The Breaks: Stylin’ & Profilin’ 1982-1990
by Janette Beckman

UK punk chronicler charts hip-hop’s commercial growth

Janette Beckman had already snapped punk’s early days in the UK (collected in another powerHouse book, Made In The UK: The Music Of Attitude 1977- 1983), so it’s no surprise that, after moving to New York, she covered its sister movement. As her photos attest, hip-hop was as much a social commentary from the streets as punk, arguably tempered with a more upbeat style.

The 80s is ubiquitously termed “hip-hop’s golden age”. While true, the phrase doesn’t fully reveal era’s diversity. Early, youthful enthusiasm shines through in shots of Afrika Bambaataa in 1982, or young breakdancers and rollerskaters, reminding us when it was a street-level lifestyle for all. Come the mid-80s, hip-hop celebrity seeps through, and there are early Flava Flav (with digital stopwatch, as opposed to huge clock face), Run-DMC and Grandmaster Flash shots giving rise to the importance of image. Not only that, but in Slick Rick (covered in gold chains and pointing a pistol), 2 Live Crew (saluting the American flag while grabbing their crotches) and De La Soul, you see just how different acts were pushing the gangster/straight offense/comedy bracket at any given time. Definitely a golden age, but not to be remembered just for huge ghettoblasters and Adidas trainers.

ISBN 9781576873977

Reviewed by Jason Draper
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