Ricky Powell

Ricky Powell (1961–2021) was an American photographer recognized for his documentation of popular culture, including hip hop, punk rock, graffiti, and pop art, particularly within the context of New York City. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Greenwich Village, Powell pursued formal studies, earning an associate's degree in liberal arts and a B.S. in physical education. His career as a photographer began in earnest around 1985, capturing the vibrant and often raw urban environment of New York. Powell gained prominence through his association with the Beastie Boys, serving as their de facto in-house photographer for tours such as the "Licensed to Ill" tour in 1987 and subsequent engagements until 1995. His work captured candid portraits of a diverse range of artists and personalities, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, Madonna, Run-D.M.C., and LL Cool J. Powell's photographs have been featured in numerous publications, including *The New York Times*, *Rolling Stone*, and *VIBE*, and he authored several books, such as *The Rap Photography of Ricky Powell!* (1998) and *The Rickford Files: Classic New York Photographs* (2000). He was known for his "environmental portraiture," capturing subjects in their natural settings with a blend of intimacy and detachment.