Halfway through #blackmusicmonth, I thought it was time to highlight some of the work I’ve done featuring black music in documentaries and narratives.
FINDING THE FUNK
‘Finding the Funk’ is a feature length look at the history and aesthetics of funk narrated by Amir Thompson with interviews with George Clinton, Bootsy Collins, Sly Stone, Alan Leeds, Shelia E, Steve Arrington, Maceo Parker, Mtume, Mike D, Shock G and others who were funk legends or were deeply affected by its sound and attitude.
https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Funk-Ahmir-Questlove-Thompson/dp/B08DTBW5QG
THRILLER 40
This take on the biggest selling album of all time was originally broadcast last year on Showtime and Paramount Plus, and just doesn’t focus on the recording process, but looks in depth at the videos, choreography, and costume choices that defined this cultural landmark. Along with the musicians who played on it, director John Landis, singers Mary J. Blige, Maxwell and Usher bring a fresh perspective on a music/visual epic that inspires to this day.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/0LAERO0ASUVMBWTO87COG2KK95/ref=atv_dp_cnc_0_1
SMART BLACK PEOPLE PHOTO BY ANTHONY BARBOZA
SMART BLACK PEOPLE
This short doc was inspired by my book, Post-Soul Nation, which is examination of the 1980s. Shot at panels in Harlem and Beverly Hills, filmmakers, rappers, musicians, journalist and authors talk about the events that shaped their lives — from hip hop to crack to literature and fashion.
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/smartblackpeople
https://vimeo.com/user96988396
CB4
‘CB4’ is a wacky hip hop mockumentary I wrote with Chris Rock that debuted at #1 back in 1993. It is a comedy about a group who adopt the persona of a gangsta rapper, who knew that this would actually become a thing! It’s funny and raw and full of cameos from rap stars and celebrities.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106500/
THE GET DOWN
I was a writer/producer on this Netflix series, which allowed me to tap into my memories of being a young journalist at the beginnings of hip hop culture. So many members of our young cast have gone on to have great careers. Plus no one understands how to put music and images together like series creator Baz Luhrmann.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4592410/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_q_the%2520get%2520down
STRICTLY BUSINESS
Though music isn’t the subject of this romantic comedy, it’s the reason the film exist. The late Uptown records founder Andre Harrell was a driving force in getting this 1991 project, which features Halle Berry in her first lead role and Mary J. Blige’s first single, produced and distributed. It is also my first movie screenwriting credit so this was a huge project for me.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102996/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_q_STRICTLY%2520BUSINESS
THE STOP THE VIOLENCE MOVEMENT: OVERCOMING SELF DESTRUCTION
Along with record executive Ann Carli, I helped instigate an all star record and video aimed at changing the narrative around violence in hip hop. The hour long doc that followed that process captures a fleeting moment when conscious rap was a trend. We were young, well intentioned and, ultimately, unsuccessful. But this is fine time capsule of out effort.
LIFE SUPPORT
I co-wrote and directed this film based on the story of my family’s struggle with the HIV virus for HBO. It was green lit because Queen Latifah agreed to play the lead. It’s a testament to her career as an MC and an actor the project exist. Latifah won a Golden Globe and got an Emmy nomination for her work. I was able to use tracks by Roy Ayers and Maxwell to elevate the storytelling
https://play.max.com/movie/dcdc446d-3e18-4264-b173-f20dee44627a?utm_source=universal_search