Pass The Popcorn is proud to bring you Part 2 (the electric boogaloo) of our exclusive look at Rubble Kings--Shan Nicholson's inspiring documentary on the gang culture of the South Bronx, as well as a rising political consciousness and resulting truce that in many ways was the key factor in the birth of hip-hop culture. Think Fort Apache The Bronx + "Apache" the breakbeat by the Incredible Bongo Band. Think infamous "Can You Dig It?" speech at the beginning of The Warriors, but in real life. Last time out we got a general introduction to that cultural landscape--the battlefield, if you will in which the battle-sounds of early hip-hop were formed, with a firsthand run-down of some of the most feared street tribes of the era from the Turban Queens to the Seven Immortals. In the following clip on gang initiations, however, we get an idea of just how intertwined music was in this culture, with interviews and archival footage documenting how 45s and other vinyl records--including "Apache," apparently--were used as a sort of ghetto-style hour-glass in the various gangs jumping-in ceremonies.
Watch and then hit the link below to support the completion of the film by contributing via Kickstarter. Giving comes with benefits including signed artwork or a tuff customized Rubble Kings jacket by MG&HKM. If You want to give face-to-face, you can attend a special fundraiser and screening of the film at The Griffin here in NYC tomorrow night featuring DJs Moma, Eli Escobar and RokOne (see the flyer above for details).
>>>Support Rubble Kings (via Kickstarter)
