There’s more work coming from the Stillmatic Queens native as Nas Documentary on BBoying, Music and the Human Brain is gearing up for release in 2015. In collaboration with General Electric (GE) the major energy, medical equipment and healthcare corporation and VEVO, the now independent spin off conglomerate of Youtube’s music department, the project is said to examine the effects of BBoying/BGirling (commonly known as “breakdancing”), and music on the human brain–with scientific facts, data and live footage of Hip Hop from around the world (so #Apparently it’s not dead)…
But could the Nas Documentary on BBoying, Music and the Human Brain add to the recent beef sparked from Azealia Banks to Iggy Azalea, Action Bronson and now amplified by Q-Tip’s #facts?
Nas Documentary on BBoying, Music and the Human Brain comes after the announcement of the Time is Illmatic documentary he released earlier this season, in 20th anniversary of the infinitely classic “Illmatic” album of 1994. Entitled “Shake the Dust,” the film focuses on poor neighborhoods and villages around the world that have been positively impacted by Hip Hop, dance, and music–further emphasized by scientific study on just how much of an impact the elements really have. Nas is slated as a producer but is also interviewed in the film.
But this isn’t reeeeally about Hip Hop–I mean it is, but it isn’t. For the record Nas IS a producer and IS in it and this IS a dope project, great for the culture. But ijs…
Many have commented on the trend of major companies looking to maximize (or capitalize) on the attention of consumers and investors with the use of “cultural gatekeepers.” The Nas Documentary on BBoying, Music and the Human Brain would be the latest included by that measurement. With the recent news of Q-Tip’s strike back to the Iggy Azalea/Azealia Banks/Action Bronson racism in music fiasco (see the actual tweets in the gallery of the links!), on top of #BlackLivesMatter the air is sensitive though people are easily distracted. In contrast to being just “another brick in the wall” Nas has been very into #BlackLivesMatter activism, on top of his recent statements regarding racism in America, and comments on telling every child in America black or white to “know their history,” have been further statements that Nas is nobody’s puppet.
Still, we all know corporate is corporate, and Hip Hop is a billion dollar enterprise that’s not really and totally in the hands of the people who created it as a result. As for #facts, GE is actually looking to position itself ideally among the tech giants like Facebook and Google. Furthermore as the web and Hip Hop community have been heated with recent battles over the white artists and major industries misappropriating Hip Hop culture, there’s good reason to stay WOKE. In official statement it’s said:
“GE wants to emphasize the connection between neuroscience and music, a topic the company plans to keep exploring next year…”
Mhmm…”Watch your back boy, there’s culture vultures everywhere…” (Q-Tip/Busta Rhymes “Lightworks”)
