1) Can you explain how was the beginning of the project?
The film idea started in 2004 with Writer/Producer Erik Parker reached out to me about Directing an the Illmatic DVD. At the time Erik was the music editor at Vibe magazine and was writing a story about the 10 year Anniversary of Illmatic. We decided to do take on the idea of creating a film about Illmatic
2) After establishing the idea of the film, how do you initiated the contact with the management team of NAS?
We first started out interviewing Olu Dara, Nas’ father. He gave us a historical perspective of the Jones family. their musical legacy and the family roots growing up in Natchez, Mississippi. After that interview, we went on to shoot a few of the producers from ILLMATIC (Pete Rock, DJ Premier, AZ and Faith Newman). We then put together a trailer and sent it to Nas’s manager. We set up a meeting with the manager and Nas came thru. It was our first meeting and we explained the movie and what we want to make. The first steps were underway…
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3) There are fantastic testimonies as are his father and his brother, how was the reaction of them when the film was finished?
I remember seeing Jungle (Nas’s brother) going over to Olu Dara and hugging him after the first screening at the Beacon Theater in NY to open the Tribeca Film Festival. It was the first time they both saw the film and it was emotional. Later that night Jungle came up to me and said this is one of the best nights of his life. Nas loved the film and we’ve grown over the course of the film to become really good friends. It was truly and honor to work and grow with him over this time. |
| NAS & Jungle (Nas brother) in Queens |
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4) Can you tell us something about the cameos of two incredibles globals artists like Alicia Keys and Pharrell?
We wanted to have a variety of musical artists from different geographic parts of the U.S to talk about the impact of ILLMATIC.
Allica Keys spoke about listening to ILLMATIC as motivation as a young adult growing up in NY. Pharrell is from Virgina and he was blown away talking about the lyrics and musicality. We also spoke to Erykah Badu from Texas who said it was “The steel that sharpened her steel.” Kendrick Lamar from Compton, California said ILLMATIC was an inspiration for him growing up in the 90’s.
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There are also cameos from Busta Rhymes, Swizz Beatz and many more! |
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5) One of the great parts of the film is the moment when the producers of ILLMATIC speaks (greats!). How was the connection with them?
All the producers gave us amazing stories about that time period. Really special moments. Pete Rock brought us down to his basement which was an honor to see all the records and beat machines he used to work on. Each producer offered so many stories that we had to add them on the bonus section of the DVD.
6) What do you think about the legacy of ILLMATIC in the hip-hop culture?
We consider it as one of the best albums! In my opinion ILLMATIC is one of the greatest if not the greatest Hip-Hop Albums of all time. When you release something so raw and honest thats shines a light on a living hell you offer hope though your words. ILL MATIC inspired generations 20 years after its release. ILLMATIC is a true MASTERPIECE. |
| DJ Premier, Q-Tip, Nas, Large Professor |
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For more information about the fellowship in Harvard University, click here.
For more informatiion about The Hip Hop Archive & Research Institute at Harvard University, click here. |
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7) Another great part of the film is the Harvard Hip-Hop fellowship. Can you tell us something about the filming time in that moment?
Seeing the journey of a young kid coming from Queensbridge to being honored with a fellowship in his name at Harvard University was an incredible experience to see first hand. It meant so much to Nas no only for what he did for music but what he stands for as a man that overcame so many odds to survive and now raise a family of his own. A beautiful evolution of pain and emotion.
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8) The DVDs are coming in february right? We need that amazing material here in Argentina! :)
You will have the feature film with over 75 minutes of bonus footage and deleted scenes that tell the story of the music behind Illmatic and the journey that unfolded. The bonus material is about the same length of the movie.
9) Can you tell us a few words about the connection between Tribeca Films and the rest of the partners?
Tribeca Film Festival is a staple here in NY that supports filmmakers, community and culture. They brought us into their All Access program and gave first time filmmakers a chance to learn about the culture of film and business. So grateful.
10) What are your next plans?
Our associate producer Martha Diaz is spearheading the ILLMATIC EDUCATION and Community Outreach. We plan to release an educational curriculum about ILLMATIC in 2015 about the fillm in the school systems to teach the next generation about the history of our culture. This is our way of giving back to the culture that raised us.
For more information about the ILLMATIC EDUCATION click here. |
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Time is ILLMATIC, avaible in iTunes, click here |
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