I take this shT personally, I'm makin moves
But this treadmill lifestyle ain't workin for me
-Little Brother, Speed
I finally got a chance to see Byron Hurt's documentary, Beyond Beat and Rhymes. The movie's full title; Beyond Beats and Rhymes: A Hip-Hop Head Weighs in on Manhood in Rap Music, is a composite sketch of what the movie explores. I felt both conflicted and relieved. As a hip-hop head myself, the movie spoke to me in a raw form about issues that I've always held dear. And at the same time, it brought to the fore the mixed messages inherent in much of the music and within ourselves.
It made me think about how often I have ever had a conversation about masculinity amongst friends or associates. And I have come to realize the answer is paltry. Honestly, it does not surprise me. In some ways, I would like to believe that I have somewhat of a more humanistic view of masculinity. I share an affinity for power and respect innate in many men, yet I personally don't allow things to rattle me too often. Or at least I try not to let that happen. Naturally, there are always exceptions to the rule. Nevertheless, I try not to let homophobia, stereotypes, and gender bias cloud my perceptions of reality.
As someone raised by a single woman with younger sisters, by street dudes from around the way, and by foster brothers stuck in the revolving system, I try not to let naivety be my downfall. The movie will not be the saving grace of this music I call my own. But it is a step in the right direction towards compelling those who have a stake in it to take more responsibility; for their actions, for their words, for their integrity.
There are moments both funny and poignant that will reveal the true colors of both interviewees and viewers. The onus is on the audience, however, to decipher the between the lines and higher contextual meanings and reasons for some of the issues that are addressed - and the ways in which some people in the film respond the way they do. I just hope viewers don't walk away having missed the true substance - and point - of it all. Much like those who don't get the whole hip hop is dead debate and simply enjoy the good beat, yet miss the lyrics and messages - whatever they may be good or bad - completely.
So basically, I've got a lot of focus and projects to work on. I've been compiling a long list of books and movies in which I can immerse myself. Maybe I'll try to share some reviews when I'm done. In other news, I'm still recovering from some serious under-the-weather stuff. Last night was horrific! I'll spare you the details in case you are eating a ham-n-cheese sammich as you read this. Anyways, peep this low-budget video from Little Brother and enjoy. Stay real.
2 comments:
My doctor says the medical term for it is "the crud." Ive had it for two weeks. I think the whole city has it!
The parts of the doc that I will never forget is: when the young white male bumping Fabolous' 'Keeping it Gangsta', in his father's escalade during BET's Spring Bling used the word 'colored', and the several black women who attempted to draw distinction between themselves and the women that rapper's sing. Byron summed up the last part very well, when he compared it to George W. using the N-word and all of us allowing it to slide 'cause he couldn't be referring to us.
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