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Art of Rap

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Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap is a 2012 American documentary directed and executive produced by Ice-T and co-directed by Andy Baybutt. It focuses on the craft of writing and performing rap verses, and all the interviewees are musicians of the genre and friends of Ice-T. Producer Paul Toogood states on the DVD release that the genesis of the project stemmed from a conversation he had with Ice-T in which he asked him how he wrote "seminal tracks" such as "6 in the Mornin'" and "Colors".

 

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Style Wars

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When director Tony Silver and co-producer Henry Chalfant delivered the broadcast version of their prize-winning film to PBS in 1983, the world received its first full immersion in the phenomenon that had taken over New York City. The urban landscape was physically transformed by graffiti artists who invented a new visual language to express both their individuality, and the voice of their community. In STYLE WARS, New York's ramshackle subway system is their public playground, battleground, and spectacular artistic canvas. Opposing them by every means possible are Mayor Ed Koch, the police, and the New York Transit Authority. Meanwhile, as MC's, DJ's and B-boys rock the city with new sounds and new moves, we see street corner breakdance battles turn into performance art.

STYLE WARS has become an emblem of the original, embracing spirit of hip hop as it exploded into the world from underground tunnels, uptown streets, clubs and playgrounds. New York's legendary kings of graffiti own a special place in the hip hop pantheon. This film is regarded by many as the definitive document of the emerging hip hop culture, and the continuing struggle to keep its authentic spirit alive.

 

 

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Graffiti Rock

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This was a pilot for a dance show that was supposed to be a hip-hop version of Soul Train (1971). The show was not picked up but the pilot aired in syndication in 88 cities in the US. This was way before its time. Showcased every aspect of the the hip hop lifestyle, rap, graffiti, and turntablelist. Totally unconventional even featured a battle with the Treacherous Three featuring Kool Moe Dee.Probably didn't get picked up because it was a little too street, too raw, and definitely way too black. But this was epic classic ish. Run Dmc lays down a classic performance which included set in full graph mode. All inclusive, all encompassing that featured every culture as well as the melding of punk, hip hop, and disco elements.

 

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