Respect the Shooter: Mel D. Cole

“Kid Cudi, Emile, and Dot the Genius” (Some studio in NYC 2008)

I became friends with Cudi after photographing him perform “Day N Nite” about 10 times or so throughout his A Kid Named Cudi mixtape days. Sometimes I was among the 20 other people there. I always knew there was something special beyond just his one hit. And soon he was signed to a major label and getting the respect of some of the greatest artist such as JAY Z, Kanye West, and more. Look at him now – superstar, actor and great person. I am happy that I was able to see his rise. [It’s] always special to see someone grow, and grow up. For this photo, there is not much to it, the three of them were talking about Cudi’s first upcoming project. I took a snap maybe a few more and tried to stay out the way. Sometimes it’s all about being in the right place at the right moment!