Drive By Shooting: Johannesburg

It's been a while since I've last blogged. Today, I'm going to do what I do best and speak to you with my images. Here's the deal... I was asked by Mary J. Blige and her husband Kendu to join them on a trip to South Africa. I accepted their invitation. We left Los Angeles on Sunday night, and after being en-route for nearly 24 hours, we finally arrived in Johannesburg yesterday. As soon as we checked into the hotel, I dropped off my luggage, grabbed the cameras, and wasted no time starting my journey through the streets of Joburg. What I experienced has totally changed my life. At the end of the trip I will write a more detailed recap of my journey.

Posted by D-Nice on October 16, 2007 04:59 PM | Permalink

Comments

Wow.
Went from MySpace to Your Space.
Glad I've found you. Very nice work.
Impressive...

Posted by: Nathalie | January 3, 2008 07:30 PM

I was listening to some old KRS-One and of course your name was mentioned. Then I thought, I wonder what's he doing these days? I then came across some information on Wikipedia. Again, I thought, could this be him, a photographer now?

Well, I'm surely impressed with your work. God guides each and everyone of us towards the path that he has chosen for us. indeed, he has chosen photography for you. Therefore, keep doing what you're doing BRO! peace from Cali!

BlakkMinded

Posted by: BlakkMinded | December 12, 2007 05:49 PM

Very Powerful images.... Keep shooting.

Posted by: michelle | November 16, 2007 06:41 PM

I love these pics!!! Can't wait to go over there one day

Posted by: Gee-O | October 31, 2007 09:46 PM

I love these pics!!! Can't wait to go over there one day

Posted by: Gee-O | October 31, 2007 09:46 PM

Hey D iam one of your biggest fans since the days of my name is D-nice just call me D-nice, BDP anyway thanks for taking such amazing pics of my city Joburg, it would have been nice to meet up with you while you were here in Jozi, and iam sure you enjoyed your stay and the people good looking!

Posted by: sandile Mlambo | October 26, 2007 09:54 AM

You are just da bomb.

Thanks.

Posted by: jacqueline | October 25, 2007 11:56 AM

As always I am so inspired by your work. I absolutely love the B&W pics! The wholeness behind each image is so real. You seem to capture people at the one moment photographers wish for. Where that one millisecond of emotion reads across their face.
Thank You!

MissJones
B-More, MD

Posted by: miss jones | October 23, 2007 06:01 PM

nice flicks D

RIP Lucky Dube

Posted by: BMG | October 23, 2007 12:19 AM

You are so blessed and have been such a blessing to me. When I visit your site, I feel uplifted. Your images speak to me and capture such emotion. I am completely moved by your pics. I just love Malinda and love you guys together. Continued success and much love to you both. God's blessings!

Posted by: Blessed | October 21, 2007 12:27 AM

Mr. Jones,

I was browsing the internet for information on Johannesburg when I came across your website. I am extremely impressed with your talent. My first time to Johannesburg was in the Fall of 2002 and your pictures capture much of the emotion I experienced. The warmth I felt from the people, my first safari, and the fact that another beautiful world exists outside of the US. Most of us are not blessed with being able to make money doing something we love. Keep doing what you do.

Signed,
An Admirer of your work

Posted by: Pamerah | October 19, 2007 12:27 PM

I see what you feel.
You are truly gifted.

Posted by: Nea | October 18, 2007 01:15 PM

D, first let me say that this is some of your best work to date. You have an amazing eye for pulling emotion from a subject.

Posted by: Nikki | October 18, 2007 09:21 AM

keep doing your thing my bro.being focus is the key in you focus stay up.iong time friend from 950 woodycrest!holla im chillin

Posted by: kendog | October 18, 2007 08:47 AM

What's good D-nice!Thanks for the updates and mail. Can see the multitasker in you just couldn't let jetlag keep you off exploring the RSA,lol!
The pics are ill and am eagerly awaiting the text when you get some time. Stay up & pass regards to MJB & Kendu.

Posted by: akiey | October 18, 2007 03:11 AM

yea D! once again, u have amazed us all with your exquisite works of art. i have been dying to get new images from you, and you made it worth the wait as usual. luv ya, miss ya, take care.

