Spec Boogie pays tribute to his hometown, Bed Stuy: one of the most culturally diverse neighborhoods in Brooklyn made famous by other hip hop artists such as Biggie Smalls, Jay - Z and Mos Def. This music video captures the spirit of a community in the midst of rapid gentrification.
Shot, directed and edited by Ali Santana, this film captures the people, historical relics and businesses that may soon be gone due to economic displacement. Ali's use of community portraits, rhythmic editing and motion graphics, showcase the colorful and vibrant neighborhood that he would like to remember, while vintage photos offer a touching glimpse into the neighborhood's past.
Directed by Ali Santana. ©2010
Photos by Robert Cave Sr.
Song produced by Von Pea of Tanya Morgan.
Featured in:
The Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts
'Gentrification of Brooklyn' exhibit.
MoCADA.org