Rap sheet : Hip hop and the cops / a Screen Media Films ; Bad Rap, LLC presents ; a Slang Productions film ; producers, Richard Rofé, Kevin Goodman ; director, Don Sikorski ; writers, Kevin Goodman, Richard Rofé.
Publisher:
Bad RapLLC,
Copyright Date:
2007
Description:
1 videodisc (80 min.) : sound, color with black and white sequences ; 4 3/4 in.
Interviewees include, Lou Savelli, Russell Simmons, RZA, Snoop Dogg, Rev. Run, Nate Dogg, Prodigy, The Game, Sheist Bub, Ghostface Killah, EDI, Fredro Starr, Dee Dean, Swizz Beatz, Cam'ron, Jadakiss, Spliff Starr, Ben Chavis, Ruff Ryders, Busta Rhymes, Ja Rule, Doug E. Fresh, Mike Taylor, Guru, Sticky Fingaz, Kurupt, Johnny Fratto, Layzie Bone, Littles, Tommy Buda, M-1, Fat Joe, B. Real, Damon Dash, Warren M. Flagg, Eric Adams, Kanye West, Larry Kopp, Beanie Sigel, Wes Daily, Smoke, Anthony Miranda, Styles P., Dasun Allah, Sanford Rubenstein, Jim Jones, Edward Mamet, Donna Lieberman, Problem Child, Chuck D., Lil' Cease, Black Child, Tone Boots, Wish Bone, DMC, Jacob York, Stanley Crouch, Andrew Cuomo, Proof, Suge Knight, Domination, N.O.R.E., Diamond Eyez, Eminem, Raqiyah Mays, Wyclef Jean, Pras, Cavario, Siagon, Chris Lighty, Capone, Tony Sunshine, Hoodsurgeon, Chris Gotti, Irv Gotti, Mel Sachs, Nickerson Gardens, Joe Budden, DJ Enuff, Drag-on, Carlito Rodriguez, Gerald Shargel, Gerald Lefcourt. Originally produced as a documentary in 2006.
Contents:
Introduction -- "Hip-hop cops" -- Secret book -- Surveillance: A matter of perspective -- There's blood (and money) in the streets -- Fame, façade, and fear -- Death before dishonor -- Fighting words -- PBV's -- Tip of the iceberg -- Murders -- Hip-hop on trial -- Credits.
Summary:
"A war is raging between Hip-Hop and Law Enforcement. As with most wars, right and wrong are not always obvious. In 2003, the makers of this film set out to document the controversy."--Title screens. Hip hop and law enforcement have a strained relationship, so much so that it is hard to imagine one without the other. Has it really gone so far that there are special divisions of the FBI, the DEA, and the New York and Los Angeles police departments devoted to investigating artists like Jay-Z, 50 Cent, and others? Alternatively, is this a case of blatant profiling, based on class and race stereotypes? Of conflating an 'outlaw' pose, an anti-authoritarian attitude, and a proven money making strategy with actual activity. While there is actual violence, are rap stars any more violent than the population at large? This documentary examines evidence that various agencies have hours of surveillance footage and massive files on the personal lives and activities of the artists. It appears that rap stars may have been treated like key players in a Mafia sting operation rather than entertainers.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.