Trailblazing performers of hip-hop are featured in a new photo exhibit at the Grammy Museum Experience Prudential Center in Newark.

Some 60 images by photographer Ernie Paniccioli dating back to the 1970s are on view.

"It speaks to our reality, our life, our fears, our needs, our hurts. And it was the only music that did it," Paniccioli says about why he is captivated by the music and culture of hip-hop.

The Brooklyn native and now longtime Jersey City resident has spent decades photographing the most influential voices in hip-hop. The exhibit includes images of Jay-Z, Biggie Smalls, Tupac Shakur, Missy Elliott, Queen Latifah, Snoop Dogg and many others.

Paniccioli, who was inducted into the Hip-Hop Hall Of Fame in 2014,  says he strives to shoot images that reveal the artist's character.

"When I photograph you, I need to know who you are. I need to see your essence," he says.

"A Life In Hip-Hop: 50 Years of Hip-Hop Music, Art and Culture" opens to the public on Friday and is scheduled to stay up through Oct. 30.  It is part of the museum's programming beginning in June to honor Black Music Month. Artifacts from nine New Jersey-based performers and groups will be added to the museum's New Jersey Legends exhibit. 

Ticket information for the museum can be found HERE.