Photographs 19791984. Martha Cooper has a reputation of being the first and foremost photographer of emerging Hip Hop culture in New York City. This book documents the beginning of the phenomenon now known as Hip Hop. Along with the photos are quotes and statements from the people appearing in them. From 1999 to 2003, Akim Walta tracked down the subjects and conducted numerous interviews obtaining insightful quotes and statements. Other members of the early Hip Hop scene, including Zephyr, Charlie Ahearn, Fabel and Patti Astor have contributed fresh essays to this growing body of Hip Hop history.