THE HIP HOP PROJECT

Year: 2006
USA: THINKFilm
Cast: Bruce Willis, Queen Latifah, Chris Kazi Rolle, Russell Simmons, Sway, Doug E Fresh
Director: Matt Ruskin
Country: USA
USA: 88 mins
USA Rated: PG-13 on appeal for strong language and some thematic material
USA Release Date: 11 May 2007 (Limited Release - New York and Los Angeles)


Synopsis

From Executive Producers Bruce Willis and Queen Latifah, THE HIP HOP PROJECT is the compelling story of Kazi, a formerly homeless teenager who inspired a group of New York City teens to transform their life stories into powerful works of art, using hip hop as a vehicle for self-development and personal discovery.

Kazi challenges these young people to write music about real issues affecting their lives as they strive to overcome daunting obstacles to produce a collaborative album. Russell Simmons, hip hop mogul and long-time supporter of the project, partners with Bruce Willis to donate a recording studio to the Hip Hop Project. After four years of collaboration, the group produces a powerful and thought-provoking CD filled with moving personal narratives and sharp social commentary. In contrast to all of the negative attention focused on hip hop and rap music, this is a story of hope, healing and the realization of dreams