This is so sad. The Hip Hop community is mourning the loss of famed photographer Chi Modu. He was 54 years old.
His death was announced on his Twitter. “Our hearts are broken… We continue the fight. The family request privacy at this time.
See the post below.
Our hearts are broken… We continue the fight ©💪🏾
The family request privacy at this time 📷 pic.twitter.com/zaPXgvgdcm
— chi modu (@chimodu) May 22, 2021
Born in Nigerian and raised in New Jersey, Modu graduated from Rutgers University and then went on to pursue photojournalism at the International Center of Photography in New York. He later went on to work for Amsterdam News based in Harlem before getting his position as Director of Photography at The Source Magazine.
Modu is known for some of his iconic photos, such as Mobb Deep’s The Infamous album cover, Tupac Shakur’s black and white bandanna pic, and The Notorious B.I.G in front of the World Trade Center.
Jonathan Shecter, the co-founder of The Source sent a beautiful message to Modu. He tweeted out, “Rest peacefully Chi, your warm heart and your artistic gifts will thrive in this sphere forever. Love you brother.”
Devastatingly sad news: the sudden passing of Chi Modu—legendary hip-hop photographer, good-hearted friend, talented colleague, kind soul.
Rest peacefully Chi, your warm heart and your artistic gifts will thrive in this sphere forever. Love you brother.
So many memories… 😢 pic.twitter.com/iztrD0I6YR
— Jonathan Shecter (@SheckyGreen) May 22, 2021
Chi Modu’s cause of death has not been revealed yet. We will keep his family and loved ones in our prayers.
Rest In Peace Chi Modu.