Sam Conant – more commonly known as Cones – is a staple in the hip-hop space. Throughout his decade in the game, the music photographer has amassed quite the collection of photos – concert, candid, and everything in between – of the new age of hip-hop talent. Cones has compiled some of the highlights into his first-ever photo book: a 328-page offering entitled Happy To Be Here.
Between 2014 and 2023, Cones flicked up some of the most prominent figures in the rap ether, including of Lil Uzi Vert, Playboi Carti, Lil Tecca, A$AP Rocky, Metro Boomin, Post Malone and Offset – who all appear in the pages of Happy To Be Here.
“Although the photos captured in Happy To Be Here document my time spent chasing down hip-hop icons over the past decade as I found my footing in the industry, this book is really meant to inspire the next generation of creatives," Cones conveyed in a statement.
"I want to provide hope and maybe even a path to follow for the kids at home reading this wondering how they can make their dreams a reality."
Take a first look at the some of the shots in the gallery below.
To celebrate the release of Happy To Be Here, Cones is hosting a launch party tonight, Friday, November 8, at KidSuper's Gallery in Brooklyn, with the admission-free pop-up photo exhibit remaining open all weekend. Those who purchase a physical copy of the book at the event are ensured to get a Cones signature stamped on it as well.
Happy To Be Here is on sale now for $120 USD at the book's official website.
Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast
