What was once a reflection of inner city turmoil filled with messages of inspiration and hope has devolved into a continuous parade of shallow bling. And even though Biggie sometimes rolled in that lane, you could also empathize with his personal struggle and desire to make a better life for his family despite the challenges.

That is why we were so excited to come across this great early hip hop documentary directed by Dick Fontaine. As you will see, the cast includes Afrika Bambaataa, DJ Kool Herc – the film includes footage from Herc’s original dance parties — The Cold Crush Brothers, Jazzy Jay, Brim Fuentes, and The Dynamic Rockers, and is narrated by Imhotep Gary Byrd. Originally part of the Arena television series, it was among the first crop of documentaries about hip-hop.
Enjoy!

http://www.soulhead.com/2015/03/10/beat-hip-hop-history-full-documentary-smokey-gbelife-zulunation1973/

I remember seeing half of this back in the mid-90's on ETV, and never saw it again, thanks for posting a lank to it, I really wanted to see the entire film from the beginning.

It had no info that I didn't know already but to see rare footage of these old school kats is always a treat.

https://tinyurl.com/y4ba6hog

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"We in here talking about later career Prince records
& your fool ass is cruising around in a time machine
trying to collect props for a couple of sociopathic degenerates" - s.blak