Beyond South Central: Rap legends N.W.A. as seen thru the lens of Ithaka Darin Pappas (1988-1990)

Beyond South Central: Rap legends N.W.A. as seen thru the lens of Ithaka Darin Pappas (1988-1990) 

The second edition of the 2016 photography book Beyond South Central (Sweatlodge Publishing) is now available on amazon.com. The book is the result of the three years Ithaka Darin Pappas freelanced for Priority Records, capturing the primary imagery of N.W.A., documenting almost the entire lifespan of the group, from their obscure South Central beginnings to their meteoric rise to controversial super-stardom. This publication includes iconic images such as The Miracle Mile Shot, The Bleacher Shot, Backstage In Phoenix and also rarely seen candid images of Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Eazy E, MC Ren, DJ Yella and The D.O.C.

Iconic Image Of Eazy E Skateboarding by Ithaka Darin Pappas featured in Mass Appeal

MASS APPEAL: This week's @contact.high.project is pretty amazing. Vikki Tobak interviewed @_ithaka_ Darin Pappas on the time he photographed a bulletproof vest-wearing Eazy-E (RIP) riding a skateboard, circa 1989. The image has been stored away for decades and only recently surfaced. Also, the contact sheets and stories he shares are bananas. He recalls the day: "I think Eazy was wearing the vest for legitimate reasons. This was at the height of his fame and Venice was a bit rougher back in those days. Literally anything could have gone down that day. The skateboard wasn’t his own, he’s signed it for someone and I think kind of borrowed it without asking. I wasn’t even sure I should have been using too much film on the shot." Link in profile.