Ernie Paniccioli is one of the most influential Hip Hop photographers of all time, a Native American Cree elder from Brooklyn, NY. His work has been featured in every Hip Hop and music publication imaginable, including: Rolling Stone, The New York Times, Time Magazine, The Source, Vibe, The Village Voice, Playboy, and Entertainment Weekly among many more.
Ernie’s 60th birthday party was an event to remembered that was covered by major press in the music business so he wanted his 70th to follow suit. Being fans of New York hip-hop, 8th Nation was honored when Ernie reached out to help organize the event. The only issue, there little to no budget to pull it off.
Utilizing Ernie’s vast network and clout as a respected elder in the hip-hop community, 8th Nation persuaded major shoe brand, Steve Madden, to generously sponsor the event and feature it as a part of the Steve Madden Music Series. 8th Nation also locked down the logistics of partnering with event space, Littlefield, to host the event and restaurant, Sweet Chick, to cater. On the day of the event, over 200 of Ernie’s closest friends were in attendance and were treated to a performance by hip-hop legend Melle Mel, a longtime friend of Paniccioli, with the legendary Soul Rebels serving as the house band throughout the night. In addition to Ernie’s notoriety in hip-hop, Ernie is also deeply connected to social justice activism surrounding his First Nation heritage and 8th Nation also organized an incredible Hip Hop and traditional tribal dance fusion performance by Cree Nation dancers who traveled from Canada.
$0 was spent on the event, all of this was done with the donation of time, talent, and resources from the venue, catering and performers. The event also got major press and was covered by Rolling Stone, The NY Post, Okayplayer, MassAppeal, Brooklyn Vegan and Steve Madden.