Jay Z In Pictures: Can I Get a...

Photos by Marco Torres

When I first began to listen to rap music as a student at Jesse H. Jones Senior High, it was mostly screwed-down versions of hits by UGK and freestyles by Lil Keke, Lil Flip and Yungstar. Only after I graduated did I begin digging deeper into rap's history, with East Coast lyricism pulling me one way and West Coast gangsta rap the other. One of the first rap CDs I purchased during this timeframe was Vol. 2 ... Hard Knock Life by Jay-Z. I was sold.

The tracks "Hard Knock Life," "Money, Cash, Hoes," "Can I Get a...", and "Money Ain't a Thing" were on constant rotation on my Sony Walkman. I listened to them over and over on the school bus, then blasted them through the measly speakers of my little red 1992 Chevy Blazer, thinking I was the coolest bespectacled Mexican in South Park.

That album eventually led me back to 1996's Reasonable Doubt, and by then I was hooked for life. There was so much raw, unfiltered talent and wordplay on that record that track to track, my brain almost couldn't process it fast enough. Sadly, I missed the Hard Knock Life tour that rolled through the Compaq Center in March 1999 due to being a broke college student.

Fast-forward four years to the summer of 2003. The "Roc the Mic" tour featured my hero sharing headlining duties with a then-newcomer by the name of 50 Cent. My best friend Derek and I purchased lawn seats at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, and were treated to our first of many Jay-Z shows.

It was definitely my first rap show, one that I will never forget. That night we saw Busta Rhymes showcase his machine-gun delivery, 50 and his G-Unit crew almost upstage Hov, and finally a still-youthful Shawn Carter, back when he still rocked a throwback jersey and a fitted, before his suit and tie days.

Seeing the man for the first time cemented his legacy in my book, but I needed more. In 2008, we drove up to Dallas for the "Heart of the City" tour with Mary J. Blige. I've now not only had the chance to see multiple Jay shows since, but I've also had the privilege to work the concerts. I present to you my all time favorite Jay-Z photographs captured by my lens, and the songs that soundtracked them.

BP3 Tour
Toyota Center Houston
February 22, 2010

I began shooting concerts for the Houston Press in 2009, and told my editor about my dream to one day photograph my idol. That opportunity came in February 2010, on the second leg of the BP3 Tour with Young Jeezy and Trey Songz. What was cool was that after a video countdown, we all expected Jeezy to rap after Trey, but up from under the stage elevated Hov, draped in all black leather.

He proceeded to give one of the best performances I've ever experienced, with a live band backing him and a sold-out arena in front of him. I was able to dial in my settings and snap the best image of the night with my first click.

Watch The Throne Tour
Toyota Center, Houston
December 5, 2011

2011 was the year of Watch the Throne, when Jay and Kanye captivated the attention of the entertainment world with their stellar collaboration. With Jay playing quarterback and Yeezy the star wide receiver, the combination resulted in the greatest show the rap game has ever seen, with the hits played back to back without a break. This photo is probably my favorite Jay photo ever, with his silhouette against the flag backdrop making it iconic and memorable.

Inaugural Made In America Music Festival
Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, Pa.
September 1, 2012

This image is very special to me. Once the Made In America music festival was announced, with Jay-Z curating the line-up and headlining the event taking place over Labor Day Weekend (which also happened to be my birthday), I knew I was destined to attend. I booked my flight to Philly and entry to the festival before even securing my media credentials, I was that determined.

A historic event held on a grand scale in one of the country's most historic cities made this a memorable life event. There must have been more than 50 photographers in the pit for this one, and after a videotaped welcome by President Obama, Jay took the stage and stood there, basking in his success.

More photos, more Hov on the next page.