Big Fun In The Big Town
Commercially available for the first time ever after more than 25 years, Big Fun In The Big Town, directed by Dutch filmmaker/journalist Bram Van Splunteren.
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All you hip-hop heads,or just lovers history, should really dig this... I'm just going to post this quickly, as I have a lot on my plate this morning.
Commercially available for the first time ever after more than 25 years, Big Fun In The Big Town, directed by Dutch filmmaker, journalist Bram Van Splunteren.
New York, 1986: a city of big dreams and equally big problems. Like New York itself, hip-hop music encompassed both of these human conditions. But hip-hop and its cultural birthplace shared other important characteristics, too: the desire to always be original, a hustle-to-survive ambition, and – if the stars aligned – the ability to come out on top, no matter what the odds.
Dutch filmmaker, journalist and rap fanatic Bram Van Splunteren stepped into the city for one intense week in 1986. He was armed with five things: a camera crew, a map, a deep respect for the hip-hop artform, a list of phone numbers, and a burning desire to get to the bottom of what this still-growing subculture was all about. By the time he left, he had the answers he needed, along with a treasure trove of golden video footage. Tragically, these images never returned from Europe, languishing in obscurity from hip-hop’s homeland for more than a quarter-century. Until now.
Big Fun in the Big Town is about hip-hop when artistry in the game was still at its center. When skills, not hype, got you your first record deal. When Run-DMC took the reins from Doug E Fresh and Grandmaster Flash, paving the way for hundreds of other hitmakers to follow. When a chart-topping LL Cool J still lived with his Grandmother. When the Latin Quarter was the club to be at on any weekend night. And when artists from all backgrounds could taste their own pop-chart dreams, just beyond their reach but still seemingly attainable.
This essential, fast-paced documentary shows hip-hop from just about every angle, and approaches its subjects with a journalistic sobriety and respect rarely given to this oft-misunderstood artform and culture, even to this day. It presents worldwide superstars and aspiring rappers, dancers and beatboxers on an even playing field, reminding us that rap was once a wide-open game for anyone with talent to grab at the brass ring of fame.
DVD highlights include:
- Russell Simmons interviewed inside Def Jam Records’ offices at 298 Elizabeth Street
- Run-DMC in the studio and on the street: recording, freestyling, and adjusting to their new-found fame
- LL Cool J interviewed at his grandmother’s house in Queens, discussing love raps and authenticity
- Grandmaster Flash reprising his famed kitchen DJ set from Wild Style, this time in his living room
- Biz Markie, Roxanne Shante and MC Shan live on-stage in the Bronx
- Doug E Fresh beatboxing and philosophizing on the street in Harlem
- The late DJ Mr. Magic on WBLS (with his DJ, a young Marley Marl)
- Gangsta Rap originator Schoolly D live and backstage at the famed Latin Quarter club
- Suliaman El Hadi of hip-hop progenitors the Last Poets, spouting off about younger hip-hop artists
- Students rhyming, beatboxing and dancing at the Harry S. Truman High School in the Bronx
- In-depth liner notes by Martin Caballero, featuring an interview with filmmaker Bram Van Splunteren
PREORDER THE DVD ON AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Big-Fun-In-The-Town/dp/B007NZVZQI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333583162&sr=8-1
5 Day Weekend website for more information on “Big Fun in the Big Town” and more: www.fivedaywknd.com.
4-minute preview trailer follows below:
