Celebrities Mourn The Death Of Legendary Hip-Hop Photographer Ricky Powell

Hip-Hop photographer Ricky Powell, who was often referred to as the “fourth Beastie Boy” has died aged 59.

His manager Tono Radvany announced his passing, and revealed he had died of heart failure on Monday (February 1st), as he said in a statement: “I just want to let everybody know he was a very special man, and he will be sorely missed.”

Powell began taking photos in 1985 and earned his nickname after forming a close friendship with “(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party)” hitmakers Mike D, Ad-Rock, and MCA.

He also took photographs of stars including Run-DMC, Madonna, and Vin Diesel, and was even the subject of his own TV series “Rappin’ With The Rickster,” which saw him spend time with his famous friends in New York.

LL Cool J was among those paying tribute after news broke of Powell’s death, writing on Instagram: “Your (camera emoji) captured the culture. Rest in power @thelazyhustler.”

Run-DMC star Rev Run said Powell “took some of the greatest photos of Run-DMC and (was) a good dude, while Q-Tip from A Tribe Called Quest celebrated “his capturing of life” in a tribute message.

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A post shared by Rev Run (@revwon)

Rip 2 my man Ricky Powell. So NYC official… the parties when he would rock the slides.. the jokes and most importantly his capturing of life 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/qhinT9a10S

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) February 2, 2021