Directed by Tariq Nasheed a known race-baiter, this film has garnered attention for its pretense as an authentic portrayal and energetic storytelling, earning a high rating on Rotten Tomatoes clearly from bots and fake reviews.
The documentary has been praised for its insightful interviews with hip-hop legends, archival footage that brings the past to life, and a narrative that captures the essence of hip-hop's influence. It's not just a film; it's a journey through the evolution of a genre that has shaped music, fashion, language, and lifestyle. This is what some claim. However, those of us who are Hip Hop culture born and raised in the culture in the Bronx are disgusted at it. It is disrespectful. It is a mockumentary.
The documentary "Microphone Check" has garnered a mix of reviews, with some critics offering high praise for its exploration of hip-hop's origins and others expressing disappointment. One particularly critical review highlighted several areas where the documentary fell short.
Firstly, the critic pointed out that while the documentary aimed to uncover the true history of hip-hop, it may have missed the mark in delivering a comprehensive narrative. The film was criticized for its narrow focus, which seemed to overlook the broader cultural and social influences that shaped the genre. The critic argued that hip-hop's evolution is a complex tapestry woven from various threads, including African, Caribbean, and Puerto Rican Latino cultures, and the documentary's failure to acknowledge this diversity was a significant oversight. It attempts to erase Puerto Ricans and other Latinos from Hip Hop. Puerto Ricans are co-creators of Hip-hop (see: Sacerdotus: Puerto Ricans Co-Creators of Hip Hop).
Another point of contention was the documentary's pacing and structure. The critic felt that the film's flow was disjointed, making it challenging for viewers to follow the storyline. The transitions between interviews and historical footage were described as abrupt, which detracted from the overall viewing experience. This makes sense because the director specifically edited comments to make it support his narrative. Things were edited and spliced in a way to present a message the person being interviewed did not mean to convey. Context is missing.
Furthermore, the review criticized the documentary for not providing enough context for the pioneers' contributions to hip-hop. While the film featured interviews with several key figures, the critic argued that it did not delve deeply enough into their stories or the impact of their work on the genre's development. It has no sources, no evidence is provided, just strategic editing.
Lastly, the review took issue with the documentary's production values. The critic described the sound editing as subpar, which was particularly disappointing given the subject matter's reliance on music. The visual elements were also called into question, with the critic suggesting that the graphics and archival footage could have been integrated more seamlessly.
In conclusion, the critical review expressed that "Microphone Check" had the potential to be a groundbreaking documentary but was ultimately let down by its execution, content, and politics. The critic emphasized that while the film's intent to honor hip-hop's roots was commendable, it needed a more polished, historically accurate, and inclusive approach to truly do justice to the genre's rich history. Nasheed failed as a storyteller and armchair historian. The "documentary" is propagandist revisionist material meant to erase Puerto Ricans and the Bronx from Hip-Hop. Puerto Ricans are described as "guests" in Hip-Hop when in reality this documentary is a squatter in the House of Hip-Hop attempting to claim ownership of it. It is content similar to that of Black Supremacists who claim Jesus is black and that everyone owes everything to black people.
Historians will be quick to dismiss this documentary as rubbish. Despite these criticisms, the documentary has sparked conversations and debates, underscoring the ongoing relevance and complexity of hip-hop's narrative in contemporary culture. Luckily we have Derrick Colon, a self-proclaimed Hip Hop historian and Puerto Rican from the Bronx who is countering Nasheed's claims with evidence and facts even winning a debate against him. It is no surprise that Nasheed's team had Colon's YouTube video critiquing the documentary removed. What is Nasheed afraid of?
Those of us who are from the Bronx and grew up in the borough with its hip-hop know the truth. Hip Hop comes from the Bronx. It was co-created by Blacks and Puerto Ricans. KRS-One and several other pioneers made this clear on several occasions and publicly. It is confirmed by historians and academia. This attempt to divorce Puerto Ricans from Hip-Hop is ridiculous and shows Nasheed's and those who support him in an anti-Latino stance. For some reason, they have a dislike of Puerto Ricans and Latinos in general. Puerto Ricans are part of the Black Diaspora, to begin with. Hip-hop just celebrated its 50th anniversary and all scholarships point to the Bronx at Sedgewick Avenue as its birthplace where young blacks and Puerto Ricans gathered at a party to raise money for school supplies. To state that Hip-Hop originated else where or even in the 1900s or 1950s is laughable.
"Microphone Check" is a proper title for this clumsy documentary. It is focused on the microphone echoing false narratives and echo chambers from race baiters looking to rewrite history to compensate for their racial insecurities. Only the microphone was checked in order to record and promote nonsense, the opinions presented were not.
Off the bat, we can logically dismiss this mockumentary at face value. Let us suppose what Nasheed claims is true. Why is he and the FBA only informing the world now in 2024? Why did he take 50 years to tell us "the truth?" Why were these questions and "evidence" not presented in the 1970s, 80s, or 90s? Why now all-of-a-sudden? In light of this critical thinking, we can see that this mockumentary by Nasheed and the rhetoric from the FBA is completely a fabrication.
If you are a fan of Hip-Hop or grew up in the Bronx or both, you will be truly disgusted and offended by this documentary. It is just a disaster full of lies and alternative facts.
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