TERROR161 : When I started dating my wife about in the late 90’s she had me meet her on a make-up job she was doing for a photographer. I met her at the photo studio and watched her work on some female rapper’s make-up. She introduced me to her boss, who turned out to be Ernie Paniccioli. My first impression of Ernie was that he was half thug and half pussycat. My assessment was spot on and I’ve never wavered from that perception. He offered to show me portfolio’s of his work , asking me if I wanted to see the rap stuff first or the porn stuff. I have never really cared too much about Hip Hop so choosing the Black Tail portfolio was a no-brainer. Ernie definitely had an eye for talent. Although a bit anti-climactic I then perused a second album with his work from “Word Up” magazine that featured all the superstars of the industry up close and personal. Biggie, Foxy Brown, Lil Kim etc. Through the years Ernie and I always stayed in touch and would periodically see each other in passing at a myriad of events. I ran into him not too long ago in a N.J. supermarket and we caught up. I told him I was doing a book on graff and street art and he offered to show me his archive. I was skeptical as I’ve always viewed Ernie as a Hip Hop photographer , not a graffiti type at all. Ernie opened up his home and entire archives to me over several day long visits. I misjudged him. He did indeed posses some hidden graff gems.I am very proud to have some of those images in my book. Ernie is a stand up guy , who has always been kind and generous to me. That is why it was very upsetting to learn that he has been stricken with cancer. To make matters worse he has no health insurance and medical bills fast approaching the100 G mark. If anyone can help Brother Ernie during this tough time it would be a real blessing. He has given us a lot while asking for very little. Any contribution would be a great help. Thanks for your support.
Here’s the link to some of his work as well as info on where to send donations:
DONATIONS:
http://erniepaniccioli.chipin.com/ernie-paniccioli
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Hello, I tried to download the Flash player so that I could donate to Ernie’s fund, however, this is my work computer with tons of security and I am not allowed to download any outside stuff… SO… how else can I help out financially? Surely the computer brains out there have an idea!