Emerge Vancouver

Hip-hop Artists Join a Vancouver Women’s Organization to
End Violence against Women

Corporations and people in power are force-feeding us a brand of hip-hop that isn’t true to its roots. We are taking a stand for some of the core values of true hip-hop. In the words of one of the first hip-hop artists, Afrika Bambaataa, it’s all about peace, unity, love, and having fun.

HIP-HOP: BEYOND BEATS & RHYMES is a documentary that examines gender roles in hip-hop through the lens of filmmaker Byron Hurt, a former college quarterback turned activist. Conceived as a “loving critique” from a self-proclaimed “Hip-Hop Head,” Hurt tackles issues of masculinity, sexism, violence and homophobia in today’s hip-hop culture.

Byron Hurt will be joined by Chuck D front man for Public Enemy in Vancouver teaming up with Battered Women’s Support Services

The film also reveals the complex intersection of culture, money, and gender through on-the-street interviews with aspiring rappers and fans at hip-hop events throughout the US. The film provides thoughtful dialogue from intelligent, divergent voices of rap artists, industry executives, rap fans and social critics from inside and outside the hip-hop generation. 

“Hip hop was created from Bronx, the ghetto, the slum, where marginalized Black and Latino youth were displaced from their environment and land. Just like many Indigenous youth who have had their land and culture stolen and displaced and forced into urbanization because there is no opportunity on the reservations. Indigenous people have the oldest graffiti in the world on the mountains and cliffs that tell the stories of the time and it’s no different than the graffiti in the back alley. Indigenous oral history is no different than rhyming expressing and sharing stories of the present….”  Curtis Clearsky Blackfoot (Blood)/Annishanabe (Saulteaux)

Who:    Battered Women’s Support Services, Chuck D & Byron Hurt

What:   A documentary and panel discussions follow the film
 
Where:   Vancity Theatre, Vancouver International Film Centre
             1181 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC

When:  Friday, November 21, 2008
            Youth shows 10 am– 1pm
            Invitation only show 6 pm – 8:30 pm
            Public show doors open at 8:30 pm film at 9:00 pm
                        
Why:  Cultural Engagement in Preventing Violence Against Women