“The View From The Other Side” J-Dilla – A European Remembrance
JDilla‘s influence on modern hiphop is undeniable and his legacy will go on for decades to come. However, it seems that the genius producer was heralded mostly after his passing. This is the subject of a new documentary coming out in Feb that offers a european perspective on JayDee’s music. …
“80 Blocks From Tiffanys” Documentary by Gary Weis (1979)
80 Blocks From Tiffany’s by Director Gary Weis and Writer John Bradshaw from the movie of the same name for the production company Above Average Productions Inc. from 1979.
“Rhyme & Reason” (1997) by Peter Spirer
“Peter Spirer was behind many of the notable hip-hop documentaries, but none are as ambitious (or as successful) as Rhyme & Reason. It’s not even that Spirer interviewed over 80 major artists for the film—it’s the subject matter he includes that other documentaries fail to acknowledge.” Definitely one of the …
Count Bass D “Full Count” Documentary
Count Bass D has been the quintessential underground hip-hop musician for the past twenty years. This film seeks to explore the work, inspiration and motivation of an artist who has gained international attention and acclaim, struggled through setbacks and false starts, and who, over the years, has inspired an entire …
“COPYRIGHT CRIMINALS” a PBS Documentary
Copyright Criminals explores the impact of sample based music on the mainstream and gives some history to how and when sampling became both wildly popular and a bluntly illegal.
“SCRATCH” Documentary by Doug Pray
Scratch is a documentary film, directed and edited by Doug Pray. The film explores the world of the hip-hop DJ. From the birth of hip-hop, when pioneering DJ’s began extending breaks on their party records (which helped inspire break dancing and rap), to the invention of scratching and beat-juggling vinyl, …
“The Last Shop Standing” – The Rise, Fall And Rebirth Of The Independent Record Shop
I really can’t say how much independent / local record stores have meant to me and my musical “upbringing”. I do consider myself very lucky to be part of the last generation that grew up with these record stores still being around. When I was a teenager I bought most …
1994 Hip-Hop Documentary in New York (Canal +, French TV)
Talk about a moment frozen in time: a long lost 1994 french report (originally shown on Canal +) about Hip Hop culture in New York City. Featuring Wu Tang Clan, Chuck D (Public Enemy), Guru, Supernatural, Lasts Poets, Afrika Bambaataa, Fuman Chooz, The Lifers Group… I could go on and …
“The Joy Of Disco” (a BBC Documentary)
Ever wonder where the idea of beatmatching and mixing songs together first came from? How about ye ol’ birth of the 12” record? Any takes on what started same sex liberation on the dance floor? Last night I watched BBC’s documentary The Joy Of Disco which provided a very basic …
Stevie Wonder “Hotter than July” (1980 Documentary)
This rare documentary was broadcasted for the first time in 1981 by the BBC. It covers the 1980/1981 USA tour by Stevie Wonder looking into musical genius, insight and his preparation for a concert, and his appearance at a Washington Rally to celebrate the birthday of Martin Luther King.
“I Need That Record: The Death (or Possible Survival) of The Independent Record Store”
I rented this pretty amazing movie last night (well for a music nerd) without too many expectations. I was running out of options on Netflix and it seemed like a good one, actually I was convinced to watch it! I won’t go into doing a whole review but basically you …
“From Jack to Juke: 25 Years of Ghetto House” (Documentary by Sonali Aggarwal)
Currently all the rage with hipsters worldwide, Chicago Juke music has roots that run deep. The film chronicles the birth and evolution of a genre over 25 years. A fascinating watch!