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Jonathan Hanson

Baltimore Hip-hop Through The Lens of Jonathan Hanson

A group of Baltimore rappers sit in a a dimly lit hallway before going on stage. Rapper Bossman, in front, wears sunglasses, a headscarf, and holds a drink, while others gather around him, some looking towards the camera. A black and white photo of a performer holding a mic and reaching toward the camera, wearing a backwards cap, with another person beside him flashing a peace sign in a lively, dimly lit venue. A man wearing sunglasses sits pensively in a dimly lit recording studio, with graffiti-style wall art, a keyboard, posters, and framed photos visible in the background. A lively crowd at a concert raises their arms and cheers, expressing excitement and energy. Some people hold phones to capture the moment. The scene is in black and white.

Jonathan Hanson, a New York based advertising and lifestyle photographer is seasoned visual storyteller. He lived in Baltimore for over 10 years before moving to NYC and has long been drawn to the authentic spirit of Baltimore. Through his ongoing personal project on the city’s hip‑hop scene, he brings into focus the gritty passion and raw humanity of its creators. His work resonates with cultural authenticity and vibrant life. Baltimore, with all its cracked sidewalks, murals, and fading neon signs, still hums with resilient creativity. In this hip-hop series he set out not to document a genre but to give a voice to the people who craft it. He sought artists who live it, on the street, in the studio, on stage.

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