In the racially turbulent UK of the early 70s, a group of black musicians came together in South London with a common love of rhythms and a message of peace. Cymande – with the dove as their symbol – combined jazz, funk, soul and Caribbean grooves to form a unique sound. Despite success in the USA they faced indifference in their native Britain, becoming disillusioned and disbanding. But the music lived on, as new generations of artists imbibed and reworked their pioneering sounds in fresh ways. From Soul II Soul to De La Soul, MC Solaar to The Fugees, the Dove had spread Cymande's message far and wide, prompting their return after forty years. This is their story.
This documentary feature pulls back the curtain on the world of ‘working class’ rappers. The film spotlights independent artists struggling to find a balance between making a living and pursuing their art alongside the never-ending saga of age and relevance. Weaved together through a series of 30 plus interviews that are devoid of the ego so common in the business of music, especially hip-hop, the film traverses the country (USA) to explore the myths and misconceptions of life as a full-time rapper.
Executive Producer
Originally released in 2001, Disposable Arts is a thematic/concept album by Masta Ace. The concept follows that Masta Ace is being released from prison, his return to home and joining ‘The Institute of Disposable Arts’. The album is one complete story with the skits and songs together. The album contain many guest artists like Masta Ace’s own group eMC (Stricklin, Punchline & Wordsworth), Apocalypse, Greg Nice, Rah Digga, J-Ro, King T, Jean Grae and more. Also a bunch of different producers, this album is seen as a classic album by most Hip Hop heads. This reissue by Below System, contains almost a 2 hour making of DVD where you will see most of the contributors to the Disposable Arts album. Interviews, stories behind the tracks and more content about the making of Disposable Arts.
Self
Originally released in 2001, Disposable Arts is a thematic/concept album by Masta Ace. The concept follows that Masta Ace is being released from prison, his return to home and joining ‘The Institute of Disposable Arts’. The album is one complete story with the skits and songs together. The album contain many guest artists like Masta Ace’s own group eMC (Stricklin, Punchline & Wordsworth), Apocalypse, Greg Nice, Rah Digga, J-Ro, King T, Jean Grae and more. Also a bunch of different producers, this album is seen as a classic album by most Hip Hop heads. This reissue by Below System, contains almost a 2 hour making of DVD where you will see most of the contributors to the Disposable Arts album. Interviews, stories behind the tracks and more content about the making of Disposable Arts.
