Movie View and Review
Introduction
Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes, a documentary film that was written, directed and produced by Byron Hurt, examines issues of violence, masculinity, sexism and homophobia associated with the hip hop culture and music. Interviews with several hip-hop artists are featured in the film, and some of the artists include Chuck D, Busta Rhymes, Fat Joe, Doug E. Fresh and Jadakiss. The documentary also features academics including Professor William Jelani Cobb of SpelmanCollege, Dr. James Peterson of PennsylvaniaStateUniversity and Michael Kevin Powell. This film is educative and expands the viewer’s world view.
Discussion
The title of the film is Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes, and the film maker is known as Byron Hurt. The location of the premiere of the film was the Sundance Film Festival. The film explores the hip-hop culture its inherent issues of violence, masculinity, sexism as well as homophobia. An examination of the representation of gender roles on rap music and hip hop through Byron Hurt’s point of view is provided. It is therefore clear that the main purpose of the film is to examine issues facing today’s hip-hop music and culture (Tarrant and Katz, 2008).
Hurts main message is the presentation of stereotypical images by rappers and the immense pressures that these rappers are under in an attempt to conform to the standards of the industry. The film contains samples, images and interviews with hip-hop artists. Byron Hurt’s hope is to reveal and break down structures of hyper-aggression, violence, and misogyny that are present in today’s hip-hop culture (Tarrant, 2008).
Viewers should have background knowledge on the hip hop genre in order to appreciate the film. A viewer that has followed the hip hop genre over the last few decades will notice the subjection to negative views of women and an onslaught violent imagery. Hurt seeks to understand why this is the case.
An interview with a rapper and activist, Chuck D gave insight on black cultures. Poverty is one of the issues facing Africa, a continent dominated by the black culture. Black hip hop artist portray a hypocritical image of flashing jewelry and throwing money at the camera and yet the money could give water to one African town for a whole year (Tarrant, 2008).
One aspect of the film that is worth analyzing in detail is the use of imagery. One of the most interesting sections of the documentary is the part that associates hip hop imagery of hyper-masculinity to with the gay culture. An interview with Busta Rhymes reveals the rappers homophobic side claiming the fact that hip hop fans have been known to denounce cross-dressers and gay rappers. However, according to Hurt’s perspective, the extreme repulsion could symbolize attraction (Tarrant, 2008).
The film exposes the viewer to issue such as gender roles, sexism and masculinity which are important issues controversial issues in the society. The context of the issues presented revolves around hip hop music and culture. It is therefore necessary for the viewer to have background information and knowledge on the hip hop genre in order to understand the film. All hip hop fans including adolescents and adults should view this film. Children should be exempted due to the complex nature of the issues examined. The practical approach to the film aims at inspiring viewers to be self-reflective and open their minds.
The scenes that are noteworthy in the film are interviews with Fat Joe, Chuck D. and Moss Def because these interviewees are insightful and eloquent. The scenes that failed to add to the overall quality of the film are interviews with Russell Simmons, the Clipse and Jadakiss because they appeared like amateur rappers who were only interested on scoring a record deal (Tarrant, 2008). The Viewer’s world view is expanded by the film because it gives insight on the hip hop culture as well as controversial issues surrounding the culture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is evident that the film is educative and insightful. It gives an examination of hip hop music and culture, with a particular focus on issues such as violence, gender roles, masculinity and sexism. It is therefore essential for a viewer to have insight and back.
Reference
Tarrant, S., & Katz, J. (2008). Men speak out: views on gender, sex, and power. New York: Routledge
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