Business as Usual: The Exploitation of Hip Hop

Movie Title: Business as Usual: The Exploitation of Hip Hop

Country / Region: USA

Genre: Documentary

Production cost: $ 200,000 (estimated)

Release Date: January 11,2011, USA ......( DVD premiere)

Plot:
"Business as Usual" is a feature length documentary that asks the questions: Has Hip-Hop been exploited for economic gain, to the detriment of the masses of urban youth who embrace it? Who's really making the money, controlling the systems and influencing the youth?
Discover the roots of Hip Hop culture as we trace its origins in urban America, and its influence felt worldwide. From Hip Hop's power, influence, and artistry to the culture's unparalleled effect on movies, television, fashion, advertising, sports and business; witness the journey as we uncover the meaning behind the lyrics, racy videos, materialism and sexism.
"Business as Usual", narrated by Mekhi Phifer (ER, Soul Food), is currently in production and some of the biggest names in Hip Hop like Kanye West, KRS-One, DMC, Dead Prez, Lil Scrappy, Talib Kweli, MC Lyte, Dr. Cornel West, MTV's Sway and word artist Malik Yusef have already been interviewed. In addition to other artists, "Business as Usual" will also include interviews from academia, businesses, politicians, record labels, and media outlets.
Is Hip Hop the problem or the solution? Or is it "Business as Usual"?

Trivia:
Soundtracks
"Exploitation"
Written by Mikie Da Poet
Performed by Mikie Da Poet feat. Blaq Fuego
Produced by James B. Godsey
Courtesy of Janeff Entertainment
Under license from 20/20 Multimedia

Directed by
Jeff Dillard
Frank Pinnock

Cast
Mekhi Phifer ... Documentary Host
Kanye West ... Himself
Cornel West ... Himself
Bobby Brown ... Himself
MC Lyte
KRS-One ... Himself
Sway ... Himself
Lil Scrappy ... Himself
Eric I Keyes III ... Narration
Dead Prez ... Themselves
Mikie Da Poet
Rhymefest ... Himself
Malik Yusef ... Himself

Produced by
Cordell Capone Chambers .... associate producer
Joel Goodman .... co-producer
Emjed Hammas .... executive producer
Jane Katherine-Watson .... co-producer
Frances Palladino .... co-producer
Mekhi Phifer .... executive producer
Ronnie Warner .... executive producer

Original Music by
Mikie Da Poet

Music Department
Blaq Fuego .... featuring
Mikie Da Poet .... musician

Production Companies

     Reigning Pictures

Distributors

     Janeff Entertainment and Media (2010) (USA) (DVD)

Official Website: http://www.businessasusualhiphop.com/home.html