Hip Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes

HipHop Beyond Beats and Rhymes is a 2006 documentary film written, produced, and directed by Byron Hurt. The documentary explores the issues of masculinity, violence, homophobia and sexism in hip hop music and culture, through interviews with artists, academics and fans. Hurts activism in gender issues and his love of hiphop caused him to feel what he described as a sense of hypocrisy, and began working on the film. The premiere of the film took place at the Sundance Film Festival, being welcomed by a standing ovation. It has also won Best Documentary at the San Francisco Black Film Festival and the Audience Award at the Roxbury Film Festival. On February 20, 2007 the film aired on the PBS Emmywinning documentary series, Independent Lens.

Interviews with students of Spelman College regarding a protest against the appearance of Rapper Nelly, who originally contacted the school to have a bone marrow drive take place on campus. The student body asked the rapper to hold a forum to discuss his video Tip Drill, in which he is seen sliding a credit card down the back side of a woman. In response, the rapper canceled plans to hold the bone marrow drive at the school.An interview with Rapper Busta Rhymes in which the rapper walked out when confronted with a question about homophobia in the rap community. Rhymes is quoted as saying I cant partake in that conversation, followed by, With all due respect, I aint trying to offend nobody. . . What I represent culturally doesnt condone homosexuality whatsoever. When asked if the hiphop culture would ever accept a homosexual rapper, Busta Rhymes then exited the interview. ........

Source: Wikipedia