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A portrait of a man trying to make a difference in kids' lives using music. Read the full description.
Saiyid Brent mentors young men using an unusual tool: hip-hop.
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Ness Smith-Savedoff
Posted on March 10, 2009 at 09:26 PM | Permalink
Review of " It's Bigger Than Hip-Hop" (which it is)
Lauren Kirby mixes audio from her subjects with commentary that encourages your ear to hear the story of middle school students growing up in an environment that blasts them with unhealthy images. This piece explores the job of Saiyid Brent who teaches hip-hop to students with the aim of using it as a medium to grow. I would appreciate hearing more of the work that the students have written, but the extent to which we get to hear the student’s voices adds a flow to the piece helping to nail each point on the home.
“I wanna be a boy, but I’m still a man,” sings Saiyid’s group of students, conjuring up images of youth almost ready to take on responsibilities and dealing with the frustration of not yet being trusted.
This piece will go well with any coming of age story, or a show dealing with adjustment and change. Look for this piece when you need inspiration to find a new medium or just want to hear about something cool going on schools.
“Went through college, got his bachelor’s degree, and at age 25, lawyer you see.” ~ A Young Rapper
Ness Smith-Savedoff