• Listen to this segment

GUESTS: Byron Hurt, film maker, Dr. Cathy Cohen, Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago and Principal Investigator of the Black Youth Project

Byron Hurt’s new documentary “Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes,” will premiere tomorrow in Los Angeles. Hurt’s documentary explores the conceptualizations of manhood, sexism, and homophobia in rap music and Hip-Hop culture. A self-proclaimed Hip-Hop head and anti-sexist activist, Byron Hurt attempts to create dialogue through the film on the misogyny present in mainstream Hip-Hop. “Beyond Beats and Rhymes,” features in-depth interviews with Hip-Hop historians, scholars and male rappers such as Chuck D, Talib Kweli, and Mos Def. Gail Dines, an Associate Professor of Sociology and Women’s Studies at Wheelock College said that Byron Hurt’s film “both honors rap for its courage, as well as holding the producers and creators responsible for disseminating what are often degrading messages.” “Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes,” is scheduled to air on PBS next month and Tuesday’s Los Angeles premiere will feature a post-screening panel discussion featuring among others, Black Thought of the Roots, Talib Kweli, and Byron Hurt.

The Los Angeles Premiere of Hip Hop: Beyond Beats & Rhymes will take place Tuesday, January 30th at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Design Center, 8687 Melrose Blvd (@ San Vicente )

Admission is free. Reservations are required before Monday, January 29th at noon at lareservations@yahoo.com

For more information on Byron Hurt’s documentary www.itvs.org/outreach/hiphop/