A groundbreaking documentary provides an unprecedented look into considered one of Hip-Hop’s hidden figures and his private journey.
“Comin’ Up Quick,” a movie by Queen Muhammad Ali and Hakeem Khaaliq, explores the lifetime of Jerome “Shorty” Muhammad, identified for his deep connections with Ice Dice and his transition from a gang chief to a protector within the rap group.
“You’ll by no means discover a dude that’s extra loyal. [Shorty] was our conscience in plenty of methods. He would inform us issues like how we ought to be dwelling, the issues that we would have liked to avoid,” stated Ice Dice in an unique clip given to AllHipHop.
Shorty’s musical journey hit a zenith when shut pal J-Dee, T-Bone, and Ice Dice, based Da Lench Mob. This rap crew stayed linked to streets of Los Angeles, however was additionally infused with Black Nationalism. In 1992, Da Lench Mob launched Guerillas in tha Mist, a debut album earned platinum certification from the Recording Trade Affiliation of America in 1992.
The documentary highlights all of Shorty’s accomplishments, musically and in any other case.
It’s also distinguished by its concentrate on Shorty’s narrative by way of a solitary monologue. On this method he’s capable of focus on his private views just like the covert – seemingly governmental – operations that launched weapons and medicines into African American neighborhoods. Ali and Khaaliq’s resolution to highlight Shorty’s storytelling capacity provides viewers a singular and intimate portrayal of a person whose life impressed a lot of Ice Dice’s lyrics, bridging the hole between fiction and actuality.
“Ice Dice’s tales in lots of songs are the real-life tales of Shorty as a result of Shorty was the actual deal,” stated Khaaliq, a director and cinematographer
Produced independently by Nation19 and Ice Dice, “Comin’ Up Quick” has garnered crucial acclaim, receiving awards and reward for its capacity to unify former rival gang members at screenings. The documentary’s music, composed by Masaniai Muhammad Ali and Queen Muhammad Ali, additional enriches the movie’s narrative, capturing the essence of the struggles and triumphs depicted.
“It felt like a mini Million Man March [at the premier] as a result of it was all love in that theater, and the place was packed,” stated DJ Chilly Chill, a legendary music producer who has labored with Dice, Snoop Dogg, Ice-T, Rick James, Ike Turner, Public Enemy, Lupe Fiasco, Bun B, and plenty of extra.
The movie not too long ago earned recognition from the British Movie Institute (BFI) for its contribution to cinema, underscoring its influence past American borders. A particular screening in London emphasised the documentary’s function in selling optimistic representations of Muslims in media.
“As an alternative of taking pictures 100 totally different speaking head interviews, we determined early on to focus solely on Shorty since he’s an incredible storyteller,” stated Director Queen Muhammad Ali, who has identified Shorty since she was very younger at Los Angeles Mosque #27. “Ice Dice’s tales in lots of songs are the real-life tales of Shorty, as a result of Shorty was the actual deal,” stated director and cinematographer Hakeem Khaaliq.
Shorty’s affect on Da Lench Mob and his steerage on dwelling a greater life are evident all through the documentary. “Comin’ Up Quick” is now obtainable for streaming on Amazon Prime and Freevee, providing audiences a uncommon glimpse into the complexities of gangster rap’s historical past and the figures who formed its legacy.
The movie is on the market to look at on Amazon Prime and Freevee.