At RARO in Genoa, Rappin’ with the Rickster is the first European exhibition dedicated to Ricky Powell since his passing in 2021, reconstructing the Golden Era of the ’80s and ’90s through the eyes of someone who lived that scene on the front lines — unfiltered and unposed. Powell wasn’t simply a photographer: he was a natural insider, a friend, a co-conspirator. He wandered around New York like an invisible narrator, capturing improvised park freestyles, studio sessions, sweaty backstage moments, and the raw energy of the Bronx streets, creating images that have now become a visual heritage for an entire culture.
Curated by Giorgia Borneto and supported by XLARGE® in collaboration with Slam Jam, the exhibition brings photography and streetwear into dialogue — two languages that, in those same years, were rewriting the rules of urban aesthetics. Ricky Powell stood naturally at the intersection of these worlds: his constant presence alongside crews like the Beastie Boys and Run-DMC offered not just documentation but a new way of representing artists and lifestyle, helping shape the global visual identity of hip-hop.
On display are some of his most iconic portraits — images that cut straight to the heart of the culture — along with previously unseen photographs that bring to light intimate moments, spontaneous gestures, and unposed glances. It is in this visual honesty that Powell continues to stand apart: every image feels as if it breathes, vibrating with the same creative urgency that fueled the rise of hip-hop.
The experience becomes even more immersive thanks to an introduction by Powell’s manager and archive director, accompanied by a DJ set from DJ Smoke L.E.S., Powell’s friend and longtime collaborator who flew in from New York. His musical selection envelops the projection of archival videos and materials, transporting visitors into the frequencies and atmospheres of the era — as if The Rickster were still there, moving through the crowd with his camera hanging from his neck.
With over 20 images, combining foundational works and rare unpublished material, Hip-Hop Uncut restores the spontaneity, energy, and truth of an unrepeatable moment. It is a sincere tribute to an artist who captured hip-hop culture not as a myth, but as a living, everyday, pulsing reality. Ricky Powell remains a privileged witness to a cultural revolution that continues to influence music, fashion, and art — and this exhibition reignites its full power.
