The Hip Hop Project is the dynamic story of a group of New York City teenagers who transform their life stories into powerful works of art, using hip hop as a vehicle for self-development and personal discovery. The film traces the evolution of this award-winning outreach program created by Kazi, a formerly homeless teenager turned youth mentor. With the goal of developing a principled group of young artists, Kazi creates a safe environment in which he challenges young people to express themselves freely and write music about the real issues affecting their lives.
 |
The film looks intimately at the lives of Kazi and two of his students, Princess and Cannon, as they strive to overcome daunting life obstacles to produce a collaborative album. In a miraculous turn, Russell Simmons, hip hop mogul and long-time supporter of the project, partners with Bruce Willis to donate a recording studio to the Hip Hop Project. After four years of collaboration, the group produces a powerful and thought-provoking album imbued with moving personal narratives and sharp social commentary. In contrast to the often negative characterizations of hip hop and rap music, this is a story of hope, healing, and the realization of dreams. |
 |
Director:
Matt Ruskin
Producer:
Scott Rosenberg
Executive Producers:
Bruce Willis, Queen Latifah
Cast:
Doug E. Fresh, Diana 'Princess' Lemon, Christopher 'Cannon' Mapp, Chris 'Kazi' Rolle, Russell Simmons, Sway, Bruce Willis
Run Time: 88 minutes
www.hiphopproject.com |
