Food Deserts in Their ‘Hoods

From a curated farmers market on wheels to visiting local community gardens, these organizations are combatting inequity with fresh produce and education.

L.A.’s 17 Best Fries from Santa Clarita to South L.A., Ranked

The best fries have personality. Some are hand-cut and fluffy. Some are duck-fat-fried and decadent. Some are covered in enough seasoning to scald your tongue. These are the best we found around L.A. to get you started on your own path to find the best French fry in L.A.

July 6, 2026