This is an excellent primer on Indigenous hip hop across Canada. The documentary moves from Regina to Winnipeg and the finally Toronto. Some of the key themes approached are:
- Hip Hop artists working with Indigenous youth in both rural (reservation) and urban settings
- The contrast of city live vs reservation life
- The lasting impact of residential schools
- Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
- Indigenous relationship with the police
- Mainstream breakthrough opportunities for Indigenous artists
My favorite line from the documentary comes when a drum circle is featured. The main drummer says:
“Take care of the drum, it will take care of you.” He also refers to the drum as an analogy for mother earth.