The Blank Canvas: Hip-Hop’s Struggle for Representation in Seattle

The Blank Canvas: Hip-Hop's Struggle for Representation in Seattle from Green Eyed Media on Vimeo.

Runtime: 90 minutes
Writer, Director & Editor: Rafael Flores
Executive Producer:  Alex Sinclair
Director of Photography:  Aled Ordu
Produced by:  Suntonio Bandanaz and Jared “Rufio” Alfonzo

Filmmaker & Hip-Hop musician, Rafael Flores, conducted 6 years of research to create the original documentary about underground Seattle Hip-Hop culture.  Since 2004 he has interviewed over 100 rappers, producers, DJ’s, gaffitti artists, disk-jockeys, break-dancers, fashion designers and promoters to tell the real story of underground Hip-Hop in Seattle. The film attempts to document the unique identity of Hip-Hop culture in Seattle as it takes us on a journey that investigates the origins of Hip-Hop culture in Seattle, the legacy of Sir-Mix-a-Lot, the notorious 1985 Teen Dance Ordinance, Clear-Channel’s dominance over commercial Hip-Hop radio, the increasing popularity of white rappers in Seattle and it’s struggle for representation in a seemingly liberal city.

Starring:  Vitamin D, Specs One, Black Stax, Blue Scholars, Dyme Def, Macklemore, Massive Monkeys, Alpha P, King Khazm, Laura “Piece” Kelley, The Grynch, NEeMA, Anthony Shears, Hella Dope, The Note, DJ Hyphen, Jerm, DJ B-Girl, Fatal Lucciauno, Moorpheus of East Union Hustlers, Bishop of Old Dominion & many more.

 Festivals/Exhibitions:

Broadcast – Backstory: The Filmmakers Vision. 2013.  University of Washington Public TV & Comcast TV Channel 29.
Official Selection - 2013 Langston Hughes Film Festival (Seattle, WA)
Exhibition - 2013 Art Mummur Festival. New Parkway Theater. (Oakland, CA)