Hip Hop By Da Bay
Picture: C+
Sound: C+ Extras: C+ Main Program: C+
In our continuing search for new life in the Hip Hop
genre, Hip Hop By Da Bay (2005) is an interesting contender. The goal is to have a new variety and
generation of Rappers from all over the U.S. to compete and celebrate what the
genre is supposed to be about: unity, peace and progress. By literally mapping things out, the generic
East/West split is banished as Jahi, T-Kash, Pro, Attik, Renai7sance, Zion I,
Ise Life, Krushadelic and others show up in the San Francisco Bay Area to come
together and maybe make some kind of new start for the genre.
Though this is an affair for fans only, with extended
sessions with and without video, the DVD is loaded with an hour of main programming,
two video bonus tracks and an all-audio section that runs nearly as long. Rap fans looking for something new and fresh
(pun not intended) may want to catch this one.
As for the performance of the DVD itself, the picture is
shot on 1.33 X 1 videotape and the fidelity is limited to analog NTSC-induced
digital video at best. The Dolby
Digital 2.0 Stereo would usually not be able to handle the music, but much of
this is taped on the scene with minimal attempts to make the sound fully
realized. The combination looks like
someone who was visiting in the audience.
Besides the two bonus performances inexplicably not in the main feature,
the DVD comes in the usually dreaded cardboard snapper case that the few DVD
companies still using them have eliminated.
Here, however, a nicely illustrated, 28-page, full color booklet with
text on the show and the talents behind it is built into the paperboard cover,
making this a unique DVD release. Now
if they a more durable case could be tried out.
- Nicholas Sheffo
