"Here is a story is built around the lives of entrepreneurs, mothers, and artists fighting to be themselves in a society that offers few opportunities for women."
Say My Name is 2009 worldwide musical documentary by Mamamess in conjunction with Women Make Movies. In this film we literally get to take a trip to see how women have made their mark in the hip-hop scene, and their constant fight to survive in life. One poignant thing that must be said is how this documentary begins and ends, "beautiful music comes from pain...it's the backdrop of life."(MC Lyte) That is such a powerful statement, that speaks huge volumes. It pretty much sets the groundwork for what this film covers.
In the film we get a chance to travel to various cities across the world to see what women are doing to make their voice heard in this game called hip-hop. London, California, Detroit, Atlanta, and we can't forget the birthplace of hip-hop New York all have some significance as it relates to women in hip-hop. Say My Name does a great job of bringing the viewer to where it all started with Roxanne Shante and then seeing the "ups and downs" that have taken place. Her story is quite remarkable, a young teenager rockin' the mic with an exceptional flow. This made women all over realize that they could hang with the big boys, that they could play a part in the male-focused genre. Women were able to realize that they have the power!! I think the Aaries sister's said it best "hip-hop is like a male-bonding session". Everyone from the technician to the artist is a man, so where does the women fit in? This becomes a ongoing focus.
To think that women in hip-hop pretty much had to throw themselves within the lion's den in order for them to make their mark speaks a lot to what they can handle. Women would have to work extra hard just to even get noticed let alone to be taken seriously (lyrically). They would have to make sure that they did not come off as soft, which sometimes could be mistaken for being hesitant. To be able to have voice is such a huge accomplishment, because that same voice would be the tool for them to be able to escape the little world that they may come from. At the same women the film also introduces a theme that pretty much resonates throughout the entire documentary, all of these women have a different story of how they got into hip-hop, but one thing that remains the same is the passion. Regardless of where they are that passion is always front and center.
The more and more I watched the film the more I became empowered as a woman. It not only speaks to the women making their voice heard in hip-hop but in life. Hip-hop is more than just about spitting some rhymes or hyping the audience, its like Detroit's own Invincible says, "hip-hop is the ambassador bridge to the world." Think of it like a "tool for social change". Say My Name also sheds light on various techniques that contribute to making hip-hop unique. For example, the "grime" style of rapping mostly seen in the UK can be described as an aggressive and up-tempo style of rhyming. It stands out for me mainly because it is unorthodox and cannot be placed in a box. That's what I think women have been doing and continue to do in the hip-hop scene.
Now everything is not roses and daisies, like MC Lyte said "beautiful music comes from pain." With everything there comes a downside, its really more so how the situation is handled. Often times women get a bad rap in hip-hop because they are either to loose, or hypersexed. But not everyone fits into that category, and unfortunately that is what is selling also. So when you get artists such as Jean Grae (who I might add is very well spoken), Rah Digga, and Mystic who have the lyrical and intellectual talent and skills they have to further prove themselves credible, so that they are not automatically labeled negatively. When it all boils down this is a game of survival, and accepting the fact that there will be challenges, but also understanding that you have to keep pressing toward the mark of success.
Say My Name features a cadre of talented women that deserve your attention even after watching the documentary. Female artists like Miz Korona, Chocolate Thai, and Sparky D made me realize how much of a huge impact women continue to still have on hip-hop. There will always be great legends like MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, Monie Love, and Salt-N-Pepa, but they can't do this by themselves. Great teachers teach great students, who become great teachers to others. In addition to this film, I look forward to expanding my knowledge even further as it relates to women in hip-hop.
Now my only flaw and it's really not a flaw per se, but my only issue is the representation of women in hip-hop in Atlanta. Now as I thought about it, I don't think it was a waste of screen time I just wish there was more substance. If I look at the bigger picture, I would say that the particular women and girl groups featured in Atlanta serve the purpose of showing that hip-hop is diverse and goes "outside of the box". Other than that can't say that I am really impressed.
Say My Name is a an excellent documentary that showcases the significance of women in the genre of hip hop. To be honest hip-hop would not be where it is if it were not for the contributions that women made. Just watching this documentary even gives you a small urge to want to be a hip-hop artist, but you gotta know that it takes dedication, commitment, and drive. The road has not been easy for women in hip-hop, and it probably never will be, but women cannot give up...it's not an option. Hopefully after watching this film both men and women can engage in some serious dialogue. Maybe then will there be some headway!
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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