When you think of hip from California, specifically,Los Angeles, South Central and Compton what first crosses your mind? Dr. Dre, NWA, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube?  Do you think of Cut Chemist, Chali 2na, or Abstract Rude?  Well this new documentary entitled “This The Life: How the West Was One” aims to tell the other story of West Coast Hip Hop.

In 1989, a collective of young artists gathered at a storefront health food cafe in South Central LA. Their mandate? To explore and expand the musical boundaries of hip hop.

THIS IS THE LIFE is a feature-length documentary that chronicles “The Good Life” emcees, the alternative music movement they developed, and their worldwide influence on the artform.

The documentary feature appearances and interviews from artist such as Abstract Rude, Chali 2na, Cut Chemist, Myka 9 and many more. Check the trailer. The DVD is out now and it is airing on Showtime throughout April. (good lookin Rhymesayers)

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTNrb3Bln9A w=550 h=300]

Here at Needledrop, we are big fans of music documentaries.  We came across this documentary called “Say My Name” which will be premiering at SXSW.  The film is about women lyrcists/mcs trying to find balance between life and their careers in the music industry.  From the Bronx the birthplace of Hip Hop to the grime scene in London, “Say My Name” tells the stories of female MCs and the challenges to pursuit their dream in a male dominated industry.  The film features MC Lyte,Erykah Badu, Monie Love, Estelle, Remy Ma and many more.It was made by Mamamess, A duo which consists of Israeli director Nirit Peled and Dave Hemmingway from The Netherlands.

They are also working on a follow film entitled “Say My Name Africa” which looks at women vocalists and lyricists in African cities like Luanda(Angola), Abidjan(Ivory Coast), and others.

I love it when someone finds a new take on something classic.  Sometimes it doesn’t always work out, but this time it really does. What do cross when you have a bunch of lego pieces and a love of classic hip hop?

I saw these lego inspired hip hop album covers over at Format Magazine. The pieces were created by Nick Hanekom with styling and art direction by Jaici Chen, and layout by Glenn Manucdoc.

I bet this video from Jamie Kennedy could of have been an inspiration.