Directed by Jimmy Wang

An inside look into the nascent musical revolution on the other side of the globe. Pioneer rapper MC Weber spearheads the creation of Chinese rap music - a free form of creative self-expression that spreads like wildfire amongst those struggling the most: young working class students and grassroots migrants left out of the country's meteoric rise. In Hip-Hop, these post-Mao millenials have found a voice and vehicle for expressing their frustration, anger, hopes, and dreams of a generation grappling with their place in the new China. Yet the movement is challenged by enemies posing a threat to hip hop's musical existence: state censors, on the one hand, and armies of state-backed pop stars seeking to steal the name of Hip-Hop for their own gain. The strong strain of social commentary and opposition that is the hallmark of underground rap music also makes it a threat in the eyes of state censors. Will Underground Chinese Hip-Hop survive?

Not rated

Mode of access: World Wide Web