For Episode 30, I was joined by photographer/videographer David "Shadi" Perez.
Bronx native, Shadi, spoke about coming up in the borough and his early influences of the time. As a young teen in the 80's rollerskating, hip-hop, skating, graffiti, and breakdancing scenes; he explained always being immersed in street culture. His father shot photos and through this Shadi began to stay with a camera and document his experiences.
We spoke about him starting to work for early Stussy, forming a relationship with James Jebbia, and beginning to help out at Supreme at its inception. Meeting Sue Kwon, he explains what a powerhouse she was in the industry and how his relationship to her deeply shaped the people he'd meet. Eventually, Shadi ventured into working in videography and directed several music videos for the likes of The Beastie Boys, Big Pun, Onyx, Fat Joe, etc.
There are a ton of stories in this one! Going to Miami in '91 to shoot some crazy rap party and shooting photos of Tupac. Riding around on the back of David Blaine's motorcycle to go photograph him doing magic for Bill Clinton. You know, Shadi kept saying I was dating him with my questions lol, but the dream is to get older and have lived that much life! (Also he's like 50 or some shit which ain't even old) Shit some day imma say "Back in 2022" and kids are gonna look at me with the screw face, but I hope I have this many stories to tell when I look back!
Much love and respect to Mr. Perez for trusting me and allowing me into his home to chop it up. God I hate that phrase lol. Is the conversation an onion? Yo, Link n build bro, link n build!
I know that normally I write these out, but Shadi has just worked with too many people, Ye level name dropping was going on, and I have other papers to write!
This is a fun one ;) Enjoy!