A Tribe Called Quest flies high once again in the Doc “Beats, Rhymes, & Life”
Beats, Rhymes, & Life film poster
When it comes to beats, rhymes, and life these days, there are few Hip Hop poets who can measure up to the originality of the old school. Perhaps this is my bias speaking as a child born at the dawn of the global Hip Hop movement in the early 80′s. Furthermore, perhaps I am reminiscent of the fresh early 90′s flow that was all about reppin’ aesthetics of the African diaspora. Either way, this 80′s baby is 100% geeked for the new documentary, ”Beats, Rhymes, & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest”, directed by NYC native Michael Rapaport. The film chronicles the creative, magical journey that was, and is, the Queens borne dynamic trifecta, A Tribe Called Quest: Q- Tip, Phife Dawg, and Ali Shaheed Muhammad. Could this film be the resurrection of conscious Hip- Hop rising like a dove, with a deep flavor and zest? And furthermore, could this film (re)ignite the Tribe? On the real… at this point in the movement I believe we can, at least, hope for more rhythm recipes, and strategize our way to taking over the airwaves one beat at a time. This film, like a breath of fresh air, is proof.
Check the rhyme on the site: www.sonyclassics.com/beatsrhymesandlife/site/
Ramapough fight fiercely in Mann v. Ford
Man v Ford
Tonight is the premier of Mann v. Ford on the HBO series, Documentaries. Man v Ford tells the story the Ramapough who are fighting to protect the health of their children. As a Black Indian woman with roots in Lima, OH (Shawnee land), a town that has been poisoning the people through the BP Oil refinery for years, I understand the importance of this film. If you have HBO, I urge to to watch this!
Check out the website for the film synopsis: www.hbo.com/documentaries/mann-v-ford#/documentaries/mann-v-ford/synopsis.html
Follow Me…
Happy Friday! Check the rhyme with this fresh jam… and Follow Me!
Yo sis! You look familiar… Team Doppelganger Improv Ingenuity
Doppelganger
What would happen if three talented women of color got together to create improv? You would get Doppelganger, an NYC based long- form improv group playing at the Upright Citizens Brigade. The ladies of Doppelganger recently formed in March 2010, and have since provided mind- blowing shows for a variety of audiences. Drawing inspiration from a sisterhood of comedy genius including Whoppie Goldberg, Lucille Ball, and Carol Burnette, these ladies will surely continue to define their dynamic, organic, and unique works of artistic humor!
Check the rhyme for more
Video: Doppelganger, \”Time Traveling Parents\”
Website: www.doppelgangercomedy.com
Samantha Crain, an Oklahoma gem
Samantha Crain is a beautiful, soul singer/songwriter from Shawnee, OK. There is no denying her talent, and I am super stoked to hear more from this fabulous woman! Check the rhyme on her site: Samantha Crain
Gun Hill Road: A Film That Goes Above & Beyond
I recently read an article in the August edition of Essence magazine about the 2011 Sundance favorite Gun Hill Road, written and directed by Rashaad Ernesto Green. The article about the film included an interview with the lead actress, Judy Reyes, best known for her role as nurse Carla in Scrubs. Reyes plays the mother of Michael, a trans/two- spirit teen who struggles with intolerance in their narrow- minded Bronx neighborhood. The homecoming of Michael’s father from prison, compounded by the divisive secret harbored by Michael’s mother, forces the entire family to face the deep & painful challenge of mending their relationships. Reyes offers closing insight to the interview with, “The only way to survive is to love, accept, and embrace”. After I watched the trailer, I visited the website for the film. Not only does the site include the trailer, information about the film, bios for the actors, and press news, it also has a page for ways to get involved and spread the word about the film, such as the unique “Foot Soldiers Street Team” volunteer opportunity, and screenings with discussion/talk back events. Check the rhyme on the website: http://www.gunhillroad.com/home
Comic Art Indigène
Comic Art Indigène logo
I have loved comics for as long as I can remember, and was beyond stoked to learn about a new exhibit at the Palm Springs Art Museum in Cali currently featuring the amazing graphic art works of native artists, titled Comic Art Indigène. Holding images and art spanning from the 13th century to contemporary work, “Comic Art Indigène examines how American Indian artists articulate identity, art, worldview, politics and culture through the kinetic expression of sequential art”. The exhibit is runs from 6.11.11- 9.11.11, if you are in Cali please check it out!
