Dog Ears Used Books just put the original negatives from Eminem’s 2002 Source photoshoot on eBay. The trusted rare-items seller set the price at $7,500 or Best Offer.
These negatives come from the work of the late photographer Nitin Vadukul, whose images helped shape hip hop’s visual style in the late 1990s and early 2000s. His photos were bold, surreal, and impossible to ignore.
The Vision of Nitin Vadukul
Vadukul became famous just as hip hop moved into the mainstream. His portraits broke away from the classic “street realism” look that dominated early hip hop photography. Instead, he used cinematic lighting, Photoshop effects, and surreal imagery. As a result, his work stood out instantly.
Nitin Vadukul was known for pushing boundaries. In 2000, he shot Jay-Z for The Source cover and filled the frame with futuristic models and stone gargoyles inspired by Metropolis. Then, he gave Eminem a chainsaw for the July 2000 cover shoot. The image became iconic. The chainsaw later became a recurring stage prop for Eminem, turning into part of his long-term visual identity.
Eminem spoke warmly of the photographer, telling The New York Times for Vadukul’s obituary in 2018:
“He understood hip hop, he was collaborative, and he made it fun… Chain saws, blood, a face full of nails… he was in”.
Vadukul’s talent made him the first choice for many stars. He created memorable images for Dr. Dre, Wyclef Jean, LL Cool J, and Queen Latifah. His magazine covers even appeared in the book Hip Hop Immortals Volume One and travelled the world in exhibitions.
A Legendary Eminem Shoot
The negatives now sold on eBay come from Vadukul’s May 2002 Eminem session for The Source. This is the shoot that included one of his “craziest” concepts: a dog holding Eminem’s severed head.
On par with other iconic Vadukul’s visual takes on Shady: a Ferris mask and a chainsaw, and a reimagining of a Pinhead face (not for sale at the moment).
Now, more than 20 years later, these 2002 negatives are being offered to collectors. Clearly, it is a rare and unique piece of hip hop history.
For $7,500, someone will soon own a set of originals from one of the most creative photographers the culture has seen.
