Nov 3, 2015Article Source: Mass Appeal - http://massappeal.com/iconic-hip-hop-albums-in-google-maps-street-view-part-2/?view-all=1
Tasia Prince
While some may argue that the digital era has taken away from how consumers view albums, it has definitely allowed us to reinvigorate the art form. Back in April, we embarked on a journey to discover where some of our favorite hip hop album covers were shot using Google Maps. After reading through your numerous suggestions, we spent the past few months digging for more gems. Upgrade that knowledge by checking out our latest edition of Iconic Hip Hop Albums in Google Street View below
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Eminem – The Marshall Mathers LP 2
Album Cover Shot By: Jeremy Deputat
Although the movie 8 Mile was loosely based on his Eminem’s life, the rapper actually spent his childhood on 19946 Dresden Street in Detroit. After the state of Michigan deemed the house “structurally unsafe,” it was demolished on November 20, 2013.
T.I. – Trap Muzik
Album Cover Shot By: Kevin Knight
The self proclaimed King of the South shot the cover for his second studio album in the now-abandoned Dixie Hills apartment complex in West Atlanta, Zone 1. Run The Jewels member Killer Mike also grew up in this neighborhood.
Mack 10 – Based On A True Story
Album Cover Shot By: Michael Miller
The West Coast rapper shot the cover for his second album off of the corner of Winston and South Los Angeles Street. Stephen Ziegler, Winston Street’s unofficial curator, lives just a few feet away on 118th Winston, where he cleaned and painted dozens of murals in the alley and on adjacent buildings.
Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five – The Message
Album Cover Shot By: Yash-Hemu Aggarwal
This hip hop classic was shot on the corner of Fredrick Douglas Blvd and 123rd Street just two blocks away from the Apollo Theater in Harlem. Ironically, with the exception of Melle Mel, no other members featured on the cover had a major role on the album.
Various Artists – Music From and Inspired by The Motion Picture 8 Mile
Album Cover Shot By: Cole Gerst
Eminem shot the album cover for the 8 Mile soundtrack off Eight Mile Rd and Schultes Ave near The Dive Bar. On the map, the Eight Mile serves as a dividing line between physical and cultural regions in Detroit, Michigan.
Jay Z – Life and Times Vol. 3
Album Cover Shot By: Jonathan Mannion
Jay Z shot the album cover for his fourth studio album on 46th Street and 6th Ave, just a few blocks away from the Rockefeller Center on 48th.
Kool Moe Dee – How Ya Like Me Now
Album Photo Credit: Douglas Rowell
Kool Moe Dee’s sophomore album remains his best selling album to date. The album cover was shot between Avenues C and D almost 30 years ago. Now, the empty lot is Orchard Alley Garden.
Fabolous – Loso’s Way
Album Photo Credit: Lionel Deluy
A lit Brooklyn Bridge serves as the backdrop for the Brooklyn emcee’s fifth studio album, Loso’s Way. When the bridge was first opened in 1883, 2,000 arc lights were used to light it, marking the first time electric lights were used over a river.
Noreaga – Melvin Flynt
Album Cover Shot By: Danny Clinch
N.O.R.E chose to s---t his second album where he grew up, LeFak City Projects in Queens. Prodigy, Akinyele, and Kool G Rap are also from this neighborhood.
Beastie Boys – Paul’s Boutique
Album Cover Shot By: Jeremy Shatan/Mathew Cohen (photography assistant)
Mike D reached out to Jeremy Shatan, his former Young Aborigines bandmate, to s---t the Beastie Boys’ sophomore album. The iconic LES landmark is just a few stores over from Economy Candy, which was started by the Cohen family in 1937.
3rd Bass – Derelicts of Dialect
Album Cover Shot By: Michael Lavine
3rd Bass’ second and final album cover was shot off of Water and New Dock Street under the Brooklyn Bridge. Not far away, the first ferry landing opened in 1642, which was turned into Empire Fulton Ferry Park in 1978.
Del Tha Funkee Homosapien – No Need For Alarm
Album Cover Shot By: Carl Posey
Del’s album was shot in front of the pagoda gazebo in Oakland’s Chinatown. This former railroad park on 7th Street is now known as Harrison Square.