Many years ago, I remember how some people were saying rap music was going to die and breakdancing was just a fad. Decades later, rap is still here and has even found its way integrated into pop songs. And every year there are international breakdance competitions, like the Red Bull BC One.
Harry Belafonte is known for a variety of things--singer, actor, civil rights movement, political activist (sometimes controversial), and humanitarian--but many are probably not aware he co-produced a 1984 movie about the hip hop culture in the South Bronx of New York City.
Beat Street didn't achieve the success and popularity as Breakin', which has become a cult classic and is my favorite breakdancing movie of all time, but it's worth noting Beat Street featured many of the founders and heroes of hip hop and its locales, like DJ Jazzy Jay, Afrika Bambaataa, and the legendary DJ Kool Herc, who should have his own biopic.
Beat Street also features Kool Moe Dee and Treacherous Three, Doug E. Fresh, and Grand Master Melle Mel. Best of all, one of the highlights of the movie is the breakdance battle at The Roxy between the New York City Breakers (dressed in red) and the Rock Steady Crew (in blue), who were rivals in real life.
Beat Street encompasses various aspects of hip hop culture--music, dancing, fashion, DJ mixing and scratching, and graffiti art. It's fictional, but the film looks into a world that continues to inspire generations.
Beat Street wasn't a megahit back then, but its legacy has had a long-lasting impact, and anyone remotely interested in hip hop will appreciate the historical significance of Beat Street. The movie was made possible through the vision of a long-time entertainer and philanthropist, who was also one of hip hop's greatest champions.
Rest in peace, Mr. Belafonte.
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