Watch Pick Up the Mic

Pick Up the Mic is a documentary film released in 2006 which follows the lives of some of the most talented LGBTQIA+ hip-hop artists in the United States. The film focuses on the rise of queer hip-hop and showcases the struggle of these artists as they perform in a genre that has traditionally been filled by heterosexual, male rappers.

The film begins with the voiceover of one of the artists, Aggracyst, who talks about her childhood and how she got involved in hip-hop. The film then interviews a number of other artists, including Deadlee and Dutchboy, and explores their respective journeys into the hip-hop industry. All three of these artists came from different backgrounds and had different stories to tell. The film does a great job of showcasing their unique perspectives and their individual talents, while highlighting the challenges of being an LGBTQIA+ rapper.

As the film progresses, we follow the artists as they perform at various venues, including Pride events, which provide a vital platform for queer hip-hop artists to showcase their talent. We learn about the music scene and the connections between the different communities of LGBTQIA+ artists, who have all come together to make the genre what it is today.

The documentary also delves deeper into the history of hip-hop and the intersection between queer culture and rap music. We are shown how the genre has progressed over the years, and how some of its original misogynistic and homophobic messages have been challenged and redefined by a new wave of inclusive and empowering queer hip-hop artists.

Throughout the film, we see Aggracyst, Deadlee, and Dutchboy bring their unique musical styles to the forefront, proving that they are not just talented rappers, but also dynamic and inspiring performers. We watch them as they write music and lyrics, rehearse for gigs and battle it out on stage with their peers.

One of the most eye-opening scenes in the film is when the artists share their experiences about coming out in the hip-hop industry. For most of them, it was a difficult decision, with many being shunned by family and friends, and some even being dropped by record labels because of their sexuality. The film highlights the bravery and resilience of these artists as they continue to persevere and make their mark in the music industry.

Another important aspect of the film is the role of queer identity in hip-hop culture. The documentary touches upon the importance of highlighting sexual and gender diversity in a genre that has been dominated by homophobia and misogyny for decades. It shows the importance of representation, and the ways in which queer hip-hop artists use their platform to promote acceptance and inclusivity, encouraging others to embrace their own identities and be proud of who they are.

In conclusion, Pick Up the Mic is an inspiring and enlightening documentary that celebrates the rise of queer hip-hop and the important contributions of LGBTQIA+ rappers. By following the lives of Aggracyst, Deadlee, and Dutchboy, the film provides a glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of queer artists in the hip-hop industry, and shows how they are pushing the genre in new and exciting directions. The film is a must-watch for anyone interested in music, diversity, and social justice, and leaves us with a message of hope and empowerment.

Pick Up the Mic is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.2.