THE HIP HOP PROJECT (2007)

If you had the whole world listening, what would you have to say?

From Executive Producers Bruce Willis and Queen Latifah, THE HIP HOP PROJECT is the compelling story of Kazi, a formerly homeless teenager who inspired a group of New York City teens to transform their life stories into powerful works of art, using hip hop as a vehicle for self-development and personal discovery.

Kazi challenges these young people to write music about real issues affecting their lives as they strive to overcome daunting obstacles to produce a collaborative album. Russell Simmons, hip hop mogul and long-time supporter of the project, partners with Bruce Willis to donate a recording studio to the Hip Hop Project. After four years of collaboration, the group produces a powerful and thought-provoking CD filled with moving personal narratives and sharp social commentary. In contrast to all of the negative attention focused on hip hop and rap music, this is a story of hope, healing and the realization of dreams.

Inspired by Kazi's work, 100% of the net profits from this film are being donated to organizations working with youth.

Celebrating the beauty, artistry, and power of young people and their music, THE HIP HOP PROJECT is a timely and compelling documentary about courage, hope, healing, and the importance of creative expression. Produced by Scott K. Rosenberg and directed by Matt Ruskin, THE HIP HOP PROJECT tells the story of a young man and his seemingly impossible dream. Chris "Kazi" Rolle, was abandoned by his mother in his birthplace of Nassau, Bahamas, and eventually made his way to Brooklyn, where he lived precariously on the streets of Crown Heights. Desperation gave way to hope when Kazi experienced one of life's rare second chances: he discovered Art Start, an educational support group developed by Scott K. Rosenberg. There, in a familial and creative atmosphere, Kazi found his own voice and, for the first time, was able to envision a future for himself. Hoping to give other young people confidence in their abilities and knowledge, and skills they could use to turn their lives around, Kazi founded The Hip Hop Project in 1999.

Recognizing the power, the persuasiveness, and the popularity of hip hop music, Kazi set out to connect high-school students to recording industry professionals. These students, some on the verge of dropping out of school, some surviving on the streets (the way Kazi had), others struggling after just having been released from prison, would be guided by music business insiders who could help them to write, produce, and market their own hip hop compilation album.