MEL D. COLE OF VILLAGESLUM.COM

A few days ago we came across New York based photographer Mel D. Cole who caught our attention with his rich black & white photos focusing on concerts, celebrities, nightclubs, exclusive parties and street shots. It's always interesting seeing what celebs get up too "behind the scenes" and Mel.D Cole has captured some really special moments of numerous big names in his work. Slide over to his website (link below) to view more of his collection.


Rev Run & Diddy

What did you dream of being when you were a kid?
A bunch of s#@%. A G.I Joe, Fireman, Football player, garbage man, bus driver, DJ, record store owner among others.

What are you doing now in your life?
I am a photographer based in the NYC/Jersey City, NJ U.S.A area.


Questlove

What has been the best advice given to you to about surviving in the entertainment industry?
Hmmmm. Not really advice but I asked Questlove of The Roots why he doesn't take photos anymore and he told me he wants people (celebs) to look at him as a peer and not a fan. I deal with this issue everyday when I'm shooting celebs. I am not your average photog, I look at celeb as well...local so far but I can see that things will get bigger and I want everyone to look at me as a peer and not JUST that dude who takes pics. When poeple hear that f@#% what’s his name?? The dude that shoots everyone....ummm ummm got it...Terry Richardson. So yeah when cats hear he is coming back stage they look at him as a peer right of the bat. I want that! You get way more access with that pass. Why? because you are one of them.

Where do you get your fashion inspiration from?
Good question. Complex magazine? hahah JK On some real s#@%, before I knew what was up I use to read that and say to myself ...self where the f@#% do you get them THAT s#@% from? Now...not only do I know where to get it, but I know who is making what I wanna get. Shout out to 10 Deep, Leroy Jenkins, Reason, King Stampede and all the folks that send me s#@%. Ok to answer your question. I really don't know where i get my fashion inspiration from. I guess the streets and from friends.


Yokohma, Baystars Baseball game in Japan

Describe your style to us?
Part vintage, skate, rocker, street, hood, and preppy but not that often. I stay on my not giving a f@#%, while giving a f@#%, type style.

Describe your outfit when you go out?
Most times I will have on a pair of dunks or lately I have been rocking these smelly ass vans. Right now I am loving my grey Levi skinny jeans. And I will have on a tee. Last summer I rocked a ton of white v neck joints. But I also rock out graphic tees from the brands I mentioned above.


Necro Butcher

What item of clothing would you like to see brought back?
All the s#%@ I grew up loving and never had is back like triple fat goose and shell toes (which never really left) Hmmmm I guess, ummm ummmm nothing. Bring back Hockey Jerseys f@#% it! Where is Bo$? Didn't she rock them in her vid back in the day?

Who is a person that has been an inspiration to you?
As far as my work goes, right now I would have to say Ricky Powell, Questlove and Rich Mednia. Those 3 dudes have been super fans of me and my work. There's nothing like getting a co-sign from people that are both heroes to you and peers.


Kid Cudi

Who is the ultimate Spader to you?
This has to be Questlove. Dude has opened the doors for me like none other! There would be no Mel at Diddy's White Party. There wouldn't be a bunch of s@#% going on right now. Dude believes me in so much. I just don't want to disappoint him. I want to work as hard as I can to own this s@#% that I do. I want to be the best! So, I am going to take this moment and again say thank you to Questlove.

Mel


Mel D. Cole


Diddy & Mos Def


Rev Al Sharpton, Rich Medina, Va$htie and Q-Tip

MEL D. COLE OF VILLAGESLUM.COM