February 10, 2022
Port Authority Bus Terminal conjures up lots of different associations for New Yorkers, depending on which era comes to mind. Back in the days of raunchy Times Square, it was all about innocent young runaways and predatory chickenhawks. In another decade, it was primarily known for sheltering a huge community of homeless people. Recently it’s been back in the news as the destination of a so-called “Iron Pipeline” of guns flowing into the City like a tsunami of death.
But along the way it was also something else: a landmark in the world of hip hop. That’s right, this iconic venue through which tens of thousands of people pass daily, is where many legends of the musical genre and cultural movement first arrived or lit out from on a tour. To honor that legacy, Port Authority is hosting an exhibition of never before seen (in public) photos and artifacts, from now through March 31.
The Gazette ran into Koe Rodriguez of ATW, a co-curator of the show “Living Proof,” as he was putting a finishing touch on the displays. He said that these photographs were taken over a period of years by Irving “Snapshot” Pantin who spent lots of time with hip hop performers, both on stage and off. Through his lens we are now able to see the likes of Grandmaster Flash “on the wheels of steel “at Danceteria, Slick Rick “rockin’ the mic circa mid-80s,” and Biz Markie (RIP) “in a fresh velour Fila suit coolin’ at the LQ in 1986.”
Other photos feature Heavy D, Cool V, King Sun, Just-Ice, Marley Marl, and many more. Some of Snapshot’s gear is also on display – his trusty Konica rig, a Janet Jackson backstage pass, and a vintage Polaroid 420. Koe told the Gazette that there was already a good relationship with Port Authority since 2019 when they hosted a show called, “From the Feet Up” (sneakers, apparel, photography, and books). The Living Proof exhibition also features Kool DJ Red Alert, a legendary NYC disc jockey and hip hop icon. So, if you’re around Midtown West looking for a nice treat, check out Living Proof on the main arcade of PABT.
