Explosively documenting the story of a group of underground hip-hop MCs & DJs from the early 1980's to the present day,FREESTYLE: The Art of Rhyme is a film that explores the world of improvisational rap - the rarely recorded art form of rhyming spontaneously; off the top of the head. Made over the course of more than seven years, by a co-operative of filmmakers, 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 features appearances by: Supernatural, Mos Def, Black Thought & ?uestlove of the Roots, Freestyle Fellowship, Lord Finesse, Cut Chemist, Craig G, Juice, Boots of the Coup, Medusa, Planet Asia, Sway, Crazy Legs, Jurassic-5, Wordsworth, Bobitto Garcia, and The Last Poets. The film offers 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. Following some of the best MCs ever to bless the mic, the film features legendary battles including those of the film's hero; Supernatural pitted against his arch nemesis Craig G providing the through line for the story. 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 is critically acclaimed and the first of its kind in many respects. It is the first film to explore the social and cultural background that led to the current development of the street poet, or MC. It provides an inside look into the framework of hip-hop culture, its rules, taboos and social impact. 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-hop's erroneous negative and overly aggressive image, therefore providing a unique look at a growing influence in modern American and world culture.
FREESTYLE: The Art of Rhyme is directed by Kevin Fitzgerald, founder of Hip Hop for Health and a young and talented filmmaker on the rise. Holding 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, the 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.
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