Blacking Up: Hip-Hop's Remix of Race and Identity

In this thought-provoking if somewhat scattershot PBS-aired documentary, filmmaker Robert A. Clift explores the tensions surrounding white youth's embrace of hip-hop culture, asking whether it's grounded in genuine admiration and a desire to overcome racial boundaries or simply another example in a distressing history of mimicry and stereotyping. Clift speaks to professional and amateur MCs, music professors, cultural critics, casual observers, and ardent fans, as well as Ed Greenbaum of the Al Jolson Society—“Jolson has become the poster boy for political incorrectness,” Greenbaum notes—and visits a Jolson festival. On the subject of white rappers, Vanilla Ice says he regrets his legacy as a “novelty act.” To comedian Paul Mooney, such entertainers represent yet another case of cultural appropriation. Author and activist Amiri Baraka, quoting from his poem “In the Funk World,” asks, “If Elvis Presley is king, who is James Brown? God?” (a question that sidesteps the fact that the two artists hail from different music genres). Former white female rap duo Empire Isis (now a single act), who add reggae flavors to their recipe, says they don't define themselves by race, while DJ Kool Herc argues that hip-hop is the ultimate melting pot. Other notables offering their thoughts include Greg Tate, Aesop Rock, Sage Francis, Public Enemy's Chuck D, and Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons. Offering an evenhanded although rambling look at an interesting issue, this is a strong optional purchase. Aud: H, C, P. (K. Fennessy)