Outspoken

Outspoken' is a feature documentary that journeys across continents and through decades to interweave portraits of global rap artists who uphold the original intent of rap messaging during challenging times. We follow the lives, lyrics and work of those who step up to the mic and speak to power using the living and transformative art form of spoken word and beats. Sharing a love of lyrical dexterity and a desire to influence the political landscape, some of Hip-hop’s finest artists bring people together, inspire change and transcend borders. This global cypher circle of voices articulate powerful local and universal messages that make up a vital social commentary for our times.

Outspoken unfolds as a global cypher circle. We open as Darryl McDaniels of Run DMC remembers sound-system culture being seized upon by youth to address poverty and neglect in inner-city New York. Recorded rap was transmitted to far-flung realms and was adapted to specific places and people. In New Zealand, Te Kupu helmed a renaissance of M?ori culture and language using rap. Rapper Zeyar Thaw demanded democracy during a brutal dictatorship in Myanmar. A former child soldier swaps a gun for a microphone to advocate for peace in South Sudan. Sister Fa challenges the West African female genital mutilation in her lyrics and MC Xuman is a digital griot who broadcasts rap news in Senegal.