The world of music journalism and documentary filmmaking mourns the loss of Sacha Jenkins, who passed away in 2025 at the age of 54. Born on August 22, 1971, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jenkins was a multifaceted artist whose work profoundly impacted hip-hop culture and beyond.
Raised in a creatively rich environment, Jenkins was the son of Horace Byrd Jenkins III, an Emmy-winning television producer and filmmaker, and Monart, a Haitian-born painter. After his parents’ separation, Jenkins moved with his mother and sister to Queens, New York, in 1977. This move immersed him in the burgeoning hip-hop scene, laying the foundation for his future endeavors.
As a teenager, Jenkins showcased his passion for graffiti by publishing “Graphic Scenes & X-Plicit Language,” one of the earliest ‘zines dedicated solely to graffiti art. This initiative marked the beginning of his lifelong commitment to documenting and celebrating urban culture.
In 1994, Jenkins co-founded “ego trip” magazine, a publication that delved into hip-hop, punk, and skateboarding cultures. The magazine’s success led to the creation of influential books like “ego trip’s Book of Rap Lists” and “ego trip’s Big Book of Racism.” These works offered insightful and often humorous takes on music and race, solidifying Jenkins’ reputation as a sharp cultural commentator.
Transitioning to television, Jenkins created and produced shows such as “ego trip’s The (White) Rapper Show” and “Miss Rap Supreme” for VH1. These programs explored racial dynamics within hip-hop, challenging audiences to confront and discuss complex social issues.
Jenkins’ foray into documentary filmmaking further expanded his influence. His directorial debut, “Fresh Dressed,” premiered at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, tracing the history of hip-hop fashion. Subsequent projects included “Burn Motherfucker, Burn!” (2017), examining the 1992 Los Angeles uprising, and “Word Is Bond” (2018), highlighting the art of lyricism in hip-hop. In 2019, he directed “Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men,” a four-part series chronicling the iconic group’s journey. His 2022 documentary, “Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues,” offered a nuanced portrayal of the jazz legend’s life and legacy.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jenkins was a dedicated family man. He was married to author and filmmaker Raquel Cepeda, and together they raised two children. His personal experiences often informed his work, adding depth and authenticity to his storytelling.
Jenkins’ passing has elicited tributes from peers and fans alike. DJ Vlad remarked, “RIP Sacha Jenkins. This book had a huge effect on me. One of the GOATs of Hip-Hop journalism and creativity.” Andrew Barber echoed this sentiment, stating, “A huge influence on me and someone who accomplished so much in Hip-Hop journalism, TV, and elsewhere.”
Sacha Jenkins’ legacy is one of passion, innovation, and unwavering dedication to documenting the intricacies of urban culture. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the worlds of journalism, television, and film. As we remember his life and work, we celebrate a visionary who used his talents to amplify voices and tell stories that might otherwise have gone unheard.
May Sacha Jenkins rest in peace, his spirit living on through the art and narratives he so passionately brought to life.
