TRIGGER WARNING: Spoilers/Domestic/Sexual Assault
Culture
The documentary opens by explaining the reasons why it is difficult for, specifically women of colour, to talk about their sexual assault stories. An entrance into the world of Hip Hop Culture. Hip Hop appears to have become so contagious that it has spread beyond a movement and moulded into a new way of living. But we need to question how it should go. On The Record presents the tune of misogyny that is constantly played out within the industry, through voicing the ex-members of the Grammy Award-Winning record label Def Jam.
Vulture
“Music comes with a sense of promiscuity whether you’re the artist or making the artist, where sex is part of the game.” – A and R Executive: Miguel Mojica. Several female workers had admitted to falling victim to their desires, in fear of becoming unemployed. “You stay because you hope you can provide enough value and move ahead’ – Sil Lai Abrams. However, their stories revealed how stagnant their position was. Following this, the journey breaks down how black women survived in a culture that thrived on devaluing and boxing them into the category of “for pleasure purposes only.”
On repeat
“Muffling her screams is greater than his responsibility to not do it in the first place” – Kimberle Crenshaw. The lack of accountability is why history reincarnates itself, e.g “Surviving R. Kelly”. It concludes with how these women found their worth despite the horrific experiences. They survived and still thrived through the trauma of it all. This piece epitomised the transition from victims to warriors.
Still. Standing. Strong.
Rating
6/10
Recommend
This is suitable for anyone curious about Hip Hop culture and history as it amplifies the voices that experienced the uncut, behind the famous characters. It raises awareness about survivors in this period and encourages the movement to always speak up.
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Reviewed by Ozioma Ihesiene
Featured image is from Rolling Stone and second image is from IMDB
