"With his legendary swag, Norman Anderson, aka Normski, hip-hop ambassador in the United Kingdom since its emergence in the 1980s, is the great archivist of these glory days he captured London to Detroit." — Rolling Stone France
"The difference between Normski's photograph of me and any other is that it captures my soul." — Goldie
"He was a larger-than-life character, full of energy and totally motivating. He really was the hip hop photographer of the day in the UK." — Stereo MC's
"This book contains a striking catalogue of images, many of which have been exhibited by establishments such as Tate Britain, the V&A, Somerset House and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture." — Marcus Barnes
"On the heels of Hip-Hop's 50th anniversary, Man with the Golden Shutter is a celebratory record of hip-hop as much as it is a definitive collection of Normski's incredible photographs." — GQ Middle East
Normski was a vital witness to the period known as the Golden Age of Rap, when big US artists like Run DMC, LL Cool J and Public Enemy started to play in the UK. At the same time, a British music scene born of Black music and myriad multicultural influence was developing, giving birth to Jungle, Garage and Techno.
The author, who describes himself as having been a "young Black British homeboy photographer", was in the right place at the right time to document the emergent music, community and social movements of hip hop and rap in the UK. Normski: Man with the Golden Shutter presents Normski's personal journey through that world from the mid-1980s to early 1990s.
The book includes Normski's often previously unseen photographs of Public Enemy, N.W.A., Cypress Hill, De La Soul, Goldie, Ice-T, Run DMC, Wu-Tang Clan and many others, alongside the photographer's stories and anecdotes from the centre of what would become a hugely influential cultural movement.
Industry Reviews
"Normski, who took up photography at least in part because he couldn't breakdance, said: 'To me, hip hop is a voice for those who never had a voice." - Mail Online
"He described himself as "a little innocent Black guy with a camera" whose approach was to be as spontaneous as hip hop music often is." - Reuters
"On the heels of Hip-Hop's 50th anniversary, Man with the Golden Shutter is a celebratory record of hip-hop as much as it is a definitive collection of Normski's incredible photographs." - GQ Middle East
Normski is at The Photographers' Gallery for his book launch and signing on Friday 22nd September 2023 - The Photographers' Gallery
Interview with Normski starts at 1:06:45 on BBC London on 29th September 2023 - BBC London
Interview with Normski starts at 21:40 on 6th October 2023 on Soho Radio. - Soho Radio
Normski's latest interview with Indigo Reign for the Drum & Bass show on Rinse FM on 7th October 2023. - Rinse FM
"NORMSKI The Man With The Golden Shutter Talks Hip-hop Jungle Dance Energy Photography & PLUS New Book." - Allcity TaxiTalk Show
"...with the publication of his first book of photographs, the fantastic Normski: The Man With The Golden Shutter, a collection that is full of larger-than-life street photography and the cream of 1980s and '90s hip hop grandees." - DJ History
Ceri Hand talks to legendary photographer and TV host Normski. He shares his extraordinary journey from capturing the burgeoning hip-hop scene in the 1980s to becoming Britain's foremost youth presenter. - Extraordinary Creatives Podcast
"On the heels of hip hop's 50th anniversary this year, a book of photographs from legendary lensman Normski explores the genre's early years in the UK." - Virgin Airlines' Vera Magazine
"As hip-hop celebrates half a century, Normski's photographs offer a time capsule of its indelible impact on the UK's cultural tapestry." - WhyNow
"Normski's diverse talents in photography, television presenting, and DJ'ing have made him a beloved and influential figure in the UK's urban and music scenes. His work continues to inspire and resonate with audiences, making him a respected icon in the cultural sphere." - Old Skool Movements Podcast
"New book by hip-hop photographer Normski captures Detroit techno on the cusp of success." - Detroit Free Press
"From its humble beginnings, Normski recorded the rise of hip-hop culture as it became a global phenomenon." - Digital Photographer Magazine
"Hot on the heels of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, we look at the man who not only captured its birth but was very much part of its Golden Age." - Maxim Australia
"From its humble beginnings, Normski recorded the rise of hip-hop culture as it became a global phenomenon." - Digital Camera World
"The book includes Normski's often previously unseen photographs of Public Enemy, N.W.A., Cypress Hill, De La Soul, Goldie, Ice-T, Run DMC, Wu-Tang Clan and many others, alongside the photographer's stories and anecdotes from the center of what would become a hugely influential cultural movement." - Blackout HipHop
"Unwrap the gift of rap with this tome featuring the photos of Britain's Norman "Normski" Anderson as he captured the U.K.'s emerging hip-hop scene of the 1980s." - Newsday
"British photographer Norman Anderson, aka Normski, recorded the rise of hip-hop culture as it became a global phenomenon." - WGN News
"With his legendary swag, Norman Anderson, aka Normski, hip-hop ambassador in the United Kingdom since its emergence in the 1980s, is the great archivist of these glory days he captured London to Detroit." - Rolling Stone France
