Hip-Hop Heals
A little language can go a long way.
April 30, 2007 — -- Hip-hop music has spent a good couple of weeks under the microscope. Musicians, activists, social workers, teachers and, of course, television talk show hosts have dissected and, in many cases, disparaged what is a truly engaging and uplifting art form. On Sunday, in a darkened screening room in Los Angeles, the Motion Picture Association of America's Ratings Review Board had its opportunity to poke and prod and pass judgment on our film, "The Hip-Hop Project." In a historical decision, the board gave the film -- which had been previously rated R for language -- a PG-13 rating, giving teens across the country access to what can only be described as an inspiring and uplifting tale of a young man who rose from the streets to touch so many lives through the much maligned hip-hop medium.
The film, which is set to open in 15 cities on May 11, is the chronicle of Kazi, a formerly homeless teenager who inspires a group of New York City teens to transform their life stories into powerful works of art, using hip-hop as a force for hope, healing and the realization of dreams.
"The Hip-Hop Project" is a call to end the destructive forces of violence, misogyny and criminality that dominate much of the music and popular culture that our children are absorbing. This is the first film to show an alternative that is positive, growth-oriented and honest in a way that is accessible to young people (hence the "language" in the film). The overwhelming majority of parents, educators and medical professionals who have seen the movie have told us that they are desperate to provide their children with this model for change.
The essence of what parents and teachers are saying around the country is that "The Hip-Hop Project" validates the importance of creative expression that is rooted in personal life experiences. They see a film that empowers young people to focus on their hopes and dreams, in contrast to the bankrupt and soul-destroying nature of music and imagery grounded in hatred and violence.
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