Ernie Paniccioli

By: Gregory Mannino

Little more than three decades ago an energy was beginning to form. It was found increasingly in the suburbs of the cities and in essence part of a culture that can be found even today. The energy was and still is, Hip Hop. No one has helped to launch its awareness to the world better than the legendary Hip Hop Photographer himself, Ernie Paniccioli. Before rap and hip hop videos adorned screens and airwaves all over the world, Ernie with the use of his endless drive and intuitive style of photography, was beginning to help mainstream hip hop legends like Slick Rick, Grandmaster Flash, Rock Steady Crew, Doug E. Fresh, Ice Cube, Queen Latifah, Public Enemy, Salt-N-Pepa, and so many more. He helped let loose the soul of hip hop and make it happen on the world.

A Native American growing up in a white man's society, Ernie broke the barrier of stereotypes… As a young man growing up in Brooklyn in areas such as Park Slope, Bedford Stuyvesant and Flatbush in the 1970's, Paniccioli picked up a camera for the first time and instantly converted his interest and abilities from painter to photographer. Inspired by his feelings of being cast as a second class citizen and perhaps through a gift from above, he started out by taking photographs of the graffiti that embodied the borough. Unaware to Paniccioli, he had stumbled upon his unforeseen destiny.

No one has mastered the art of photography better than Paniccioli. His work has decorated such illustrious publications as Rolling Stone, Vibe, The New York Times, Newsweek, Life, Spin and Ebony, to name a few. He has also shot for MTV and VH1 and has photos published in books, on album covers and posters throughout the globe. Paniccioli's work has also been displayed in various exhibits such as, The New York City Urban Experience Museum where 110 pieces from his Hip Hop Gallery were displayed making it the largest one man photography show in New York City history. Some of the most famous caught by his lens include , John F. Kennedy, Jr. , Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Carter, Liza Minelli, Andy Warhol, Michael Jackson, Minister Louis Farrakhan, Michael Jordan, Britney Spears, Aaliyah, Snoop, Jay Z, Run DMZ, and The Dalai Lama, the list is endless. When asked which of his photographs is his favorite, Ernie responds… "My favorite photograph is my next one."

Alongside his phenomenal career in photography, Paniccioli has found a way to inspire others. Portraying hip hop as a communication tool, he has lectured on the art and nature of hip hop at numerous universities and other forums throughout the nation. He has also been a dynamic guest speaker on hundreds of radio stations. Although some might say that Hip Hop today has fallen off its base, according to Ernie, "We need not look further than the world that surrounds us…. Hip Hop is a mirror of Society. The problem is not Hip Hop moving in the wrong direction, it's us. We are the ones moving off track". Paniccioli is scheduled to speak at Yale University in March 2008 and Harvard University in April 2008.

Although his success in photography has brought his talents to remarkable heights, Paniccioli has never set boundaries on his ability to branch out into other fields. "Who Shot Ya", his first book and the only hardcover photo book to display three decades of Hip Hop photography by one photographer was packed with 210 full page color images. It earned praise from around the world, winning The New York Public Library Best Book For Teens Award 2003.

Paniccioli's overwhelming drive and determination has lead to his most recent accomplishments: In November 2007 his 90 minute film, "Another Side of Hip Hop", which portrays his life, art, work, photography and politics was screened for the first time at The Big Apple Film Festival and won Best Documentary 2007. It has also recently screened at The San Diego Black Film Festival. In December of 2007 he appeared in the Oscar winning Phillip Seymour Hoffman's play, "The Long Red Road", at the Public Theatre. Amazingly, in January of 2008 he self published five new books: "Rap Pop and Soul Headshots" Vol 1; "Rap Pop and Soul Headshots" Vol. 2; "Four Decades of Artwork By Ernie Paniccioli 1967-2007"; "Ernie Paniccioli 4 Decades of Color Artwork 1962-2007" and his latest, "Deeper", which contains 80 of his most powerful and astonishing pics ever, each stirring the senses with their own diverse meaning.

The accomplishments Paniccioli is most proud of encompass being chosen by KRS1 to be the spokesman for The Temple of Hip Hop at The United Nations during the Hip Hop Peace Conference in May of 2001, as well as being invited to be on the steering committee of the Federation for The Preservation of Hip Hop Culture when he appeared alongside Afrika Bambaataa, KRS1, Melli Mel, Kurtis Blow, Cold Crush, Joe Conzo, Crash Crew, and many other pioneers. Paniccioli sums up his success as follows: "Creativity can be defined as creating or unleashing something different on the world. Limitations should never be set, and as an artist you must constantly strive to reinvent yourself."

As for his upcoming plans, Paniccioli aspires to publish another five books within the next two months, hoping to become the first person ever to publish ten books within one year. You can find information and purchase all of Paniccioli's books exclusively at www.lulu.com