Posted by: starli | October 18, 2007 12:27 AM

that's what's up. documenting life, snatching them moments that will never be again. it's modern- but still flavored with the culture.i envy you (in a good way) thanks for the inspiration. i too will travel the world and show it to the rest of the world through my eyes.maybe I'll get a comment from you one day. take care and keep clcking!!!!!

Posted by: kat williamson | October 17, 2007 10:07 PM

Peace, Light, and Love

Thank you for the pics

Great photography

nice to see the mother land

through your lens

Salaam

Sister Lovely

Posted by: Sister Lovely | October 17, 2007 09:44 PM

These are amazing images...incredibly moving...thanks for sharing d-!

Posted by: Kim | October 17, 2007 07:20 PM

Good work D-nice!...Mary J. Blige actually borrowed some of your material from "Call Me D-nice" on one of her songs...Do you still keep in touch with Kris?...I saw in an interview where he mentioned in addition to working with Marley Marl, he also wanted to work with you and other former Boogie Down Production members...

Posted by: E | October 17, 2007 06:38 PM

Yay, you're back updating! Beautiful images! I know being in South Africa was a great experience for you!

Posted by: inga | October 17, 2007 06:05 PM

Thanks for reminding me about the importance of documenting our story... you've reminded me about the importance of capturing the moment... damn the industry that wants to put us in a box... we are so much more than that... your pics remind me of Jamaica W.I.... therre is beauty in our everyday life we just need daily reminders... peace s

Posted by: Sonji | October 17, 2007 05:53 PM

As always you never disappoint. I am a huge fan of your photography and as a kid I listened to you rap. It is so nice to know that your creative spirit lives on. Oh and the djing skills are off the hook!!

My friend went to work in Jburg on some film production and he decided to make Johannesburg his home, now I see why he stayed. Your pictures are stunningly gorgeous and brought tears to my eyes and I know you have much more to share so I patiently wait for you to post them.

Thanks for sharing, I need to start making travel arrangements; for now more than ever I need to visit the Motherland.

Veranda

Posted by: Veranda | October 17, 2007 05:16 PM

dope!

Posted by: fayemi | October 17, 2007 04:35 PM

Pic1: Like Water:

The luxury of a freedom that quenches my thirst,
so simple, for you and me.
A thirst of Hope
cuppled in the hands of those less privileged tends to purify the Soul. It's as if he sips from a fountain of Faith and reminds me to be thankful for the simple things in life!
Substance flows....

Your images inspire me to speak....easy!
Continue to shoot for the stars!
Peace & Blessings
~iSpeakEasy/BeGirlInc.

Posted by: Joyce azor | October 17, 2007 02:28 PM

Nice work on the photos. Reminds me of my 1st trip to Kenya...I couldn't put my camera down either. Email me if you want to see some of my photos from the village. Also, it was good to finally see you spin at 50's release party at Body English. You are a mentor to so many...please keep up the good work.

Posted by: LEXDIGGY | October 17, 2007 01:38 PM

My husband and I had the opportunity to travel to South Africa (Cape Town & Johannesburg) 4 years ago and had the most amazing time getting to know the people. We felt like we were home, and haven't felt that feeling since the trip until now after seeing your photos. Thanks for taking us back! It was an experience we will never forget.

Posted by: Anika Walker-Johnson | October 17, 2007 01:30 PM

you have moved me for many years with respect to your hip hop history. you as a photog, i have a renewed respect for the natural eye and feel of your work. peace

Posted by: Tammy | October 17, 2007 01:29 PM

You capture the essence of people and places so easily! Thanks for sharing such a memorable experience. I felt like I was there.

Posted by: Shelly Shell | October 17, 2007 12:44 PM

Wow honey, these photos are spectacular! The opening shot of the lion is STRIKING! I'm so proud of you! ;)

Posted by: Dei West | October 17, 2007 12:42 PM

Great images, again. I hope to make it out there myself eventually. Keep it up.

Posted by: oMAR eLLIS | October 17, 2007 12:41 PM

Simply Beautiful!!! Thanks for sharing!

Posted by: sm | October 17, 2007 12:39 PM

Question,.. Could you tell me what the guy is cutting or about to cut in the 10th picture?

Much love and keep up the good work!
Thanks

Posted by: Monica | October 17, 2007 12:33 PM