When Cash Money Records emerged from the vibrant streets of New Orleans in the early 1990s, Sthaddeus “Polo Silk” Terrell was uniquely positioned to witness its genesis. Armed with his ever-present camera, Terrell, a native of Uptown, had a front-row seat to the unfolding story of what would become a monumental force in hip-hop. His neighborhood connection to Bryan “Baby” Williams and Ronald “Slim” Williams, the brothers behind Cash Money, granted him unparalleled access. They recognized Terrell’s passion for capturing the city’s burgeoning hip-hop scene and his regular presence at local shows, photographing both performers and the energetic crowds. This organic relationship led to Terrell’s early involvement with Cash Money, where he assisted with promoting their initial releases, plastering posters, and distributing their fresh music to DJs, all while diligently documenting the journey through his photography.
“Baby would always say, ‘I’m not a rapper. I’m a game spitter,’” Terrell recalls, reflecting on those formative years. “But who knew, in the early ’90s, that game spitting would wind up [making Cash Money] not only one of the biggest brands in hip-hop but in music?” Terrell’s lens has captured the evolution of Cash Money Records, immortalizing countless artists, devoted fans, close-knit family members, and pivotal moments. Now, a curated selection of these invaluable photographs is available for public viewing in a new exhibition.
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The exhibition, titled “Polo Silk Presents: Cash Money Records from the ’99-2000,” opened at Sibyl Gallery in Uptown on Friday, January 31st, featuring 42 compelling photographs. These images, meticulously captured by Terrell, showcase iconic Cash Money artists such as Lil Wayne, Juvenile, Baby, Mannie Fresh, and Magnolia Shorty, among others. Beyond photographs, the exhibition also includes evocative backdrops, vintage posters, and original business cards, offering a rich tapestry of Cash Money’s early visual identity. Scheduled to run until March 16th, the exhibition also anticipates the release of a commemorative photo book, further solidifying the legacy of this visual documentation.
Terrell’s photographic timeline spans from the early days of Cash Money in the 90s, featuring foundational artists like Tec-9 and Lil Ya (collectively known as UNLV), and the pioneering Pimp Daddy, through to the label’s meteoric rise in the early 2000s. This pivotal era saw Lil Wayne, Juvenile, BG, Turk, Baby, and Mannie Fresh dominate national airwaves and popular culture. His work is more than just snapshots; it’s an intimate and authentic chronicle of a transformative period, not only for New Orleans music but for the broader hip-hop landscape.
“We used to be hearing NWA and Big Daddy Kane or the other rappers from around the country talking about their neighborhoods,” Terrell explains, highlighting the cultural shift Cash Money represented. “But when you got to the point where you could hear people that you knew and grew up with, and they’re telling their stories that you can relate to — and saying, ‘Get your shine on’ and ‘I’m the number one stunna’ — it kind of makes you stick your chest out.” This localized authenticity and unapologetic New Orleans flavor resonated deeply, forging a powerful connection with audiences.
Alongside electrifying performance shots and candid moments of camaraderie, Terrell consciously included photographs that reveal the personal side of these artists, emphasizing the importance of family and community within the Cash Money narrative. He explains, “Most exhibits on artists show mostly them performing and stuff like that, but I’m showing pictures of Baby with his family members and BG with his family. [There’s] a picture of Magnolia Shorty with her friends.” This deliberate choice offers a more humanizing and nuanced portrayal of these figures, moving beyond their stage personas.
“Family has always been big to me,” Terrell further elaborates. “That’s why anytime I had an opportunity … when I caught them with their family members, I made sure I got a shot of them.” This personal value deeply informs his photographic approach, adding layers of meaning to his extensive body of work.
For nearly four decades, Terrell has been a dedicated visual historian of Black New Orleans life, capturing its essence through countless film and Polaroid images at concerts, vibrant block parties, traditional second lines, and spirited Super Sunday gatherings. Inspired by the photographic narratives in ESSENCE, Ebony, and Jet magazines, he began his journey documenting the energy of clubgoers in New Orleans’ teen venues. He was also present to document the burgeoning hip-hop scene in the city during the 90s, capturing the raw talent of emerging rappers and bounce artists.
In recent years, Terrell’s contributions have garnered increasing recognition, both locally and nationally. His work has been showcased in esteemed institutions like the New Orleans Museum of Art and the New Orleans Jazz Museum. Antenna published his celebrated book, “Pop That Thang!!!” and his photographs have been included in significant cultural compilations such as the “Smithsonian Anthology of Hip-Hop and Rap” and “The Nameplate: Jewelry, Culture and Identity.”
A chance encounter at Sibyl Gallery led to a conversation between Terrell and founder Katherine Ainsley, sparking the idea for this dedicated exhibition. While the gallery’s 2024 schedule was already full, Terrell proactively secured the winter 2025 slot, strategically aligning it with the Super Bowl in New Orleans. This timing also felt serendipitous, following the previous year’s Cash Money 30-year anniversary celebration at the ESSENCE Festival and the highly anticipated Hot Boys reunion, creating a sense of momentum and collective nostalgia.
“It feels like a really energetic and historical show,” Ainsley remarks, emphasizing the significance of Terrell’s work. Adding to the sentiment, she quotes Terrell, “Polo said the neighborhood superstars need to be able to stick their chest out for this one. It’s going to be a beautiful homage to that time and to the people who are no longer with us.” The exhibition serves as a powerful tribute to a defining era and the artists who shaped it, viewed through the authentic and intimate lens of Polo Silk.
For further details about the exhibition, visit sibylgallery.com.
