Photographer Atsuko Tanaka was born in Tokyo. She moved to the U.S. in 1991 as a teenager, and studied photography in Los Angeles before relocating to New York City, where she quickly gained recognition for her images of legendary hip-hop artists. Equipped with a distinct sensibility that captured subtle expressions and moods of her subjects, it didn't take long before Atsuko found herself shooting the likes of Eminem, Jay-Z, Nas, Capone-N-Noreaga, Redman, RZA and many more, as well as album cover art for popular Japanese artists. While continuing to photograph celebrities, artists and street fashion for both American and Japanese media, in 2006 Atsuko was named one of the "100 Most Respected Japanese in the World" by Newsweek Japan. In fall 2011, Atsuko moved her base back to Tokyo after two decades in the States. She still frequently travels abroad for work and inspiration. You can sample some of her work above and below, but you'll definitely want to follow Atsuko Tanaka's feed on Instagram for a ton of incredible photos from her archives. Enjoy...
