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GUESTS: Vanessa Diaz, director, editor and producer of Cuban Hip Hop, Larissa Diaz, producer and editor of Cuban Hip Hop

Unbeknownst to many Americans, Hip Hop has rapidly become one of the preferred forms of expression and youth culture on the island nation of Cuba. Despite the imposition of a decade’s long embargo, Afro-Cuban youth are deeply influenced by U.S. rappers in developing their own hip hop culture. The history of this cultural development is outlined in a new documentary by local independent filmmakers Vanessa and Larissa Diaz, entitled, “Cuban Hip Hop: Desde el Principio.” The film’s producer, Vanessa Diaz, traveled to Cuba on research grants to document the unique musical movement taking place there. Vanessa’s sister, Larissa Diaz, edited the numerous tapes of interviews and performances to produce “Desde el Principio.” Confirming as well as challenging preconceived notions of Cuban hip hop, the documentary examines artists dealing poetically with racism, poverty and self-censorship. “Desde el Principio,” which is bilingual, features in depth and exclusive interviews with important Cuban hip hop artists and producers, exclusive performance footage, and interviews of U.S. rappers such as Common and M1 from Dead Prez.