Music fans best know New York City-based photographer Mel D. Cole for his chronicles of some of the biggest and most exciting names in hip-hop.

Through his recent book Great: Photographs of Hip-Hop 2002-2019, he showcased his years documenting the rise of artists like the Roots, Kendrick Lamar, Beyonce, Anderson. Paak, Drake, Raphael Saadiq, and more.

So what better place to do so than Manchester, England — the famous home of legions of musicians, and also the home of the recent back-to-back Premier League champions,

Man City invited Cole to experience a matchday at the Etihad Stadium this past April, and Cole captured the tension, excitement, and thrills in a crucial match in City’s quest to defend their Premier League title. 

But along the way, of course, Cole documented the city’s thriving music, nightlife, and cultural scenes, finding links to the game wherever he went.

Check out some of the photos attached — they are free for you to publish and repost — and check out his entire photo essay and Manchester travelogue here: meldcole.exposure.co