HIP-HOP: Beyond Beats and Rhymes takes an in-depth look at representations of manhood, sexism and homophobia in hip-hop culture. This groundbreaking documentary is a “loving critique” of certain disturbing developments in rap music culture from the point of view of a fan who challenges the art form’s representations of masculinity.

Leading rap and hip-hop artists including Mos Def, Busta Rhymes, Russell Simmons are interviewed—and pressed—to answer some difficult questions about the violent and sexually explicit content of many hip-hop songs and videos. HIP-HOP: Beyond Beats and Rhymes premieres on the Emmy Award-winning PBS series Independent Lens on February 20, 2007.
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The national broadcast of HIP-HOP: Beyond Beats and Rhymes is supported by a comprehensive national community engagement campaign designed to educate both young consumers and media makers about issues of gender, race and community values. The campaign supports media literacy and encourages young men and women to reflect on the impact of frequently violent and sexual imagery on themselves, their relationships and their communities.
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