From “Who Are the Women in Hip-Hop Videos?” at PDN Photo of the Day :

In a new book by Brian Finke, the photographer delves into questions about the identities of women who appear in hip-hop videos. Often nameless, the women are seen dancing or posing and their presence bestows a superlative status on the male rappers they support. Finke wonders, “What do you call the women in hip-hop videos? Are they hip-hop honeys, video vixens, video girls, models, dancers? Are they revered, oversexualized, demeaned, or empowered? Are they stars or set pieces?”

Looking for answers, Finke spent three years photographing the backstage scenes of music video shoots, getting to know these “hip-hop honeys,” as he calls them. Often professional models, the women appear in videos for artists like Jay-Z, Busta’ Rhymes, and Kanye West. In a statement, Finke described his approach to the project: “As a documentary photographer first and foremost, I was there to observe and photograph the scene taking place. These are people doing their job, from my perspective.” The work, he continues, “is grounded in the study of people–men and women–going about their day and doing their jobs. That’s what inspires me.”

View the entire post and slideshow

Browse the exhibition “Hip Hop Honeys” at ClampArt
Browse the series “Hip Hop Honeys” at ClampArt
Browse all of Brian Finke’s work at ClampArt