Dave Chappelle's Block Party
Director: Michel Gondry
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 103 minutes
Distributor: Hopscotch Entertainment



The latest release from Dave Chappelle comes in the form of a documentary. What we have here is the lead-up, execution and aftermath of a celebration showcasing hip-hop's most talented artists. One thing I should mention before I suggest anyone kicks back to enjoy the DVD is this - what you are watching is not Chappelle doing stand-up and the majority of the film is not comedy skits.

Sure, you'll get a signature Chappelle wisecrack here and there, but this is primarily about the music. And damn good music at that. I guess you could consider it the Woodstock of hip-hop and I say this because you're watching the cream of the culture, not individually, but all together. For example, a DJ will occasionally come in and play some cuts, but the objective and sound of this whole day could be summed up as 'raw'. Just witnessing artists like Jill Scott and Erykah Badu merge their hit songs into pure expressive vocals is pretty breathtaking.

Of course, you have the bouncy beats of Kanye West and Mos Def, the reality check of Talib Kweli, the effortless flow of Common and the I-wanna-kick-that-door-down sound of Dead Prez all combining to an awesome spectrum of hip-hop flavours.

Ever wanted to see Dave Chappelle battle? Me too. For a moment there we do get a glimpse into the technique, or lack of, when he attempts to challenge a crowd member. But it's all in good fun.

The real bomb drops when dusk falls. Chappelle calls out to the crowd to introduce The Fugees. Yes indeed, they have gotten back together for this one show and have come out to perform their timeless tracks. It's a really moving thing to see one of the most influential groups of their time reunite and still put it out like they were supposed to. Watching them sing Killing Me Softly is kind of ironic considering all the dramas that occurred way back then, but it was truly a moment that needed to be captured on film. What's great is that you get to go backstage with all the artists and hear their thoughts on each other, the world as we know it and the party itself.

Some highlights are Dave Chappelle and Mos Def clowning around, telling jokes with the good old drum roll and punch line routine and also when Chappelle hands out golden tickets Willy Wonka-style to random people on the street.

The DVD is definitely rare - a good addition to the library for lovers of hip-hop and if you're interested in learning more about real hip-hop and what is considered to be hip-hop in its purest form, then make your judgement about it from this.

Marc Mandica