Block Party

It was freezing last night in Melbourne, and after a late finish at work, I was everything but ready to go out for a night on the town, but after intense personal debate, I convinced myself that I need to get out. Brent and Genevieve had planned to go out for cheap Asian (no, not me) in Chinatown, before moving on to the Kino to see the brand-spanking new film, "Dave Chappelle's Block Party" as previously seen on my blog.

The film was a bright and beautiful attempt to promote racial tolerance and the rule of education as a means to freedom. It did so, by bringing together communities, social and musical alike, to organise a Block Party in Brooklyn. Hip-hop culture was used to bring people, who would not normally be caught dead at a hip-hop concert, together. It was a beautiful juxtaposition, from the zany hippy couple who lived behind the concert stage in the "Broken Angel" - also known to Dave Chappelle as the "Crack House", the cute African-American boys who finished each others sentences in excitement of attending the hyped block party, to the Central State University Marching Band dancing and playing their way through Kanye West's "Jesus Walks".

Some amazing music was made too. I was so envious, I was readying myself to jump on a plane and travel to Brooklyn. Either that or go out and buy the entire Mos Def back catalogue. Erykah Badu was captivating, singing in a huge afro wig, reminding me of the old images of Diana Ross. Jill Scott sat back stage, watching the screen of Erykah performing,

"I love that girl. She is so special," she remarked in her smooth chocolate-like voice.

When asked about the ever-so-often comparisons between them, Jill responded beautifully,

"We are in totally different Queendom's. I could never compare to her Queendom, and she could never compare to mine..."

It was an amazing thing to watch, as she looked to Erykah with such admiration, yet was so secure in her own skin. She could be interpreted as arrogant, but upon hearing her voice and the passion behind it, it can only be taken as self-confidence. She has the ability to be humble, yet know her worth completely. I believe it's an uplifting characteristic. It was pure bliss when the two combined on stage. Their voices transcended anything else that was happening. It was mind-consuming. It was one of the most exciting and stunning things I have ever watched.

The reunion of The Fugees was also a highlight in the movie, which inter-weaved clips of the concert with 'making-of' documentary style footage. In the rehearsals with "The Fugees", Pras made note of the pure talent and beauty Lauryn Hill possesses. Which came to light especially when she began singing "Killing Me Softly". He said he couldn't believe her ability.

He was right. When she began singing on stage, "Killing Me Softly", it was the essence of perfect vocal ability. Her ease and grace as she sang, really brought the words to life. At one point through "The Fugees" set, she called to the crowd "Where you been?". She stopped the music when she heard the screams back from the crowd, returning the same question, "Where've you been?" She stood there.

"Where've I been? I've been there..." as she pointed to the back of the stage, where a minder was holding her son.

"That's where I've been."

Really, I know the movie sounds a bit, strange. But really it was an awesome piece of cinema that I know I'll treasure.