Sacha Jenkins (August 22, 1971 – May 23, 2025) was an influential American journalist, filmmaker, television producer, writer, musician, and cultural historian. He was widely recognized for his extensive work documenting hip-hop, graffiti, punk, and metal scenes. Jenkins is best known for co-founding Ego Trip magazine and creating groundbreaking documentaries on legendary figures like Louis Armstrong, Rick James, and the Wu-Tang Clan.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Sacha Jenkins |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 22, 1971 |
| Place of Birth | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Spouse | Raquel Cepeda |
| Children | 2 |
| Date of Death | May 23, 2025 |
Early Life and Education
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jenkins spent his early years in Silver Spring, Maryland. After his parents separated in 1977, he moved with his mother and sister to Queens, New York.
He attended William Cullen Bryant High School in Queens.
His father, Horace Byrd Jenkins III, was a respected documentary filmmaker and television producer who contributed to Sesame Street and Black Journal and directed the film Cane River (1982). His mother, Monart, is a Haitian-born painter with exhibitions in Washington, D.C., and New York City.
Jenkins developed an early passion for graffiti and hip-hop culture, launching one of the first graffiti fanzines, Graphic Scenes & Xplicit Language, as a teenager. His expertise in graffiti earned him a fellowship at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism in 2000.
Career
Sacha Jenkins began his career as a teenager by creating one of the first graffiti fanzines, which showcased his passion for hip-hop and street culture. This early work helped him establish himself as an expert in graffiti and urban art.
Along with his childhood friend Elliott Wilson, he started a hip-hop newspaper called Beat Down, and later co-founded the influential Ego Trip magazine, which became known for its fresh and honest coverage of hip-hop, punk, and alternative music scenes.
Jenkins worked as a writer and editor for major music magazines like Vibe, Spin, and Rolling Stone, where he gained a reputation for his insightful and authentic storytelling.
Over time, he expanded his creative work beyond print, moving into film and television. He directed and produced several documentaries that explored the lives and legacies of important cultural figures such as Rick James, Louis Armstrong, and the Wu-Tang Clan.
His work in television included producing and creating shows that highlighted hip-hop culture and artists, bringing underground stories to a wider audience.
In addition to journalism and filmmaking, Jenkins authored and co-authored several books that documented the history and art of graffiti, hip-hop, and metal music.
His diverse career reflected his deep commitment to preserving and celebrating urban culture in all its forms.
Personal Life
Sacha Jenkins was the son of Monart and Horace Byrd Jenkins III. His father was a notable filmmaker and academic, and his mother is a visual artist.
Jenkins was married to journalist and filmmaker Raquel Cepeda. He was a stepfather to Djali Brown-Cepeda and father to his son, Marceau.
Death
Jenkins passed away on May 23, 2025, at the age of 54 due to complications from multiple system atrophy. His wife, Raquel Cepeda, confirmed his passing.
Jenkins is remembered as a vital chronicler of hip-hop and urban culture, leaving behind a rich legacy of authentic storytelling and cultural insight.
Books
Jenkins authored or co-authored several notable books, including:
- Ego Trip’s Book of Rap Lists (1999)
- Ego Trip’s Big Book of Racism! (2002)
- The Way I Am (with Eminem, 2008)
- Piecebook: The Secret Drawings of Graffiti Writers (2008)
- Piecebook Reloaded: Rare Graffiti Drawings 1985–2005 (2009)
- World Piecebook: Global Graffiti Drawings (2011)
- City As Canvas: New York City Graffiti from the Martin Wong Collection (2013)
- The Merciless Book of Metal Lists (2013)
- Training Days: The Subway Artists Then and Now (2014)
