Set in the West; A History of L.A. Hip Hop (2016)

The origins of Hip Hop emerging from New York City in the 1970’s are well documented, but many don’t know at the same time, there was another music/street culture that rose up in Los Angeles.  This documentary will tell the untold and rarely heard stories of the genesis of the Street Culture/Black Arts movement on the west coast. The creation of the Hip Hop culture came out of the Bronx block parties in the 1970's, but the genesis of the movement really started in Los Angeles.

There are three major elements in Hip Hop; Graffiti, Dance, and Rap. In Los Angeles dance is our primary element. The west coast brought us many different dance styles and techniques; Krumpin’, Jerkin’, Turfing, Crip Walking, Clown Walking, Lockin’ and Boogalooing. Locking was created by Don Campbell at L.A. Trade Tech in 1969, and popularized by his crew The Lockers. To say Hip Hop started on the West Coast is a controversial statement, but DJ Kool Herc’s dancers will tell you themselves that they were inspired by Don Campbell and his style of Lockin’. 

There was an explosion of party promoting crews coming out of Los Angeles in the 1970’s like Uncle Jamms Army, World Class Wreckin’ Cru, and Z Cars Promotions. The race to which crew could throw the biggest and best dances was on throughout the 1980’s. The party goers would enjoy music and performing acts in peace, no violence or shootings, up until the late 80’s, when the element of street tribes seeped into the movement. Set in the West will tell the missing history of L.A. Hip Hop.

-Set in the West; A History of L.A. Hip Hop trailer

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