Raph Rashid "Back To The Lab" (Book)

You might know the black and white photo of J Dilla sitting in a stark, clean living room, just him at a table with a sampler. This and shots of Madlib taken in Los Angeles that day, were the last that Raph Rashid shot for his 2005 book, Behind the Beat, which captured producers in their living spaces. The book was reprinted several times. Many of the studios have since changed, moved, or shut down. But Raph never stopped shooting. From 2005 to 2016, Raph photographed another round – in some cases, another generation – of producers working in their home studios. I highly recommend his latest book, Back to the Lab, with photos of Flying Lotus, Just Blaze, El-P, Ant, DJ Babu, Mitsu, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Lord Finesse, Waajeed, Oddisee, Alchemist, Oh No, Diamond D, Khalil, Jake One, Rhettmatic, Young RJ, and quite a few more – including a visit with Dilla’s mother, and a look back on that day photographing the King of Beats. Back to the Lab is thicker than the previous book at 214 pages, and like the last one, it’s hardcover, 10×10″, full color, and beautifully designed. Above and below are just a few of the beautiful photos shared within its pages! Order a copy HERE.

Raph Rashid "Behind The Beat" (Book, 2005)

Behind the Beat is a look into the creative spaces of producers and DJ's from the US and UK. Featured are the studios and equipment of Madlib, J Dilla, DJ Premier, DJ Spinna, E-Swift, Kut Masta Kurt, Da Beatminerz, DJ Shadow, Dan the Automator, Chief Xcel, The Grouch, Numark, Cut Chemist, Thes One, J Zone and many more. From the press release: "These photographs are about more than just the equipment. Decades on from hip hop’s birth, producers have an enormous presence, commanding underground and even pop followings. But more often than not, producers are just a name on a record, always in the background. These pictures capture the visual side of the beats they make. They are the images behind the beat." Author Raph Rashid runs a recording label called Crookneck in Melbourne, Australian, and is also co-owner of two clothing labels. While the iconic photographs of the late great J Dilla may be the most popular, the whole book offers exceptional glimpses at some of our favorite producers' home studios, so I recommend picking up a copy HERE!