One student in Texas is going out with a bang and celebrating his graduation with iconic photos.
Mark Phillips, a student at the University of North Texas, paid homage to music’s most memorable hip hop album covers by recreating them for his graduation photos.
He told Complex, “I felt like these artists and their music were a strong part in keeping me motivated to graduate. Not only that, but my job as a video creator has been hard to balance with being a full time student. So their music really has kept me inspired to keep pushing towards my goals.”
Phillips recreated Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN cover as well as J. Cole’s 2014 Forest Hills Drive and Chance the Rapper’s Coloring Book. The Texas grad wasn’t too sure how his family would react to the photos, but luckily, he took a few traditional pics too.
“I didn’t tell my mom about these pictures at first,” he said. “I knew she’d be happy, but secretly she would want some regular ones to send to my family. So I took some regular ones for my family and these for my creative side/for the artists, for lack of a better term.”
Phillips said it took about a week to create the photos. He’ll receive his bachelor’s in integrative studies in May.
The University of North Texas student isn’t the only grad paying homage to his favorite artist.
One Texas Southern University student, Ashlynn C., gave a nod to Beyoncé with her Lemonade-inspired graduation photo.
“Anyone who truly knows me knows that I have always had a special love for Bey,” she shared on Instagram. “The inspiration behind this picture stems from the appreciation I have for you and everything you’re about.”
“Your work ethic is untouchable and motivates me to try and be the best me that I can be. You’re more than a hometown hero, you make me proud to be a black girl from Houston just trying to conquer the world. Thank you for all you’ve done.”
We’re loving the creativity coming from these graduates!