Director Mike Todd spent 3 years making the documentary 'Hustlers Convention' precisely to redress the balance, not only introducing the record to a brand new audience, but also telling the story of how the record came about and showing the reason why Jamal can truly be called 'The Grandfather of Rap'. The documentary displays the roots of the art form (this was a time long before hip hop was seduced by money, corporations and big business), allowing Jamal the chance to explain the social backdrop on which the record was made. The calibre of the interviews goes a long way to show how huge an album this was. Melle Mel says 'Hustlers Convention' was a direct influence on his ground breaking rap on the Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five's classic 'The Message'. Other contributors include Public Enemy's Chuck D (who served as associate producer), Ice-T, KRS-One, MC Lyte and Fab Five Freddy. The documentary shows clear proof that the record changed the course of music in a major way. So it feels only fair and just that its importance and relevance, even to this day, should be acknowledged. Hopefully this documentary will help 'Hustlers Convention' the album it's rightful place in hip hop history.
'Hustlers Convention' is being shown at selected cinemas in the UK right now.
An American release is planned for the autumn of 2015.