The new film about the “Grandfather of Rap” made by Manchester production company Riverhorse is to premiere at Sheffield Doc/Fest at the weekend.
Called Hustlers Convention, the documentary is produced by Public Enemy’s Chuck D and tells the story of the 1973 album of the same name.
Hustlers Convention the album is regarded as a cornerstone in the evolution of Hip Hop with its creator, Lightnin’ Rod, aka Jalal Nuriddin of The Last Poets, is affectionately known in some circles as ‘The Grandfather of Rap’ for his contribution to the genre.
Filmmaker Mike Todd explained: “The story of Jalal and Hustlers Convention is missing piece of cultural history. It’s fantastic that so many people have supported this project and made it possible for us to get this film out there.”
The film includes interviews with some of the key figures connected to the story, including the late Amiri Baraka, Ice T, Melle Mel, KRS One, MC Lyte, Chuck himself – and many more.
Following the Sheffield Premiere, screenings will take place at Home in Manchester on June 11, FACT in Liverpool on June 12 and at the ICA in London on June 14. The director and Nuriddin will be in attendance.
It is a co-production between Todd’s company Riverhorse, Chuck D’s company BTN Eastlink, Warehouse 51, owned by former Sky Vision CEO Carl Hall, and Quenell Jones. It is being distributed by Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment and last year won support from Creative England.
