the story of rap's 1st album, 'hustlers convention' is finally told

AT THE LONDON PREMIERE OF 'HUSTLERS CONVENTION' WITH THE MAIN MAN HIMSELF, JALAL A.K.A. LIGHTIN' ROD (PICTURE BY GARY THOMAS KYPA)

In 1973 Jalal Mansur Nuriddin, a member of The Last Poets, the group of poets and musicians who rose to prominence in the late 1960's commenting on the plight of African Americans during the civiil rights struggle, released a solo album under the name of Lightin' Rod. It would be called 'Hustlers Convention' and its creation would introduce the world to rap music. Though I feel sure Jalal did not realise this at the time, this record would heavily influence many who would follow in his footsteps and go on to enjoy major worldwide success in their own right. Indeed Jalal's intention was simply to tell a visual story on record of one strand of urban African American life, a tale of two hustlers attending the so-called convention and ending up in a shoot out and dramatic police chase. Along the way the rapper brings many colours and textures, such as culture, greed and ambition so skilfully to the fore, that the imagery in listeners minds were made vivid. Many people felt here was an honest view of the street. The impact and popularity was so strong that soon after many people in different neighbours could recite the whole record world for word. Unfortunately, as is so often the case in the music business, the success of 'Hustlers Convention' was stifled before it really began. Rap's 'best kept secret' was known to a 'select' number, but ultimately would be brushed under the carpet and remain unknown to the majority of hip hop fans the world over. Most would be totally unaware of its significance until in recent years.

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.


    

'HUSTLERS CONVENTION' - LIGHTIN' ROD (ALBUM COVER)

AT THE LONDON PREMIERE WITH MIKE TODD, DIRECTOR OF 'HUSTLERS CONVENTION' (PICTURE BY GARY THOMAS KYPA)