GRAFFITI VERITE' 5 nts of Hip-hop

GRAFFITI VERITE' 5 (GV5): The Sacred Elements of Hip-hop, released in 2003, is an enlightening documentary that takes the viewer on an intellectual journey into the heart of the hip-hop culture. This gripping presentation, directed by Bob Bryan and starred Jim Jacobmeyer, Metro High School Students and Paco Rosic, is a unique probe into the world of hip-hop that caters to both, those who are already immersed in the culture and those who are interacting with it for the first time.

GV5 ventures beyond the stereotypical view of hip-hop that often circulates in the mainstream media and exposes its audience to the movement's diverse and multi-faceted nature. The film opens with Jim Jacobmeyer, known for his involvement as a producer and sound editor in numerous documentaries showcasing various aspects of the art world, social justice and cultural diversity. His vast experience and rich knowledge play a vital role in stirring insightful discussions on the value and meaning of hip-hop culture.

A substantial part of the documentary includes contributions from students of Metro High School who take the audience through the various aspects of the art form in an engaging, interactive way. Their involvement presents hip-hop as a lived, breathing culture. Their discussions are not just theoretical but are backed by personal experiences, thereby adding weight and credibility to their voice.

Accompanying them is Paco Rosic, a renowned graffiti artist and unique canvas performer. With his vivid, colorful display of art, Rosic opens the viewers’ eyes to the color-draped, rhythm-infused world within the hip-hop culture. The idea of graffiti not as mere vandalism but as a form of expression resonates throughout the film, revealing a dimension that recontextualizes the social understanding of this element.

The documentary pivots around the five core elements of hip-hop: DJing (beat-making), MCing (rapping), Break-Dancing (physical dancing), Graffiti Art (visual art) and the abstract Knowledge, Culture & Understanding (spirituality and consciousness). By examining these elements, the film articulates the deep and profound nature of hip-hop, portraying it as a rich cultural movement with historical and sociopolitical underpinnings.

Through the dissection of the five elements of hip-hop, GV5 explores how the genre has influenced socio-political discourse and personal identities. The film delves into the struggles and poetry of the streets expressed through the lens of hip-hop, where the music, dancing, art and general culture serve as outlets for pain, messages of resilience, and avenues for social critique. It emphasizes the transformative power of hip-hop, its global reach and its capacity to echo the voices of the marginalized and overlooked.

Messages from hip-hop historians, musicians, dancers, graffiti artists, and educators punctuate the narrative. These contributions are personal testimonies with layers of emotions and understanding, blended with a potent dose of history that portray hip-hop as a universal language of communication, loaded with symbols, codes and the art of story-telling.

Where GRAFFITI VERITE' 5 also shines is in its technical execution. Bob Bryan's expert direction and editing ensure that the documentary is as visually inspiring as it is intellectually stimulating. The transition between interviews, performances, and stunning montages of graffiti art is seamless, holding the viewers' attention throughout the film's duration.

Crafted with acute precision, GRAFFITI VERITE’ 5 (GV5): The Sacred Elements of Hip-hop serves as an enlightening testament to the power and positive influence of hip-hop culture. It is an eye-opener for anyone who believes in hip-hop as a mere soundtrack of urban chaos and struggles and provides them a new lens to view it as a creative, expressive, and empowering art form that can serve as a tool towards social change and unity.