New York artist turns tiny hip hop street scenes into profitable business

Cortes works on a new miniature at his studio in Brooklyn. Photo: AFP

With his nimble fingers and child-like enthusiasm, Danny Cortes re-creates in miniature the hip hop-infused street scenes of a gritty New York. But what began as a hobby has since brought him fame in the rap community and profitable sales even at Sotheby's prestigious auction house.

"We are adults, but we never stopped being kids," says the 42-year-old artist. "Who doesn't like toys? Who doesn't like miniatures?"