Block Party, a documentary by Dave Chapelle shows the idea of bringing people together of different races to a rap concert and how people see the hip-hop culture in a sense where it is not just for blacks. When Dave Chapelle goes to Ohio to pass out golden tickets to people for the rap concert there are not only blacks that would like to go to the concert, but there are others that want to go. Although not everyone likes rap music there are people in the documentary that express their opinion like the couple at the Broken Angel House. That is what is good about this film you see what people think of the hip-hop culture in America. The basis of this film is around the idea of the black pop culture and how it is viewed. It tries to bring everyone in America in the mix of this event. It shows how different races are viewed and the real behind the scenes look of the hip-hop culture.
This film is a must see, it is humorous, but informative. The Urban Cinefile Critics said, “One of the best films of the year so far, this party begins with an inspired act of generosity: Dave Chappelle handing out golden tickets to a New York block festival, featuring hip-hop's biggest acts.” I agree with this statement because it is one of the best films well documentary that I've seen. Also in the film it shows as the critic said giving out golden tickets to people in Ohio. He was not giving it to certain people of race, gender or age, but he was just giving them out to people who he thought may want to go to a free rap concert. He even was trying to give them out to old people as well, which he seemed to attract according to Dave, and may want to go to this event because he was the one giving out the tickets. So it brings about the issue is it that people want to go because they like Dave and it’s free or they really like rap music. I would say a little bit of both. The way that the documentary is set up with seeing all sides of what makes up this block party makes it a great film.
According to Michael Eric Dyson, “Hip-hop’s appeal to white youth extends the refashioning of mainstream America by black popular culture.” I say, that I would have to agree with his statement. Hip-hop is not just about listening to the music, but it also how you live your life that goes along with listening to hip-hop music. It is the clothes that you wear and how you act that makes you a part of that culture. The music is what rubs off on people and that is how not only blacks will listen to hip-hop and rap, but there are whites that will also enjoy it as well. At the same time people like to listen to the songs, but will try not to make that influence their lives to be those kind of people. Although that doesn’t happen all the time and that is why people always assume that all black are the same because of the songs that they sing. It is evident in the film because when Dave Chapelle was giving out tickets it was not only blacks that were wanting to go to this concert, but also it was white people and people of other races and of varying ages and genders. Also in the film there were band kids that live their life playing with their school band and they like rap music and they are evidence to show that what you hear about black culture is not always true.
With everything going on and people think that Dave’s work is being racist and stereotypical like in this film, he can be hypocritical. Dave Chappelle says in Time, “This is sketch is racist, and I don’t want this on the air.” I say, that I was surprised to see that he was worried about airing certain sketches because they were racist. To me, he seems like the person who doesn’t really care what people think of him and what he say since he goes off on saying racist jokes all the time in this film. In the film he his playing on the drum and the makes fun of the audience and how it is all black for the most part and then says with some white people in the crowd. Then he says are there any Mexicans? There are no Mexicans here. Yes this movie can be a little racist and have stereotypical jokes it is still a good film that shows how races are viewed even through a joke. I know that it is just a joke and in them there is some truth, which is how people are viewed stereotypically.
I think the film was very well done and interesting for a documentary. There are people who would disagree with me such as Jim Lane. He says, “…it looks like run-of-the-mill party videos shot by a drunk.” I would disagree with this statement because I think this was a well-done film that uses comedy to make the documentary interesting along with seeing the hip-hop culture in this way. In the film you see how the concert is being set up from inviting people to the concert to practices before the show. It is better than a person at the concert trying to get shots of the concert. The overall quality is great without being too mechanical as a film. It shows how things come together and I believe that’s why it is so strong.
If you like Dave Chapelle, are interested in seeing something that has to do with the hip-hop culture, and just want to see something weird and hilarious, this film is for you. It is an informative, but yet very entertaining documentary that gets you behind the scenes of the culture you may have once thought about knowing more about. Also you can see Dave Chappelle’s work in relation to the whole controversy, although I don’t think it plays a factor. He is just doing what he wants to do like he always does. It is a very effective film and I recommend it. Block Party is now out on DVD.
For more information visit: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/block_party/ , for more reviews or http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0425598/ for information about Block Party
