“The Blank Canvas”:
Hip-Hop’s Struggle for Representation in Seattle
Filmmaker & Hip-Hop musician, Rafael Flores, conducted 6 years of research to create the original documentary about underground Seattle Hip-Hop culture. Since 2004 he has interviewed over 100 rappers, producers, DJ’s, gaffitti artists, disk-jockeys, break-dancers, fashion designers and promoters to tell the real story of underground Hip-Hop in Seattle. The film attempts to document the unique identity of Hip-Hop culture in Seattle as it takes us on a journey that investigates the origins of the culture in the late 1970’s, the legacy of Sir-Mix-a-Lot, the notorious 1985 Teen Dance Ordinance, Clear-Channel’s dominance over commercial Hip-Hop radio, the increasing popularity of white rappers in Seattle and the independent artists struggle for representation in a seemingly liberal city.
Starring: Alpha P, Black Stax, Blue Scholars, Dyme Def, Macklemore, Massive Monkeys, Vitamin D, BYC Crew, Laura “Piece” Kelley, The Grynch, NEeMA, Anthony Shears, Hella Dope, DJ Hyphen, Jerm, DJ B-Girl, Fatal Lucciauno, Specs One, Moorpheus of East Union Hustlers & many more.
Written, Directed & Edited by Rafael Flores
Executive Producer: Alexander Sinclair
Director of Photography: Aled Ordu
Produced by: Suntonio Bandanaz & Jared “Rufio” Alfonzo
Coming 2013
