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Rapping about the Masculine

Propaganda Anonymous
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For many who observe hip-hop culture from the outside, some of the biggest complaints are its violence, misogyny, and homophobia. But hip-hop has its own community, with its own rules that need to be respected if one is going to form any sort of critical analysis. One cannot  blindly interject one's opinions into the debate without doing some prerequisite knowledge. Luckily, Byron Hurt has done the work, and he has formulated a deeply insightful and moving film about areas of hip-hop that require critical analysis. His movie, Beyond Beats and Rhymes tells the story of a hip-hop aficianado delving deep into some of the most important issues of gender within the culture.  Hurt's insightful film aims "to get us men to take a hard look at ourselves."

See trailer here:

Comments

LOL, "Colored People"

Submitted by Brad on Mon, 06/29/2009 - 12:14.
I think he's doing the community a service. I'll have to check it out.

gender rules.

Submitted by wanderlust on Mon, 06/29/2009 - 17:35.
an important topic! hip-hop has tremendous healing potential, but it is important to be reflexive about gender, and more inclusive. wanderlust

 

It's not just Hip-Hop...

Submitted by Iamthewalrus on Mon, 06/29/2009 - 19:57.
A disrespect of women (it can hardly be called misogyny) is natural in society, because--believe it or not :O--men and women are very different, and it is in human nature--not exclusively, but ever likely--to feel embracing of this difference rather than indignant about it. I think feminists should look into transhumanism so that they can make everyone truly equal.

mankind project

Submitted by krueckz on Fri, 07/03/2009 - 09:58.
this is a little out of place but the article mentions manhood. there is a group out there called the mankind project which is a sort of modern day men's inittiation for those of us who would like to become better men (there is a corresponding womens group called woman within i believe, they are both on the web.) the mankind project has a group that usually meets once a week but in order to attend this group one must attend the new warrior training adventure which is about 2 and a half days fo physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual excercises. safety is emphasized but you will be pushed and you can pass from any activity if you feel uncomfortable. at this weekend you see your strenghts and weaknesses in a place that is safe. you see that you are not alone in your thought and feelings of alienation etc. in very real ways in your face. usually also to get a taste of the weekend the group of men in your area have an open group once a month where anyone is welcome. the only way to find out is to DO IT.

This Film

Submitted by thoughtmecca on Thu, 07/09/2009 - 03:34.
I had the good fortune to see this film back in 2006 at the Full Frame documentary film festival, and it's fantastic.Out of the group I was attending the festival with, I was the only one with a real interest in hip-hop (there was another film there about a Palestinean MC) but everyone else who viewed it with me agreed that it's examination of gender issues in hip-hop is actually widely applicable to the whole of American culture today.Plus, it gave us the awesome Method Man quote, "I duct tape families, yo!"Do yourself a favor and track this movie down. I'm looking forward to Byron's next production.