In a setting that predates the widespread influence of radio, the internet, and social media, this documentary tells the story of hip-hop's unwavering journey to overcome obstacles. Central to the story is the mixtape, positioned at the epicenter of the culture's evolution. The significance of mixtapes extends far beyond their physical presence. Serving as both currency and a symbol that one was "in the know" and had their ear to the streets.
In a way, mixtapes became artifacts that spoke to the tenacity of the culture and undeniable talent of the artists, propelling them beyond the confines of subculture, elevating hip hop into the force it is today.
The documentary features KRS-One, Lil Wayne, Mike Tyson, DJ Khaled, Shaq, Tommy Hilfiger, Tony Touch, Fat Joe, Funkmaster Flex, Kid Capri and more.
VISUAL CONCEPT
Right from the start, we knew the visual package needed to embody the distinctive "handmade" aesthetic of the mixtape era. Our inspiration drew directly from the hand-drawn artwork that adorned the tapes and the era's block party flyers. To bring this vision to life, we assembled a close-knit team capable of crafting a series of elements. These individual pieces were then mixed and re-mixed, ultimately coalescing into the final show package.
Right from the start, we knew the visual package needed to embody the distinctive "handmade" aesthetic of the mixtape era. Our inspiration drew directly from the hand-drawn artwork that adorned the tapes and the era's block party flyers. To bring this vision to life, we assembled a close-knit team capable of crafting a series of elements. These individual pieces were then mixed and re-mixed, ultimately coalescing into the final show package.
We were lucky to have among us none other than the living legend and pioneer of this art, James Alicea, aka Bluster. Collaborating closely, Bluster and I meticulously crafted a diverse library of elements, laying the foundation for the various deliverables required by the film.
Once these elements were fully realized, the animation team and I embarked on the design, assembly, and animation of the graphics package. Breathing life into a range of Bumpers, Transitions, and Story Support elements, each crafted to mirror the raw and textural essence of the era.
BUMPERS & TRANSITIONS
Directly stemming from Bluster's street style, with a dollop of the iconic Indiana Jones map animations. These visual sequences were devised to help chapter out the story, as well as provide clear visual grounding to the film's global storyline.
STORY SUPPORT GRAPHICS
Directly inspired by the lo-tech aesthetic of 80's flyers. These crude paper-cut, glue and tape collages would be Xeroxed for mass production, giving the final artwork that iconic photocopy textural patina. These graphics sequences were interspersed as see-and-say B-Roll adding visual punctuation, maintaining a consistent and engaging presence throughout the film.
DEDICATION END CREDITS
For this sequence we wanted to weave in an evolution story, guiding viewers through the diverse devices utilized to playback Hip Hop through the decades.
Beginning with the iconic boombox, and concluding with a modern touch-the now ubiquitous smartphone running a streaming music player.
Beginning with the iconic boombox, and concluding with a modern touch-the now ubiquitous smartphone running a streaming music player.
Creative Direction: Omar Acosta, Dlego G
Art Direction: Dlego G
Illustration: Blusterone, Dlego G
Animation: Marco Urdaneta, Jovan Nedelkovic, Diego G
Art Direction: Dlego G
Illustration: Blusterone, Dlego G
Animation: Marco Urdaneta, Jovan Nedelkovic, Diego G
DEDICATION END CREDITS
Concept: Diego G
3D Modeling and Animation: Akel Issa
Compositing: Diego G
