The visual evolution of Hip-Hop culture will be the center of a new book from legendary Hip-Hop designer Cey Adams and photographer Bill Adler.
Titled DEFinition: the Art and Design of Hip Hop, the seven chapter page turner celebrates the work of Adams as well as revered artists Zephyr, Revolt, Haring, and Basqiuat and painters Kehinde Wiley, Shepard Fairey, Fahamu Pecou and others.
The Collins Design-published book is the latest achievement for Adler, an author/activist and former Rush Artist Management and Def Jam Recordings director of publicity.
Adams worked with rap mogul Russell Simmons during Def Jam’s early days in 1984.
During his 15-year tenure at the label, Adams designed or oversaw the design of numerous covers for classic albums from many of Def Jam artists, including LL Cool J, Public Enemy, EPMD and Redman and Method Man.
In addition, the New York native’s influence can be found on albums from the late rap legend Notorious B.I.G. and Hip-Hop/Soul queen Mary J. Blige.
Simmons repays Adams for his work at Def Jam by writing the forward to DEFinition.
Described as “the first book to celebrate the accomplishments of the generation of visual artists who have come of age under the banner of Hip-Hop,” the tome examines the impact of the culture on street art and fine art, album covers, advertising, movies and television, cars, sneakers, and fashion.
DEFinition: the Art and Design of Hip Hop is scheduled to arrive in bookstores on Oct. 14.
