Revolution is one of the most powerful words in any thinking person’s vocabulary. But what it means to you, to me and to us really depends on what type of action is being associated with it. In this case, we made a video to highlight the song ‘Revolution’ by the Napalm Clique. So let’s talk about what it means.To begin with, this is not your average rap video. The filmmakers on ‘Revolution’ made the most of a micro budget by getting the story straight and building from there. Using the Napalm Clique’s lyrics as a blueprint, the team agreed on a simple narrative structure that would engage the viewer as if they were a student in a classroom. The lesson plan? Empowerment and revolution of the mind. From there it was possible to make the most of a free location, a handful of rented lights and a great selection of found footage in post production.
The video would not have been possible without the support of young, inspired minds within the Oakland arts community. Nor would it have been possible without the powerful wisdom of the older generations. And now that the video has hit the film festival circuit, the worldwide community of artists, thinkers, and activists can take a look. If you are in the Los Angeles area, mark your calendar for June 8th, the awards ceremony of the Hollywood Black Film Festival, when ‘Revolution’ will be judged alongside ‘Give it to Me’, directed by Timbaland and featuring Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado. The themes of the two songs and videos are miles apart, reflecting the complicated state of hip hop today. Don’t miss your chance to voice your opinion!
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January 29th, 2008 by Trevor
A 40+ friend of mine just watched the video and said he was reminded of an “old school” cut called, “The Crown” by Gary Byrd and The GB Experience. He’s rapping like a teacher and his lyrics have a similar to style and feel as the lyrics in Revolution. The hook even feels a lot like Revolution’s. I hadn’t even heard of this guy or this song before just now, and the two songs are pretty similar even though their over 20 years apart. History repeats itself once again…
My friend hadn’t heard of the Napalm Clique and doesn’t really listen to “new school” hip hop, but he was glad to see that the Napalm Clique was still holdin’ it down with the positive message and an appreciation for the 80’s style.
Check out the video for “The Crown” by Gary Byrd and the GB Experience (1983):
Shout out to… 82 Crew!
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January 9th, 2008 by Unity
The Napalm Clique will be on KPFA 94.1 this Friday night to discuss their new video Revolution and other projects scheduled for release this year. The radio show is expected to air on Saturday January 24th, so stay tuned for more information about the broadcast.
Napalm Clique Interview on KPFAÂ
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December 29th, 2007 by Trevor
I spent the last couple days duplicating some giveaway DVD screeners of the video. We’ll probably have some professionally duplicated within the next few weeks, but these should get us by for now. It looks like much more than a DVD-R when you print labels on inkjet printable discs.
For anyone who’s curious, I have an EPSON Stylus Photo R220 that prints directly onto CDs/DVDs. I’ve bought two of these now over the past couple of years and they’ve both been worth every penny. Check out EPSON’s current model here.
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