Taken for the iconic Vanity Fair editorial The Kings and Queens of Hip-Hop: The Music Portfolio 2005, DJ Kool Herc stands leaning on a red Cadillac Eldorado with one hand in his pocket wearing a vibrant blue jacket repping the name of the street from where it all began. Herc was instrumental in establishing what became the basis for hip-hop music, isolating the “breaks" or drum beats and playing them repeatedly on multiple turntables. His contributions to the culture rightfully positions him within this editorial amongst the likes of Jay Z, Kanye West and Russel Simmons. Posed proudly here with his “Herculord speakers,” the direct gazes of his two children Dejá and Javon attest to their father’s undeniable legacy.