Freestyle: The Art of Rhyme
Directed by Kevin Fitzgerald
Running Times: 72 Min., Color, Super 16 mm
Explosively
documenting the story of a group of underground hip-hop MCs &
DJs from the early 1980ís to the present day, Freestyle:
The Art of Rhyme is a work in-progress film that explores
the world of improvisational rap--the rarely recorded art form
of rhyming spontaneously, or "off the top of the head."
Made over the course of more than seven years, mostly with borrowed
or stolen cameras by a co-operative of students, b-boys, DJs,
and MCs know as The Center for Hip-Hop Education, Freestyle
takes the viewer on a journey through the previously unexamined
dimensions of hip-hop as a spiritual and community based art form.
Freestyle: The Art of Rhyme, experimental in its nature as improvisational cinema: no showing of the film is ever the same experience, combining the best of independent art house cinema within the hip-hop mix tape format. The project features appearances by: Supernatural, Mos Def, Black Thought & ?uestlove of the Roots, Freestyle Fellowship, Lord Finesse, Cut Chemist, Craig G, Juice, DJ Kool Herc, Boots of the Coup, Medusa, Planet Asia, Sway, Crazy Legs, Jurasic-5, Wordsworth, Bobitto Garcia, and The Last Poets. Freestyle offers us a context in which to view living art as a social critique in story and rhyme that is designed to bring about a cathartic transformation of frustration into beauty.
Freestyle follows some of the best MC's ever to bless the mic, featuring legendary battles including those of the film's hero; Supernatural pitted against his arch nemesis Craig G providing the through line for this tale. As these artists improvise poetry out of a mix of language, politics and culture that make up their lives, we discover revolutionary worlds where the English language is subverted and re-appropriated as a tool of economic and social empowerment.
Freestyle:
The Art of Rhyme is a critically acclaimed film that is the
first of its kind in many respects.Ý It is the first film to explore
the social and cultural background that led to the current development
of the street poet, or MC.Ý It provides an inside look into the
framework of hip-hop culture, its rules, taboos and social impact.Ý
It gives a voice to popular Black/urban culture, which is known
to be a profound influence on youth culture globally. Freestyle
is also the first independent film to counter false notions of
hip-hopís erroneous negative and overly aggressive image, therefore
providing a unique look at a growing influence in modern American
and world culture.Ý Finally, Freestyle:
The Art of Rhyme is the first-time documentary by Kevin Fitzgerald,
a young and talented African-American filmmaker on the rise.
Freestyle holds great educational value for hip-hop enthusiasts as well as for those misinformed about hip-hop culture due to its intimate and honest portrayal of hard working independent artists. This film focuses on a group of intelligent, ambitious, and talented young men in pursuit of a dream, deconstructing the 'thug life' image that is often associated with the music.
A spiritual tale, Freestyle: The Art of Rhyme offers a unique glimpse into a driving force in modern-day culture while maintaining the elements of quintessential coming-of-age cinema: an honest and thought provoking portrayal of the experiences surrounding the pursuit of the dreams of youth. The artists in Freestyle provide insight into one of the least seen faces of present day hip-hop: improvisation and creativity.
Links
www.freestylethemovie.com
www.freestyletheartofrhyme.com (trailer plays audio)
www.hiphopfilmfestival.com
www.centerforhiphop.com
www.babygrande.com
www.supernaturalmc.com
www.craig-g.com
www.jurassic5.com
www.okayplayer.com
www.onebadsista.com
www.projectblowed.com
www.mearone.com
www.artofrhyme.com
