961 Underground

961 Underground: The birth of Lebanese Hip Hop
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t‘961 Underground’, produced and directed by DJ, producer, turntablist and scratch king Lethal Skillz (aka Hussein Mao) is the first documentary covering that scene and a timely reminder at this time of conflict in the region that the rap genre in all languages is a vocal form of creative protest and an effective way for the real people of a nation - the disaffected youth - to get their voices heard.

The film features interviews with the numerous voices to be found today in Lebanese Hip Hop - from rappers to producers and DJs - each of whom tell their story and tell it like it is. It also features unique and original footage of this colorful crew spitting rhymes on streets corners or live on stage with an eloquence that is Lebanon’s best-kept secret and one that the rest of the world is about to discover.

Arabic, French and English are the languages of the rappers featured here - Omarz, Dezert Dragonz, Johnny Damascus, DJ Stickfiggr, Grandsunn, Kitab Beirut, Aks’ser and Eslam - and their skill in rhyming matches that of any of the legendary New York underground.And in all cases we see the real Beirut and the real Lebanon with the youth of the nation speaking out through rap their opposition to the current social, political and sectarian strife the nation is suffering, the Israeli war on the nation and their own needs and wants as the future of Lebanon.

961 Underground is a first for Lebanon and brilliant debut production from DJ Lethal Skillz who himself also features in the film. Cut together the way Skillz mixes - with a freshness and style that makes you feel like you’re actually watching a live scratch section through film - this is documentary to enjoy as well as to educate on what will soon be the new worldwide wave of Lebanese Hip Hop. It is about time the talented rappers, DJs and producers of Lebanon reach a global audience and 961 Underground is the film that finally and none too soon puts them on the map.

Oh and look out for the extras too (Unseen footage from old DMC and ITF old school lebanese dj battles and Skillz’s ‘First Offical How to Scratch in 'Arabic' session’ and ‘How to make beats at home’.

For more information check out official 961Underground website on http://www.961underground.com/