THE CULTURE OF HIP HOP: The Staten Island Story

Published on August 1st, 2024 | by Dr. Jerry Doby

Discovering Hip Hop’s Staten Island Roots: Exclusive Interview with Documentary Creators Carl June and Luis Libran

In a recent interview, I had the opportunity to dig into the heart of Hip Hop culture through the lens of the new documentary series, “The Culture of Hip Hop: The Staten Island Story.” Created by Carl June and Luis Libran, the writers and directors of the series, collectively known as CarlLu, this three-part documentary, now available on digital platforms, offers a deep dive into the often overlooked yet pivotal role Staten Island has played in the evolution of Hip Hop. It follows the rise and fall of some of the greatest Hip Hop artists to come out of Staten Island, New York, including the Wu-Tang Clan, The Force M.D.’s, The U.M.C.’s, and DJ K Roc who DJs for MC Lyte in the new three-part series.

The Vision Behind the Series

Carl and Luis shared their vision and inspiration for bringing Staten Island’s unique contribution to the forefront. They emphasized how the borough’s cultural diversity and rich history have significantly influenced the Hip Hop genre. The series aims to shed light on the untold stories and iconic figures from Staten Island who have shaped the music and culture we know today.

Key Highlights and Revelations

Throughout our conversation, several key themes emerged. Carl and Luis discussed the importance of preserving Hip Hop’s authentic narrative and ensuring that the voices of Staten Island’s artists are heard. They highlighted the borough’s distinctive sound and style, which have often been overshadowed by other regions. The series features interviews with legendary artists, rare archival footage, and personal anecdotes that paint a vivid picture of Staten Island’s impact on Hip Hop.

A Personal Connection to the Culture

For Carl and Luis, this project is deeply personal. They expressed their connection to the community and their desire to honor the legacy of Staten Island’s Hip Hop pioneers. They believe that by sharing these stories, they can inspire a new generation of artists and fans to appreciate and continue the cultural tradition.

Editorial Take

“The Culture of Hip Hop: The Staten Island Story” is more than just a documentary; it’s a celebration of a community’s enduring influence on a global phenomenon. As we concluded our interview, it was clear that this series is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and spirit of Staten Island’s Hip Hop culture. For anyone passionate about music and history, this documentary is a must-watch.

In a previous article, I introduced you to the series along with an exclusive sneak peek of the latest episode here on The Hype Magazine. This time I’m back with CarlLu, and the duo weighs in for an in-depth look at the stories behind the creation of this award-winning multi-part documentary that showcases the unique impact Staten Island had on Hip Hop culture and music.

I could write about it all day but since we already gave you the rundown in the first article here, I’m going to let Carl and Luis do all the talking this time…join the conversation below and enjoy the series on the Breaking Glass Pictures YouTube channel

Full Credits for The Culture of Hip Hop: The Staten Island Story

Director: Carl June, Luis Libran

Writer: Carl June, Luis Libran

Producer: Carlos Pimentel, Charles June Jr., Love

Cast: Inspectah Deck (Self), Trife Diesel (Self), JoJo Pellegrino (Self), King Just (Self), Rhymrcka (Self), Haas G (Self)

Synopsis: Follow the rise and fall of some of the greatest Hip Hop artists to come out of Staten Island, New York, including the Wu-Tang Clan, The Force M.D.’s, The U.M.C.’s, and DJ K Roc who DJs for MC Lyte.

Production Year: 2024

Genre: Documentary, Music, History

Language: English

Production Country: US

Production Company: CarlLu Productions LLC

Runtime: 01:03:25

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Tags: Documentary, Hip Hop Staten Island

About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.