Graffiti Rock 30th Anniversary

Project Information:

In 1984, I, Michael Holman, was successful in producing and broadcasting the first ever, nation-wide, Hip Hop variety television show, Graffiti Rock. The show featured Run DMC's greatest televised performance ever (of "Sucker M.C.'s"), as well as Kool Moe Dee and Special K of The Treacherous Three, The New York City Breakers, and a studio dance crowd that included the likes of young Vincent Gallo (Buffalo 66, Brown Bunny) and Debi Mazar (Goodfellas, L.A. Law, Entourage). 

Soon, it will be the 30th Anniversary of the airing of Graffiti Rock and through your contributions, we will re-master the 1 inch broadcast video tape of the show (on to DVD) as well as produce a new, feature length film called Graffiti Rock: The Untold Story. Graffiti Rock: The Untold Story will be an in-depth documentary that captures the memories and reactions of today's Hip Hop celebrities to first seeing Graffiti Rock, and how it impacted their lives. The documentary will also capture the "behind the scenes" making of Graffiti Rock, as well as my own personal experiences and accomplishments as a Hip Hop Pioneer, helping to introduce Hip Hop Culture to New York's Downtown Art Scene and eventually to the rest of the world.

Kickstarting here: Link

Michael Holman recently appeared on The Combat Jack Show, which you can listen to below.

Rubble Kings - A Feature Length Documentary

Project information:

From 1968 to 1975, gangs ruled New York City. Beyond the idealistic hopes of the civil rights movement lay an unfocused rage. Neither law enforcement nor social agency could end the escalating bloodshed. Peace came only through the most unlikely and courageous of events that would change the world for generations to come by giving birth to hip-hop culture. Rubble Kings, the most comprehensive documentation of life during this era of gang rule to date, tells the story of how a few extraordinary, forgotten people did the impossible, and how their actions impacted the world over.

Rubble Kings is a feature length documentary about the New York city street gangs of the late ‘60s / ‘70s and their influence on hip-hop culture.

Kickstarting here: Link

Transparent Speaker by People People

A nice piece of design.

 Project information:

Home audio systems have come a long way from the blocky, black and silver painted stacks of particle wood and plastic. No longer are we building giant stereo systems that take up half of your valuable living space. Our iTunes, Pandora and Spotify accounts drive our music towards whatever device we choose. At People People, we believe audio is best heard, not seen, and the best electronics should last a lifetime! We set out to design a beautiful audio component that emphasizes the drivers, solidifying the speaker’s rightful place as the ultimate icon of what’s really important: Your Music! A year ago, we introduced the People People Transparent Speaker to the world - The response was tremendous!

Kickstarting here: Link

CASSETTE: A Documentary Film about the Cassette Tape

Project information:

A few months ago, the term cassette tape was taken out of the Oxford English Dictionary.

It may seem ironic, then, that the cassette has experienced a quiet comeback over the last few years, as independent labels issuing tape-only releases have begun popping up around the world.

What better excuse to take a look back at this beloved musical format?

As recorded sound continues its love affair with the downloadable, ethereal digital file, the tangible artefact is quickly becoming a thing of the past.

Help us celebrate the A Side, the B Side, the mixtape, and the whole of cassette culture by supporting Cassette: A Documentary. We'll look at all parts of popular culture influenced by the cassette, including hip-hop and B-Boy culture, indie rock, home recording, and beyond.

We've already conducted a number of interviews in the UK, and with your support we'll be able to speak to manufacturers, musicians, and historians around the world. Along the way, we'll stop in Zimbabwe to cover the recent boom in cassette culture there.

Please support if you can, and visit cassettemovie.com for updates! Thanks!

Kickstarting here: Link

UPDATE:

This project has successfully reached its funding goals.

Every dollar does count.

Including mine.

West Coast Hip Hop: A History In Pictures – Michael Miller

Project Details

We want to print Michael's book as a lovely 9x12 coffee table art book. Your help can make this possible! Michael Miller was the man at the right time when the west coast hip hop movement was exploding. Besides shooting all the major players in the game he also hung out with the artists and became a part of the culture. Shooting important figures like Cypress Hill, NWA, Tupac, Ice Cube, Snoop, House Of Pain, etc, etc His photo’s are an amazing archive of a magical time in music and his crazy but true stories about the shoots are mind blowing! These photo's will debut in major galleries in LA,SF,NY take advantage of this great opportunity to own one of these limited editions.

Kickstarting here: Link

David Williams (Jungle Brothers Producer)

The Unheard Music talks to Mr. Williams about his introduction to the Jungle Brothers, and his contributions to the Crazy Wisdom Masters/J. Beez Wit The Remedy project. It's a little dense, but you may find something of interest in there.

Interview: Link

It appears David Williams and the Jungle Brothers are in the early stages of a new recording projects. He's posted some early tracks on his soundcloud page, and...I'm kinda liking what I hear so far.

A Kickstarter page has been set up, with the hopes of raising money to cover some of his costs. If you're inclined to help out, you can find information here:

David Williams Kickstarter: Link

I do hope they're able to complete the project. Their collaboration (with Bill Laswell) brought forth some interesting product, though it might have been a little ahead of its time.

Jungle Brothers - Troopin' On The Down Lo


Jungle Brothers - Ra Ra Kid