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Ricky Powell, photographer associated with Beastie Boys passes away at 59
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Ricky Powell, photographer associated with Beastie Boys passes away at 59

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Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Ricky Powell, the photographer and artist who had a long association with the Beastie Boys and hip-hop through his portrait work has died at age 59.

Powell captured portraits of Run-DMC, Eric B and Rakim, LL Cool J, Andy Warhol, Basquiat and many more.

Powell was immortalised in the Beasties Paul Boutique song ‘Car Thief’ with the line ‘Homeboy throw in the towel, Your girl got dicked by Ricky Powell’

Powell released four photography books including Oh Snap!: The Rap Photography of Ricky Powell and Public Access: Ricky Powell Photographs 1985-2005. Powell lived in New York.

A documentary about him was released last year called Ricky Powell: The Individualist.

Questlove paid tribute to Powell on Instagram:

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Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005 . He is the cohost of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Cara Magazine, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, founder of Lumo Club, event curator and producer of gigs, parties & events.