Hip-Hop's Graceful Exploration of Middle Age Shines in Two New Films

In a year that has seen numerous celebrations of hip-hop's 50th anniversary, gift-giving season has brought two powerful documentaries, "May The Lord Watch: The Little Brother Story" and "The Choice Is Yours," offering a deeper exploration of the genre as it evolves beyond its five-decade mark.

Dres, the MC in the hip-hop group Black Sheep, performs “The Choice Is Yours” during Charlie Mack's 50th Anniversary Live Mixtape in Atlantic City, N.J. in June. Dres is featured in a new documentary

These documentaries, focused on the stories of seminal groups Little Brother and Black Sheep, draw viewers in with nostalgia and curiosity about the reasons behind the groups' separations but leave them contemplating mature relationships and the pressures of the music industry.

The documentaries celebrate hip-hop's multifaceted nature, resonating with audiences by delving into the personal and professional growth of artists within the genre as they age. Thomas "Rapper Big Pooh" Jones, one-half of Little Brother, expressed the intention to tell a story that goes beyond the breakup details and appeals to a broader audience, even those unfamiliar with the groups.

According to Yoh Phillips, the writer of "May The Lord Watch," the documentaries not only fulfill the audience's expectations but also provide unexpected elements, delivering a story about brotherhood that captivates viewers throughout the narrative.

Both documentaries, "The Choice Is Yours" and "May The Lord Watch," premiered in late November on Paramount Plus and YouTube, respectively. "May The Lord Watch" garnered over 100,000 views within a week of its release, demonstrating a significant audience response.

Although Paramount Plus did not disclose specific viewership numbers for "The Choice Is Yours," Black Sheep MC Andre "Dres" Titus, the subject of the documentary, expressed satisfaction with the reaction, noting that people have watched it multiple times and some even cried.

"The Choice Is Yours" is a multifaceted documentary that follows Dres in his life beyond the stage, capturing his performances without original DJ/producer Mista Lawnge. The film primarily revolves around a serendipitous encounter with Ma Dukes, the mother of renowned hip-hop producer J Dilla. Ma Dukes grants Dres permission to create music using J Dilla's catalog, leading to a journey involving a trip to Detroit, legal tensions, and the passing of the torch to young artist Lola Brooke.

The documentary unveils various aspects, including the reasons behind Mista Lawnge's retreat from the spotlight. However, as the film concludes, the album resulting from the collaboration between Dres and J Dilla remains unreleased. Dres remains optimistic that fans will eventually have the opportunity to hear the project.

The Little Brother documentary delves into the reasons behind the separation of producer 9th Wonder from his North Carolina-based groupmates, the factors that led to a rift between Big Pooh and Phonte, and the eventual reconciliation between the members. The film emphasizes themes of communication, forgiveness, family, fame, and delivers a poignant moment towards the end.

Big Pooh describes the documentary as a story centered around Thomas (Big Pooh) and Phonte, with Little Brother serving as a part of their narrative. He expresses satisfaction with how people are responding to the film, noting that they have grasped its essence.

From left, writer Yoh Phillips, Big Pooh, Phonte Coleman and filmmaker Holland Randolph Gallagher

The documentary explores the journey leading up to the MCs' reunion for the 2019 album also titled "May The Lord Watch." It sheds light on a pivotal 2018 performance at Durham's Art of Cool Festival, where all three members came together, playing a significant role in the documentary's creation. Additionally, a chance encounter between filmmaker Holland Randolph Gallagher and Phonte in a line at LAX contributed to the film's development.

The decision to release "May The Lord Watch" on YouTube initially began as a joke between the MCs (Rapper Big Pooh and Phonte) and the filmmakers (Holland Randolph Gallagher and Yoh Phillips of Rap Portraits). However, as they considered it further, the format aligned with the theme of the documentary, reflecting the group's tension surrounding independent versus major label releases.

Little Brother self-funded the documentary to maintain creative control, a choice reminiscent of Ava Duvernay's approach with "Origin." They are accepting donations post-release, with 10 percent directed to the North Carolina Arts Council.

In the case of "The Choice Is Yours," filmmaker Clark Slater, who previously documented DMX before his passing, collaborated with Dres to capture a specific period rather than the entirety of Dres's life. Despite the limited timeframe, the 1 hour and 49-minute documentary manages to cover a significant amount of content. Dres emphasizes the organic and destined nature of the process, spanning several years and aligning perfectly in the present.

For Little Brother, releasing the documentary in the year of hip-hop's 50th anniversary and their own 20th anniversary held special significance. Emerging from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the group, particularly Phonte and Big Pooh, recognized that 2023 was the opportune moment to share their story through the film. The documentary, along with the block party they organized, marks a turning point for Little Brother, paving the way for the next 20 years of the group's journey.

Similarly, filmmaker Clark Slater experienced the impact of "The Choice Is Yours" when his 77-year-old father watched it. The takeaway was a powerful message that resonates with the spirit of the documentary: "It's not over until you say it's over, and you're done with your artistry."Top of Form