The Studio Session: A Multinational Collaboration
In 2015, I was invited to document a hip-hop recording session with a multinational group of musicians in Los Angeles. The energy in the room was electric, every beat and lyric a product of collaboration between diverse cultures and musical backgrounds.
Hip-hop, a genre born out of the African American experience, has grown into a global phenomenon, influencing everything from fashion to social movements. This session was a testament to the genre's ability to bring people together in pursuit of artistic expression.
The monochrome aesthetic of the photographs I captured allowed for a focus on the texture and nuance of the creative process. Yet, beyond the art, there’s an important story about education, inequality, and the role of music in society.
The Inequality in Music Education
Los Angeles has a rich musical history, but its education system is a stark reflection of the city’s inequalities. Public schools in wealthier districts have long enjoyed better funding, more access to arts programs, and greater resources.
By contrast, schools in lower-income areas often struggle to provide the basics, let alone robust music programs.
According to a study by the Public Policy Institute of California, per-pupil spending has been historically unequal, with schools in affluent areas often receiving more than double the funding compared to schools in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.
This disparity is particularly concerning in a city like LA, where access to music education can be a stepping stone for many aspiring musicians. The Reagan-era budget cuts to education in the 1980s, which disproportionately affected urban areas, exacerbated this issue, and the gap continues to widen. Many LA-based music schools and programs rely on private funding, leaving talented students in underserved areas without the opportunities they need to thrive.
The Music Industry and Accountability
The recent scandals in the music industry involving high-profile figures have also brought to light the importance of accountability. Many of these issues stem from systemic problems within the industry, including the exploitation of young artists and unequal access to resources.
The music schools that train these artists are not immune to these pressures. As we examine how these institutions are funded and who gains access to them, it’s clear that change is necessary.
Hip-hop, with its roots in resistance and social commentary, remains a powerful tool for highlighting these inequalities.
The session I photographed, though a moment of artistic collaboration, is also a reminder of the broader systemic challenges that shape the music industry and the lives of those who aspire to be a part of it.