2008 Woodie Awards
Hip-Hop History Caught On Film
Michael T. Martin
Issue date: 12/2/04 Section: Arts and Entertainment
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Just one year ago, Jay-Z became the first rapper to sell out Madison Square Garden with solo billing. But that accomplisment wasn't enough for the man also known as Hova; he had to sell it out in one day. Then, he invited a huge cast of hip-hop and R&B artists for one night, and they all showed up! How many rappers could assemble more than a dozen of their big-name past collaborators for a concert? Not many. But then again, Jay-Z is no ordinary rapper. He has proven to be perhaps the most prolific rapper of the last decade, having released six albums since his 1996 debut, Reasonable Doubt. It is fitting - and fortunate for hip-hop fans - that he brought along the cameras to catch this once-in-a-lifetime experience for the documentary, Fade to Black. Patrick Paulson and Michael John Warren are credited as the directors.
Jay-Z opens the documentary with a voice-over, telling the audience that they are going to witness the unfolding of a success story. In Jay-Z's case, this means growing up in the Marcy Projects of Brooklyn to become a platinum-selling rapper, selling out the most famous arena in the world (as he puts it, he "went from Marcy to Madison Square"). From there, the audience sees not only the momentous concert, but also snippets of the making of his final album, 2003's The Black Album. The film builds anticipation right away as the night's guests enter the arena's backstage. There's Ghostface Killah, Common, Mary J. Blige, and more. Upon her arrival, Missy Elliot comments on the Garden's tight security, saying, "it's like Saddam Hussein is trying to get up in here."
After an introduction from boxing announcer Michael Buffer, Jay-Z makes his entrance. Sporting a blazer and Biggie Smalls T-shirt, Jay-Z says, "allow me to introduce myself" as he launches into his "Public Service Announcement." Jay-Z's energy is off-the-charts as he rocks and raps, backed by a band that includes The Roots' Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson on drums. Thankfully, Jay-Z doesn't settle for just one DJ playing tracks, but shoots for maximum potential. It is clear that Jay-Z knows this is his time to shine.
Jay-Z opens the documentary with a voice-over, telling the audience that they are going to witness the unfolding of a success story. In Jay-Z's case, this means growing up in the Marcy Projects of Brooklyn to become a platinum-selling rapper, selling out the most famous arena in the world (as he puts it, he "went from Marcy to Madison Square"). From there, the audience sees not only the momentous concert, but also snippets of the making of his final album, 2003's The Black Album. The film builds anticipation right away as the night's guests enter the arena's backstage. There's Ghostface Killah, Common, Mary J. Blige, and more. Upon her arrival, Missy Elliot comments on the Garden's tight security, saying, "it's like Saddam Hussein is trying to get up in here."
After an introduction from boxing announcer Michael Buffer, Jay-Z makes his entrance. Sporting a blazer and Biggie Smalls T-shirt, Jay-Z says, "allow me to introduce myself" as he launches into his "Public Service Announcement." Jay-Z's energy is off-the-charts as he rocks and raps, backed by a band that includes The Roots' Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson on drums. Thankfully, Jay-Z doesn't settle for just one DJ playing tracks, but shoots for maximum potential. It is clear that Jay-Z knows this is his time to shine.