Watch Dark City Beneath the Beat

Dark City Beneath the Beat, released in 2020, is a mesmerizing documentary-type film that gives us a deeper understanding of Baltimore's music, dance, and cultural scene. The film is directed by TT The Artist and features mainly local and aspiring musicians and dancers from Baltimore. At its core, Dark City Beneath the Beat is a love letter to Baltimore and its rich cultural heritage. The film takes us on a journey through the city's underground music scene that has been produced and developed over the years by the city's residents. Baltimore's music and dance scene have evolved as a way for marginalized communities to express themselves, and this is evident in the way the film is presented.

The visuals of the film are incredibly stimulating. TT The Artist uses her background in the hip-hop scene, art, and fashion to create an undisputable aesthetic. The on-screen visuals resemble more of a music video montage or a collection of snapshots, rather than a traditional documentary, and this adds to the film's overall energy and vitality.

Through a series of interviews with Baltimore-based musicians and dancers, we see the passion that these artists have for their craft. They explain how their music and dance scenes have been shaped by their environment and how they continue to work together and draw inspiration from one another. The film piece gives us insight into the collaborative spirit within Baltimore's underground music and dance scenes.

In Dark City Beneath the Beat, the music is the star, and we get to witness the magic of Baltimore's underground music scene. We experience how the music scenes have evolved from jazz to funk, from Baltimore Club Music to hip hop, and how they shaped the musical culture of Baltimore.

The film features musical performances from Baltimore artists such as Butch Dawson, Blaqstarr, and Al Rogers Jr. Their music, coupled with the beautiful visuals from the city, gives us a sense of the environment that shaped each of these artists' musical styles.

The film also highlights the role of dance within Baltimore's music scene. We see breakdancers, underground club dancers, and dance troupes performing their spins, flips, and twirls, while music plays in the background.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the film is how it captures the spirit of Baltimore's cultural scene. The city's racial and economic inequalities are not overlooked – they are front and center in the movie. The film shows how for many of the artists, music and dance were a pathway out of poverty, gang violence, and desperation.

With no higher budget, the film boasts a graceful score and impressive sound mixing. In particular, the music mix conducted by DJ Mighty Mark accompanied by the sound designer when it came to mastering carries the footage to a whole new level, giving even viewers at home a full immersive experience.

In conclusion, Dark City Beneath the Beat is a captivating and inspiring film. It's a celebration of art, music, and dance, but it serves a greater purpose - providing a voice for the voiceless in a city with a legendary history of segregation, poverty, and crime. Its pulsating beats, colorful imagery, and passionate interviews create a powerful and unforgettable message about the significance of community and creativity. It's a must-see for any music enthusiast or for anyone who wants a glimpse into Baltimore's diverse and vibrant cultural scene.

Dark City Beneath the Beat is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 5 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.