As a teenager in New York, Shabazz spent his time photographing the people and styles he saw on the streets around him. Hip Hop was in its early days and the comodification of this style had yet to begin. His photography captured a moment, a movement on the brink, pre-mythologies and commerce that would later explode across the world.

The documentary traces a personal journey of the photographer back to the street scenes that framed the backdrop of his work. The film explores how Hip-Hop came about and how it has evolved over the past 30 years. It will feature interviews from Shabazz and fellow devotees that were there at the start and still lead the way today.

It’s no surprise that  Lavelle’s Meltdown should include such significant names. He has regularly cited Hip-Hop as a massive influence on his electronic music and his record label Mo Wax. Other important Hip-Hop moments at the festival include a screening of Wild Style, Grandmaster Flash and Scratch Perverts Turntable session and a rare performance from the amazing South Bronx band,  ESG. (Words: Laura Thornley)

The screening takes place on 18th June. For more info, visit: BFI

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