10-10-2023 12:50pm

FREESTYLE 101 HIP-HOP HISTORY: STARRING ICE T, RZA, CYPRESS HILL, THE GAME, CHUCK D, AND FEATURING MANY OTHER RAPPER AND HIP HOP STARS

Anita Johnson-Brown Editor

Freestyle 101: Hip-Hop History is an enlightening documentary feature that delves into the early days of hip-hop through the lens of freestyle rap. Directed by Frank Meyer (known for Risen: The Story of Chron "Hell Razah" Smith) and narrated by Chuck D of Public Enemy, the film features interviews with legendary artists such as Ice-T, Cypress Hill, Wu-Tang Clan, and many more. They discuss the history and complexities of freestyle rapping, and also perform musical examples.

The documentary also follows New York battle rapper Iron Solomon and L.A. indie art rapper Open Mike Eagle, as they learn firsthand what it takes to succeed in today's music industry. It's a lesson in hip-hop history, as well as an inspirational guidebook on how to thrive in the music business.

The cast of Freestyle 101: Hip-Hop History includes renowned artists such as Del the Funky Homosapien, Sean Kingston, M.O.P., The Game, The LOX, Freestyle Fellowship, R.A. The Rugged Man, Cold Crush Bros, Pete Rock, Masta Ace, MC Supernatural, Planet Asia, Ras Kass, Tech N9ne, Jurassic 5, Mobb Deep, Crooked I, Insane Clown Posse, and many more. The film also features among the last interviews ever given by fallen rappers Guru (Gang Starr), Prodigy (Mobb Deep), Gift of Gab (Blackalicious), and Sean Price (Health Skeltah). May they rest in peace.

The documentary is written, directed, and edited by Frank Meyer and produced by Robert Juster. Digital Reacharound’s previous documentary Risen: The Story of Chron "Hell Razah" Smith won several awards including Best Music Documentary at Film Threat's 2021 AwardThis!, Best Music Documentary at New York’s People’s Film Festival, and Best Documentary at Hollywood Verge Film Festival. It was also named an Official Selection by the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Awards, Los Angeles Cinefest, and International Independent Film Awards.

Freestyle 101: Hip-Hop History has a running time of 1 hour and 42 minutes and will not be rated by the MPAA. Indie Rights Movies will release the film on digital platforms on October 24, 2023.

-By Amita Johnson-Brown