Educational Media Reviews Online

As we view the opening scene’s close up of a microphone, we are introduced to the voice of Teumontae Johnson. He begins to perform one of the songs he wrote about the trauma he feels and the community he’s from in front of his peers at Central High School. As the song continues his words appear on the screen kicking off what this documentary Rap Squad is centered on, education, socioeconomics, student activism, and the outlet of hip hop.

Placed in one of the poorest counties in Arkansas in the town of Helena-West Helena, we embark on the journey of two sophomores Teumontae Johnson and Ray Shields. Before joining the Central Rap Squad, created by English teacher Victor Sellarole they were individuals suffering from personal and communal traumas. When their school board holds a city vote on the building of a new high school by raising property taxes, the students Teumontae and Ray find themselves not only having Rap Squad as a place to heal for themselves but for activism. Rallying with the entire Rap Squad, the students, and members of the community fight back using their music and poems against the opposition who do not want to pay for the building of a new high school.

The production articulates the vision that director Nathan Willis sought out connecting this story to the viewer. Using motion graphics by Greg Mobley of succinct placement of the words of the young talented artists’ breaks down to the viewer precisely what they are saying. Even though this film is a snapshot of the education system in this particular community, the issues and struggles of it are felt nationwide. The music and scenic production by the Rap Squad and the film production unit are as clear and professional as both complement each other in producing this much needed story.

This film can and should be screened along with other documentaries that focus on the issues of the American education system and the power of hip-hop music. Along with the likes of Waiting for Superman, The Cartel, POV, and The Art of Rap. This documentary is well suited for anyone interested in educational issues, urban socio-economic issues, social activism, and hip hop.

Awards:
Southern Documentary Special Jury Mention, Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival

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