Short Documentary: The Death & Life Of Radiotron

TRACES NO.1: YOUTH BREAK CENTER, INC. / RADIOTRON from maya santos on Vimeo.

An event, I've always wanted to photograph and participate in Radiotron. I only knew of it via VHS tapes [and now DVDs]. I remember talking to West Coast bboys and bgirls years back, who said there has always been a movement to continue throwing events and gatherings in the name of Radiotron. Though the original building has been destroyed and turned into a strip mall, the people who truly care about keeping a community are still doing great things [Radiotron.org].

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Review: Beats, Rhymes & Life -- The Travels Of A Tribe Called Quest

A Tribe Called Quest posing for a photo. A reluctant photo that no one wanted to take.

One of the most important notes I took in any of my photography lectures, years back, was making a connection with an artist. Finding art and an artist to invest oneself to, becomes more difficult as any medium grows. There is a high chance you could expose yourself to a lot of crap art and crap artists [subjectively speaking]. When I look at this documentary on A Tribe Called Quest, it reminds me about the many movements that occur in art. It reminds me of my youth. It also reminds me of my initial hate of the group.

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Commercial Break: NYC Biker Runs Into A Lot Of S**t

I'm not the biggest fan of bikers. Most that I've come across seemed to be jort-wearing entitled butt sniffers. But hey, there are exceptions to every biker, right? And maybe a lot of the bikers I've entertained hitting, became the way they are because of the laws in place. So this is me, trying to meet the biking community halfway. If we can work on getting better bike & traffic laws, then you can work on getting the f**k out of my way.

Also, I hate your pants and hats. That is all.

Turn It Loose Trailer

A handful of the people reading this page know I am a huge fan and enthusiast of the hiphop culture. Even as of this day I am a practicing bboy. But it doesn't matter how large or small of a jam I have been to, I am always amazed at how large this culture has gotten. I see fashion and slang influenced by the style or the music, but I never would have thought for one minute documentaries would be made with bboying/bgirling as the focal point. I hope Turn It Loose is as good as this trailer touts it to be. If it is the event I think it is, then...well, I have feelings on Red Bull BC One, I am hoping the South African culture and worldwide influence gets pushed to the forefront.

Chris Rock's "Good Hair"

There is a much classier way to start a review of Chris Rock's comedic documentary, Good Hair. However, I will cut straight to the point [no pun intended]. If you want to know how black men and women's hair 'do that thing' it does. Or if you've ever asked your African-American co-workers, "So what do you put in your hair for it to do that?" Chris Rock answers the multi-billion dollar question in Good Hair.

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Tyson: Why Is This Movie Only In 8 Theaters?

Thugnificient

If you are reading this now, then there is a good chance that the documentary known as "Tyson" is more than likely no longer playing in your neighboring theater. Turns out putting an independant movie in theaters that aren't located in Los Angeles or New York, cost a chunk of change.  Tyson, the person, is depicted as an adult who has come to terms with his life.  A life filled with youthful mistakes and displacement.  This harsh upbringing then leads to his adult life which is filled with scandals and overall misfortune.  "Tyson" is great.  It is off putting, harsh at times and small bits are just flat out weird. Here is hoping an audience out there...somewhere in Brogville, will find the DVD/Blu-Ray and enjoy this documentary.  It really is something else.

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