RUBBLE KINGS :: NEW YORK

From 1968 to 1975, gangs ruled New York City. Beyond the idealistic hopes of the civil rights movement lay a unfocused rage. Neither law enforcement nor social agency could end the escalating bloodshed. Peace came only through the most unlikely and courageous of events that would change the world for generations to come by giving birth to hip-hop culture. Rubble Kings, the most comprehensive documentation of life during this era of gang rule to date, tells the story of how a few extraordinary, forgotten people did the impossible, and how their actions impacted the world over.

THE BIRTH OF HIP HOP CULTURE...

CREME D'COCOA :: SMOOTH SOUL

Forget the “funk” in this album — because the best bits are the mellow ones! Crème D’Cocoa are one of those groups pushing slick bass-heavy funk when they should stick to the mellower cuts — which they do nicely on this album, in a smooth male/female harmony style that has a bit of a quiet storm feel to it. The funkier cuts are really just uptempo club numbers, not really that strong, but pleasant enough in kind of a shouting catchy chorus sort of way. Titles include “Baby, Don’t You Know”, “Leading Lady”, “Mr Me, Mrs You”, “Sweet Dream Lady”, “I Don’t Wanna Be Lonely”, and “Do What You Feel”.

CREME D'COCOA - I DONT WANT TO BE LONELY -1978

THE SEATTLE SOUL & FUNK SCENE IN THE 1970's :: WHEEDLE'S GROOVE

The story arc traced by WHEEDLE’S GROOVE — Jennifer Maas’ documentary about the Seattle soul and funk scene of the ’70s — is the best expression of the city’s zeitgeist in recent memory.” – Jonathan Zwickel, Seattle Times

“The best documentary of 2010", Wheedle’s Groove is a moving cinematic testament to the pure power of music and not only a tribute to the Seattle soul music scene, but to a time in our nation’s not-too-far-off past when it felt for a beautiful minute like America had soul.” – Michael Simmons, Huffington Post

“Maas’s unearthing of this small group of musicians, decked out in platform shoes, soul ’fros and pimp hats, serves up pure gold with every frame.” – Johnson Cummins, Montreal Mirror

“Wheedle’s Groove resists becoming a sentimental pastiche of bittersweet Old School reminisces by deftly illustrating how music shapes community, breaks barriers and forges new paths.” – John Hubbel, Indie Memphis Film Festival

“The filmmakers have approached the subject and its players with a sense of appreciation and compassion that is evident throughout the film. It is a must-see for any fan of soul, funk, and R&B music.” – Tim Sampson, Communications Director, Stax Museum of American Soul Music.