Official Trailer for Fascinating Doc ‘As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial’
by Alex Billington
January 29, 2024
Source: YouTube
“We can criminalize rap all we want, but that’s not going to resolve the issue.” Paramount+ has revealed the official trailer for a fsacinating documentary film titled As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial, arriving for streaming in February. This just premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival to some great reviews, and P+ already has it set to launch in only a few more weeks. Directed by filmmaker J.M. Harper, As We Speak features Bronx rap artist Kemba who explores the growing weaponization of rap lyrics in the United States criminal justice system and abroad – revealing how law enforcement has quietly used artistic creation as evidence in criminal cases for decades. Journeying through meccas of hip-hop, building the case for rap lyrics & Black artist protection via intimate conversations with rappers, academics, politicians, legal experts, and industry execs. Sundance adds that, “Harper’s sophisticated and immersive journey merges style and substance, boldly weaving through a web of issues…” I watched this during the fest and yep it’s damn good. The real interaction between Kemba and whoever he’s talking with adds an extra dimension. Check it out.
Official trailer (+ poster) for J.M. Harper’s doc As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial, from YouTube:
Full intro from Sundance: “Bronx rap artist Kemba explores the growing weaponization of rap lyrics in the United States criminal justice system and abroad — revealing how law enforcement has quietly used artistic creation as evidence in criminal cases for decades. J.M. Harper’s self-assured directorial debut unfolds like an original odyssey, shedding light on the intersection between the weaponization of rap lyrics and threats to freedom of speech. Traveling with Kemba grounds the international exploration in the perspective of an artist. He guides us through the origins of gangster rap to drill, studies on racial bias in music, discussions with legal experts, and candid conversations with influential artists like Killer Mike to reveal a profound history of targeting Black music and artists.” As We Speak is directed by editor / filmmaker J.M. Harper, making his feature directorial debut after a few other projects previously. Produced by Sam Widdoes, Peter Cambor, Sam Bisbee, and J.M. Harper. This just premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Paramount debuts Harper’s As We Speak doc streaming on Paramount+ starting February 27th, 2024 coming soon.
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