THE SECRET HISTORY OF WEST COAST HIP-HOP
The Concept
A motion picture, television series, and book documenting the history of hip-hop culture on the west coast. A two hour version of the motion picture portion will be cut for theatrical release, and re-cut into a multi part series for a limited run TV series and DVD distribution.
The Story
Did Hip-Hop start in the East? The four elements of the culture now know as hip hop, which include but is not limited to Graffiti Art, DJ’ing, B-Boy’ing, and MC’ing, existed on both coasts of the United States in the mid-seventies. Most historians and the general public agree that the culture has its roots in the early to mid seventies in various boroughs in New York. Although given it’s name in the Bronx, a culture that closely mirrored this East Coast phenomenon called Hip-Hop had emerged on the West Coast from Los Angeles to Oakland during the same time period.
Most research and documentaries begin West Coast Hip Hop in the late 80s’ with Ice T and the group known for pioneering “Gangsta’ rap” NWA (Niggas Wit Attitude) then jumps into the 90’s with Death Row and Tupac. Well those of us who were here know this culture begins with the Mobile Disc Jockeys, the Dance Promoters, the Lockers the Poppers, and the Car Clubs. Names like DJ Dion, Sir Charles, Uncle Jamm’s Army, The World Class Wrecking Crew, The Music People, Ultra Wave Productions, LSD, Starlight, Partyline Promotions, R.H., Z Cars, The Egyptian Lover, DJ Pooh, Michael Moore, DJ T, Lonzo, Roger Clayton, Jammin’ Gemini, Chris “The Glove” Taylor, Rodney O, Joe Cooley, Bobcat, The L.A. Dream Team, Ice T, just to name a few- developed musical styles specific to the West Coast and put the party scene which eventually developed into West Coast hip hop on the map.
The Audience
The target audience for THE SECRET HISTORY OF WEST COAST HIP-HOP is all races, ages 14 – 50. The 14 – 35 year olds who have unprecedented access to information and culture thanks to the internet, TV and film are starving for information about the little known history of West Coast Hip-Hop which has in the last decade come to take over pop culture.The 35-50 year olds who remember and like to reminisce about these times.
The Production
Rare historical footage and stills, combined with new interviews from hip-hop stars as well as unsung hip-hop heros from “back in the day” will be edited in a contemporary “music video style” with the latest special effects and graphics. Music from the era plus new tracks from the hottest producers will provide the backdrop for this tale.
Archive
Countless hours of video interviews as well as historical footage, and thousands of photographs and images as well as physical items are being collected and donated to the project. An online as well as physical museum is being planned.
The Appeal
Hip-Hop is still the most progressive, marketable, fastest growing, commodity worldwide.
Merchandising
Soundtrack, clothing, magazine, website, endless…