After hip hop's launch in New York and germination in L.A. gave way to highly publicized West Coast/East Coast rivalries and variations, musicians from the Southern states--referred to here as the “dirty South” (think Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Mississippi, etc.)--began cooking up their own version of hip hop, reflecting the local and cultural differences in the beats, vernacular, styles, and scene. In Dirty States of America, the artists, producers, music buffs, and other principals (like…um…a hot dog vendor), explore the influence of the “dirty states” on hip hop and rap through interview excerpts and performance footage, touching on topics that include super-group pioneers (Outkast, Luke, UGK, and the Geto Boys), fame, freestyling, crime, racism (the Confederate flag is, rightly, a contentious issue here), and pride. Standout segments include a discussion about the controversial new slang term “jew” (used synonymously with “nigga,” as in “comrade”), and an explanation of “crunk” beats (the rhythm is melodramatically described as the result of 400 years of oppression and being tired of "massa"). Featuring interviews with “parental advisory” sticker celebrities like Lil' Jon, David Banner, Lil' Flip, Devin the Dude, Khia, and Bubba Sparxxx, it shouldn't be surprising that the explicit content level (i.e. language and nudity) is quite high, but this is a worthwhile addition that is sure to be popular nonetheless. A bonus DVD with additional interview segments is also included. Recommended. Aud: P. (J. Williams-Wood)
Dirty States of America
(2004) 2 discs. 95 min. DVD: $19.99. Image Entertainment (avail. from most distributors). Color cover. Volume 19, Issue 5
Dirty States of America
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