214 is a photobook about the local hip hop culture in Dallas, Texas between 2012 and 2014 by photographer, Mariah Tyler.
In regards to this project: 214 is a collection of imagery in form of a photobook of the local hip hop community in Dallas/Ft. Worth area of Texas from 2012 to 2014
Outside of this project: 214 is the primary area code of Dallas, TX. Area codes have long been a way to identify the city you represent and/or where you come from.
Great works take time and the Dallas hip hop community continues to grow and slowly gain national recognition. Since moving to New York, I’ve spent my time making the book a reality. Through friends, colleagues, and various job experiences; I have collected feedback and worked to perfect the contents of this book. The book now, both in design and sequence, works cohesively to convey a visually universal story of this community as well as the larger visual history of hip hop culture in America.
The cover of the book was made possible by local artists and makers in the Dallas community sending their stickers to me. The collected stickers are reminiscent of the timespans musicians, spaces, bars and music venues.
The compelling introduction of the book was written by Rodney Blu, a fellow Dallas native. Rodney brought an extremely insightful perspective to this book as he is a well-known figure and voice of the community (he also discusses similar topics in his Burning Bridges weekly podcast).
214 is not just a book of photographs, but also serves as a historical document of Dallas during a time of a hip hop renaissance. Youths inspired to create culture and move it forward. What’s documented in this book continues to grow today. 214 is about a community for a community and with your help can be made a reality by a community.
The risks and challenges when publishing a photobook include the possibility of delay. Through research, I have chosen to print with BookMobile, an American printing house with experience of working with Kickstarter projects. If this campaign is successful, we will do everything possible to make sure the book is published by September 2016.
Printing the items for rewards could also potentially delay but will do everything I can to choose professional, experienced printing companies for each in order to insure quality and shipping on time.