Friday 16 May 2014

FOUNDING FATHERS - THE UNTOLD STORY OF HIP HOP (2011)

A factual report about unsung DJ's who contributed to the foundational principals of the music known today as Hip Hop. This documentary transports you to a journey back to the early underground disco days of the streets and parks throughout New York City. Narrated by Chuck D, this is an excellent documentary about the DJ scene in New York City in the late 60's & 70's. Although the documentary claims that Hip Hop did not start in the Bronx but in Brooklyn & Queens (which has caused much debate)it is still an incredible piece of film.
Rest In Peace Grandmaster Flowers
Rest In Peace Pete "DJ" Jones





FROM MAMBO TO HIP HOP: A SOUTH BRONX TALE (2006)

Another classic documentary by Henry Chalfant. From Mambo To Hip Hop: A South Bronx Tale tells a story about the creative life of the South Bronx, beginning with the Puerto Rican migration and the adoption of Cuban rhythms to create the New York Salsa sound, continuing with the fires that destroyed the neighborhood but not the creative spirit of its people; chronicling the rise of hip hop from the ashes; and ending with reflections on the power of the neighborhood's music to ensure the survival of several generations of its residents, and, in the process, take the world's pop culture by storm.
This documentary is not focused so much on the Hip Hop but tells a good story of the latin influence in the Bronx through the years.






80 BLOCKS FROM TIFFANYS (1979)

If you've ever seen the movie "The Warriors" you'll love this! The original documentary shot in the South Bronx in the late 70's interviewing the members of the original gangs of the Bronx. Featuring The Savage Skulls, Savage Nomads, Black Spades & more......







Thursday 15 May 2014

FLYIN' CUT SLEEVES (1993)

Underground documentary features rare footage of the South Bronx gangs from the 1970's and returning years later. Another classic documentary showing the environment and politics that lead to the birth of Hip Hop.






STYLE WARS (1983)

Another absolute classic... This documentary alongside Wildstyle were the 2 most influential pieces of film about Hip Hop & the culture at the time. Made by photographer Henry Chalfant to run alongside his & Martha Cooper's legendary "Subway Art" book it features some of the original graffiti artists & B-Boys of that era.....Essential viewing.










WILD STYLE (1982)

If you haven't seen this then check it out, still the best Hip Hop movie ever made. Wild Style captures the essence of Hip Hop in its early days and is the movie that inspired us as youngsters to be part of the Hip Hop movement..... The Blueprint!!!