From Executive Producers Bruce Willis and Queen Latifah, The Hip Hop Project is the compelling story of Kazi, a formerly homeless teenager who inspires a group of New York City teens to transform their life stories into powerful works of art, using hip hop as vehicle for self-development and personal discovery. In contrast to all the negative attention focused on hip hop, this is a story of hope, healing and the realization of dreams.


The Hip Hop Project is the dynamic story of a group of New York City teenagers who transform their life stories into powerful works of art, using hip hop as a vehicle for self-development and personal discovery. The film traces the evolution of this award-winning outreach program created by Kazi, a formerly homeless teenager turned youth mentor. With the goal of developing a principled group of young artists, Kazi creates a safe environment in which he challenges young people to express themselves freely and write music about the real issues affecting their lives.

The film looks intimately at the lives of Kazi and two of his students, Princess and Cannon, as they strive to overcome daunting life obstacles to produce a collaborative album. In a miraculous turn, Russell Simmons, hip hop mogul and long-time supporter of the project, partners with Bruce Willis to donate a recording studio to the Hip Hop Project. After four years of collaboration, the group produces a powerful and thought-provoking album imbued with moving personal narratives and sharp social commentary. In contrast to the often negative characterizations of hip hop and rap music, this is a story of hope, healing, and the realization of dreams.

Matt Ruskin, Director/Co-Cinematographer/Editor
Scott K. Rosenberg, Producer
Ari Issler, Director of Photography


FESTIVALS

Tribeca Film Festival 2006
SILVERDOCS AFI Discovery Channel Film Festival 2006
Urbanworld Vibe Film Festival 2006
Sao Paulo International Film Festival 2006
Boston Film Festival 2006
Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival 2006
Zurich Film Festival 2006
Savannah Film Festival 2006
Heartland Film Festival 2006
Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival 2006
Harlem International Film Festival 2006
Hollywood Film Festival 2006
Australian International Film Festival 2006
Austin Film Festival 2006
Turks & Caicos Film Festival 2006
Bahamas International Film Festival 2006
Gijon International Film Festival 2006