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Legendary Celebrity Photographer, Chi Modu Passed Away at 54
The name Chi Modu ring bells if you are an avid Hip-Hop lover or analyst. He was an influential and iconic figure on the photographic side of the spectrum. He captured candid imagery that is monumental beyond recognition. From Tupac Shakur to Wu-Tang Clan, he defined the model of beaux arts, curating simplicity to full momentum.
1990’s Hip-Hop has been one of the most influential eras of music. Many would suggest that the poetic genre acquired creative, eccentric, and rare commodities that could never be replicated.
When you think about Hip-Hop or ‘urban’ music in general, you must think about the iconic photographs that displayed on a plethora of magazines, The Source being one of them.
The name Chi Modu ring bells if you are an avid Hip-Hop lover or analyst. He was an influential and iconic figure on the photographic side of the spectrum. He captured candid imagery that is monumental beyond recognition. From Tupac Shakur to Wu-Tang Clan, he defined the model of beaux arts, curating simplicity to full momentum.
Family members announced Saturday (May 23rd) via Instagram that the iconic photographer passed away abruptly at age 54. To the world of Hip-Hop, this became another painstaking blow.
According to Modu’s Instagram account, family members announced his passing and their disdain, “Our hearts are broken. We continue the fight. The family request privacy at this time.”
However, TMZ alleges that Chi Modu passed away from cancer – after being recently diagnosed with the disease, though it has not been confirmed publicly by his loved ones.
Chi Modu hailed from Nigeria but raised in New Jersey. By 1989, he was an alumnus of Rutgers University with a degree in economics. Modu, however, found a passion of capturing imagery and shortly after graduating, he went on to study at Manhattan International Center of Photography. He cites Roy Decarava and Andre Kertesz as his influences.
By the early 90’s, Modu was an employer with The Source Magazine, and rose to prominence by becoming the director of photography and would later work for Rolling Stone and the New York Times. The duration of his stay with The Source, Modu captured over 30 covers of different Hip-Hop and R&B artists. He also was behind a few iconic albums covers, including ‘Doggystyle’ by Snoop Dogg.
In 2016, Chi Modu released a photographic book of the late Tupac Shakur, titled “Tupac Shalur: Uncategorized.” The book unveils candid images of Tupac within his element, from 1994 until the last photoshoot with Chi.
We send our condolences to the Modu family, friends, and colleagues. May his legacy continue to impact and influence the following generation.
Check out one of his last interviews after the jump.
