Wild Style
It feels that days like these are what make Nottingham so unique, the sun beaming down on the outside steps of Broadway while onlookers just bask in the melting pot of culture that is served up to them. People of all ages and backgrounds appreciate the feel-good rhythms and beats while behind the scenes a few familiar faces on the Notts hip hop scene make this a day to remember and prove why this city is alive with colour and soul.
In truth, a lot of these events tend to commemorate one or two certain forms of hip hop, usually emceeing and DJing, and ignore the other three elements that make up the hip hop spectrum: B-boy, graffiti and knowledge, which are consistently overlooked by the mainstream audience. Fortunately, we got to see in detail why the movement has become an important social institution in the demographic of the changing world we live in and why it still helps to change and shape society for the better.
The first film screened was a new restoration of the cult classic Stations of the Elevated (1981) telling the culturally significant story of the New York graffiti scene that came to define western art. A wonderfully shot documentary directed by Manfred Kirchheimer, with no narration and very little dialogue that lets the visual aspect of the Bronx's urban jungles depict the existential beauty of graffiti. It seems to beg the question, in a city where corporate advertising brainwashes the masses, why is it that graffiti is considered an illegal activity?
Next up was a personal favourite of mine, a documentary that although I’ve seen countless times, it never seems to tire; Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest (2011). For those of you who don’t know of the iconic group consisting of the legendary Q-Tip and Phife Dawg, well then basically you haven’t lived. At a time when crack and crime ruled the streets of Queensbridge, New York, Tribe consciously spoke to the people through jazzy beats and mind-blowing wordplay, basically influencing every single rapper that is putting out music today. Michael Rapaport’s well-sculpted film follows the group from its humble beginnings in Linden Boulevard to their ultimate break up and subsequent repercussions on a generation of artists and like-minded enthusiasts.
A well-deserved break in the sun was needed, accompanied by some mouth-watering beef and chorizo burgers, and some killer breakdancing. A shout out to the B-boy with the red LL Cool J pimpish bucket hat, who was busting some serious moves on the outside patio well into his fifties. At this point, the sun was scorching and all round smiles ensued.
At around 6pm, Freestyle: The Art of Rhyme hit the screens, which showcased the often-misunderstood art form of freestyle rapping off the dome. It delved into the underground success of pioneers such as Craig G and the famous Supernatural, who showcased his raw ability to a Notts crowd back in October for the Harleighblu album launch. A deep analysis into a world where record sales don’t mean anything, rather lyrical study, technique and rhyming in the moment gets you the street rep that emcees dream of.
Afterwards, there was a hugely informative panel discussion hosted by local legend Docta Dee debating the dying breed of freestyling as well as the struggles and downfalls it produces with four guest experts of UK hip hop; Rodney P, Joe Buhdha, Louis Cypher and El Dia. Plenty of banter and reminiscing arose, particularly between Rodney P and Joe Buhdha talking of the good old days of UK Takeover and let’s just say the quality of Tinchy Stryder and his ‘wack European house beats’. It’s guaranteed that every single person walked away from that screening and discussion with a greater knowledge of this artform and a different perspective on music as a whole.
It was fair to say a lot of people scurried home after, but those who stayed were treated to a gem in the form of the classic Wild Style, the first motion picture to document the growing phenomenon of hip hop back in 1983. Showcasing pioneers in their peak from Grandmaster Flash to Fab Five Freddy, and of course the films protagonist Lee Quinones who plays the graffiti artist Zoro and the societal and racial struggles he faces for the complete devotion he has to his art. A stone cold benchmark that went on to form the foundations of the golden era of hip hop some ten years later.
A glorious day of education and entertainment, not a bad way to spend a Sunday in July. Let's hope next year the people of Notts are treated to another spectacle that not only brought people together but provided memories that will live long in the memory. Hip Hop All-Dayer 2014, you were a joy.
Hip Hop All-Dayer took place at Broadway on Sunday 27 July 2014. The Hip Hop Film Festival was organised by Sophia Ramcharan from Stella Vision Productions and Broadway Cinema in association with Nubian Link and Cant Stop Won't Stop. For further information and future events please contact Sophia Ramcharan at yo@hiphopfilmfestival.tv
Hip Hop Film Festival website
Can't Stop Won't Stop Facebook
We have a favour to ask
LeftLion is Nottingham’s meeting point for information about what’s going on in our city, from the established organisations to the grassroots. We want to keep what we do free to all to access, but increasingly we are relying on revenue from our readers to continue. Can you spare a few quid each month to support us?
