RubyHornet has linked up with photographer Mireya Acierto, a very accomplished photographer that has documented a large portion of Chicago Hip Hop over the last several years. Intended to celebrate both her work, as well as Chicago’s Hip Hop achievements, we present “Chicago The Photo Album Photo Album”, a look at some of her most notable shots and the stories behind them. We started things off with pics of Lupe Fiasco, and continued with pictures from a photo shoot with Bump J and Common. Today we proceed with Mireya’s flicks of Kanye West, a man and artist who sits atop not only Chicago’s Hip Hop aesthetic, but has also inspired a generation of artists for years to come. Hit the jump to see pics from Kanye’s show with Jay-Z, Kanye’s first Stay In School Benefit, A Roller Skating party and more all accompanied by Mireya’s account of each pic and the impact they have had on her.
This shot was taken during a concert with Jay Z. I was fortunate enough to get access to the show, let alone with my camera. Thank you Don C! Thank you DJ Geno for asking Don C! Before we got into the venue we had to wait outside for about half an hour. There was so much security that night that that we were escorted in by groups of 10. Throughout the night all I was concerned about was getting these great shots, I barley listened to the music. I sometimes get in work mode when I’m shooting this sort of thing, that when people ask, “how was the show?” all I can say is “good”. Recently I have left the camera alone and put myself in the audience, as a fan.
This was one of the first times I had ever photographed Kanye West while I was working with Truestar Magazine, Chicago’s teen magazine. We were there during the sound check for the 1st Stay in School Benefit Concert here in Chicago. I was both excited and amazed to be in the presence of one of Chicago’s own. I must say I am very proud to be a Chicagoan and have the world know that we do deliver some amazing talent. His lyrics off of “Last Call” really got me through a lot of difficult days while living in NYC. It inspired me to keep my head up and realize anything is possible.
This shot was taken during the same weekend while Kanye was in town for the Jay Z show. We attended a party at some roller rink out in the South Suburbs but it was not a roller skating party by any means. It was definitely a party for the stars with Dwayne Wade and Kanye both present. I felt like a total paparazzi which kind of freaked me out. I hadn’t had a proper introduction to Kanye so I felt a little uncomfortable, but everyone around me was cool with it and knew who I was. That was the only thing that eased my mind, otherwise I would have felt totally invasive. I look back at that photo and think about how I know those people in the background with Kanye. Then I have to remind myself that I was the one that took the photo.
This was photographed at the Best Buy in Chicago during the release of Graduation. There were people lined up from the doorway to around the block, some had been there since the night before. What I loved most about Kanye is the fact that he is able to grab the attention of all types of people: hispanic, white, black, asian, preppy, hood, little 9 year old boys with their mothers, young teenage girls with their fathers. It was probably the first time I had ever been in the presence of someone this big without even realizing it. Yeah you expect it from athletes & movie stars but a musician? Certainly nothing I would have ever imagined.