Published on May 19, 2008 by Larry
SOHH.com is reporting that while on New York radio station Hot 97 recently, N.E.R.D. front man Pharrell Williams revealed to host Angie Martinez that the band is gearing for the release of their first film, directed by legendary hip-hop video director and filmmaker, Hype Williams. The movie, which is not yet titled, will depict the trio’s musical journey from the recording process to tours.
“[The movie] is going to be like The Beatles’ Hard Day’s Night,” Pharrell revealed. “[It's a] full length film. It’s for our fans.”
This can be a boost to there music if done well. Not a lot of people who are familiar with the Neptunes sound are even aware that they have a group called N.E.R.D. (that makes some dope music too). I have a feeling that this won’t be as huge as similar film like Jay-Z’s Fade to Black, just because of artist recognition. But hopefully it will be interesting enough to garner some interest.
Also be on the lookout for N.E.R.D.’s new disc, Seeing Sounds, which is slated for release on June 10.
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Published on May 6, 2008 by Larry
Highbridnation is reporting that The Hollywood Black Film Festival (HBFF) has announced the world premier of Two Turntables and a Microphone, a documentary about the life and death of Run DMC’s great DJ, Jam Master Jay (Jason Mizell). According to the website:
The premiere will take place on Tuesday, June 3, at 8 p.m., the film festival’s opening night at the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills. Two Turntables and a Microphone not only celebrates the life and times of this Hip Hop icon but also documents the investigation his still unsolved murder.
The film features interviews with Russell Simmons, Run DMC, Jay-Z, Method Man and more which not only provide insight into the legendary DJ’s life but some believe could provide information that could finally help police solve the murder.
This is long overdue and is such a tragic story. Hopefully some good will come out of this and his killer(s) will be found.
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Published on July 5, 2007 by Kenny K
Coomingsoon.net is reporting Lionsgate will partner with gospel music artist Kirk Franklin to develop Church Boy, which is a screen version of his inspirational life story. The announcement was made by Lionsgate President of Production Mike Paseornek. Franklin will star in the film and compose its soundtrack, which will include old favorites in addition to several brand-new songs. (more…)
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Published on June 2, 2007 by Larry
Silverdocs, an AFI/Discovery Channel Documentary Film Festival is hosting the North American premiere of Hip Hop Revolution. Hip Hop Revolution is a film by Weaam Williams documenting the 25 year evolution of hip hop in South Africa.
In the Cape Flats, outside Cape Town, South Africa the music of the South Bronx found a receptive audience who recognized in the American ghettos problems similar to their own. Economic apartheid is not so far from political apartheid, to the person trapped within. Despite isolation by the Western boycott during the 1980s and censorship by their own government, South Africans heard and found inspiration in American hip-hop from early East Coast right up through Public Enemy and NWA and in the break dancing and graffiti art that accompanied turntablism and street poetry.
The result is an indigenous South African hip-hop culture, rich with African rhythms far more explicit than the indirect influence of that continent on American R&B, and deeply expressive of the obstacles facing post-Apartheid youth: HIV-AIDS, poverty, unemployment, gangsterism, poor access to education, and gender inequity. In interviews with South African musicians and artists past and present, including members of the influential Prophets of Da City (POC), Weaam Williams gives voice to South Africa’s hip-hop subculture, and reminds Western viewers of the complexity of black experience, at home and worldwide.
(more…)
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Published on February 19, 2007 by Larry
Public Television’s “Independent Lens” program is introducing the
television broadcast of Hip Hop: Beyond Beats & Rhymes, a look at the
hip-hop genre’s issues of masculinity, sexism, violence and homophobia. Long-time hip-hop fan and filmmaker Byron Hurt creates a film that takes a deeper look at the hip-hop industry, its reoccurring themes of aggression, and, in particular, the gender politics of rap.
With that, the film has sparked impassioned dialog at recent screenings over the past year. Hip Hop: Beyond …” premiered at last year’s Sundance Festival and has already screened at a number of college campuses - with much applause. Now the film is coming to PBS Tuesday, February 20 (check local listings for times).
(more…)
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