In 2010 FRANK151 had the pleasure of having legend and longtime friend Ricky Powell curate one of our chapter books, Chapter 43: Bug Out! Below is a brief history of the one and only Ricky Powell as well as what he brought to the table for Chapter 43.
New York is brimming with creative characters, but few have the history or style of Ricky Powell. The self described “Bummy Sophisticate” is best known as a NYC-born photographer with a passion for people, animals, sports, and the city that raised hi.
Ricky’s interest in photography started in the mid-80’s, right around the time he connected with an up-and-coming hip-hop trio called the Beastie Boys. Before long he became known as “the fourth Beastie Boy.” Twenty-five years later, the “Oscar Madison of Hip-Hop” has published four photo collections, hosted his own local-access TV show (Rappin’ With The Rickster), co-hosted the Chances with Wolves radioshow, shot for countless amounts of magazines and newspapers, and contributed his work to several apparel lines. Converse and Puma have even produced a show with Ricky.
Frank Book Chapter 43: Ricky Powell: Bugout! promises to be just that. Ricky has hand selected a cast of contributors that are as prolific and eccentric as the Funky Uncle himself. This installment will feature an intimate look into the Rickster’s famed Greenwich Village home, as well as conversations with photographer Jamal Shabazz, Ralph McDaniels, EDAN (who Ricky has dubbed “The Jewish Big Daddy Kane”), graffiti veteran DR. REVOLT, and many others. Other Chapter 43 highlights will be photo/art collaborations between Ricky and a collection of artists – both established and new to the scene – and a fashion shoot featuring iconic NYC awnings.
