I first met Mel when he kept trying to take my picture at various parties in New York. I knew he wasnt just some perv photographer or art student trying to get his portfolio together, because he has this nice natural attitude that makes people not mind being photographed while dancing with no shoes on or taking back that cognac. That, coupled by the fact that I found my party face in one of the pages of Urb Mag. This boy's legit. And he's everywhere. After inviting me to view his pics on Flickr, not only had Mel covered just about every happenin' party in NYC, Vegas and in between but he was also getting backstage flicks of musicians performing - from the Roots to Gnarls Barkley, EPMD and the elusive Erykah Badu. Of course, Mel always saves room on his memory card to get shots of his favorite subject - pretty girls.

Catz: When did you start taking photographs? How did you know it would become a career for you?

Mel: I started officially in 2005-ish. I think I knew I could make a career out of it when I was first interviewed for an online mag back in '06. It was one of the first times that I realized that I had fans and they wanted to know more about me and my work.

Catz: Do you get many assignments or are you just shooting whatever you happen to come across?

Mel: I like to do what ever I want to, concerts, events and shooting girls! I do get assigned or what I like to call paid/hired to shoot. Sometimes its cool, sometimes it's wack. Note to new photogs: Most publicists suck!

Catz: What draws you to the subjects you shoot?

Mel: Music. Music is the one and only reason that I take photos. 95% of the photos on my site have been taken when some sort of beat was being played.

Catz: Do you prefer color or B&W?

Mel: I shoot everything in color. But what I show publicly is mostly B&W. I love the beauty of changing everything into B&W -- just for those asking why. Oh, and plus I want to separate myself from the other photogs around  the town.

Catz: You've taken many pictures of the Roots, and recently Quest acknowledged your photos. How does that feel?

Mel: Man, listen! Having Mr. Thompson aka Qoolquest aka 15 bka ?uestlove co-sign my work, well is super dope! He coulda said "fuck yo couch nigga" But instead he said on Facebook via a photo album he put up of 60 photos that I have taken of him over the last five years that I am his favorite photog. Me! Holy go go girls!

Quest is one of my favorite celebs in the industry. He is a walking, talking, living legend of the game! Back when I lived in Philly (2001-2002) I never thought in a million years that the dude spinning at Filos was even going to know my name. Let alone respect my work and favor it more then others. I can go on and on about this shit. But to cap it, thanks 15!

Catz: Has anyone in particular photographed well for you?

Mel: Yes, this girl called Asiya. When I first took pics of her at an event I was blown away. I also love taking pics of Miss Badu. She photographs so well!

Catz: If you could shoot anyone dead or alive, who would that be?

Mel: Damn, I only get one person? I would like to take photos of 2pac and since I hate following rules I am going to say I would also say I would want to take photos of a nude Kanye but only if he rocks his shag. Side note: I read somewhere that he wants to pose nude, so.

Catz: So what else are you doing besides updating your website villageslum.com with photographs? Any side projects?

Mel: Shit, I am not taking advantage of the things most folks call simple like taking showers and raising my fingers on my own. That's what I do on the daily, odd right?

As far as side projects. I am going on a Japan tour in March. Look for photos from that tour in Mid March. I plan on going on tour with some of your favorite artists so be on the look out for that as well.

Catz: When can we expect you in a gallery?

Mel: Spring 09 in NYC! Shit is gonna be crazy! If you think my Bday party was off the hook wait until you see what I have in store for my opening of sorts!

To check out more of Mel's work go to villageslum.com.