Martha Cooper has the reputation of being the first and foremost photographer of emerging Hip Hop culture in New York City.
Hip Hop Files - Photographs 1979-1984, makes a significant part of her extensive and unique archive accessible for the first time.

The book documents the beginning of the phenomenon, now known as Hip Hop. The publication of many of Martha’s photos in the early 80’s, disseminated the culture both at home and abroad.

From 1999 to 2003, Akim Walta aka ZEB.ROC.SKI, well-known german Hip Hop practitioner and music publisher of MZEE records, tracked down the subjects in the photos and conducted numerous interviews obtaining insightful quotes and statements to accompany the shots.

Fortunately, Martha was at the right place at the right time to document young people creating the music, dance, and art that became known worldwide. She followed people who would one day become icons: LEE, FAB 5 FREDDY, ROCK STEADY CREW, DONDI, BOBBITO, DEZ aka DJ KAY SLAY, RUN DMC, SEEN, AFRIKA BAMBAATAA, BLADE, RAMMELLZEE, FUTURA 2000, GRANDMASTER CAZ, DURO, LADY PINK and many others.