In a hip hop and R&B world dominated by men and noted for misogyny, the unstoppable female lyricists of SAY MY NAME speak candidly about class, race, and gender in pursuing their passions as female MCs. This worldwide documentary takes viewers on a vibrant tour of urban culture and musical movement, from hip hop’s birthplace in the Bronx, to grime on London’s Eastside, to Philly, Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta, and L.A., and points in between.
Featuring interviews and musical performances from a diverse cast of women that includes Remy Ma, Rah Digga, Jean Grae, Erykah Badu, Estelle, as well as newcomers Chocolate Thai, Invincible and Miz Korona, this powerful documentary delves into the amazing personal stories of women balancing professional dreams with the stark realities of poor urban communities, race, sexism, and motherhood. The more than 18 artists featured in SAY MY NAME battle for a place in a society that creates few chances for women. From emerging artists filled with new creativity, to true pioneers like MC Lyte, Roxxanne Shante, and Monie Love, these are women turning adversity into art.
"Say My Name is a call for recalibration of the control masculine rhetoric has within and around hip hop…[and] a desperately needed call and response to reclaim a female space for hip hop.” Adam Hartzell Hell on Frisco Bay
“Relevant and important in the continuing and evolving discourse on hip hop in American culture…The young women are the vanguard for the next generation of artists not afraid to say things that others may be thinking.” Michael Dinwiddie Assoc. Professor, Gallatin School of Individualized Study, New York University
“A gripping view of the world of women in hip-hop…. [P]oignant.” Nicole Hodges Persley Assistant Professor of Theatre, University of Kansas
“A compelling documentary on women in hip-hop…rarely didactic and never plodding or obvious…a joy to watch.” Leonard Pierce A.V. Club
Citation
Main credits
Peled, Nirit (film director)
Peled, Nirit (film producer)
Peled, Nirit (screenwriter)
Peled, Nirit (director of photography)
Hemmingway, Dave (film producer)
Hemmingway, Dave (director of photography)
Crystal, Lucy (screenwriter)
Melick, Simon van (screenwriter)
Aaries (on-screen participant)
Big Manda (on-screen participant)
Chocolate Thai (on-screen participant)
Badu, Erykah (on-screen participant)
Estelle (on-screen participant)
Invincible (on-screen participant)
Grae, Jean (on-screen participant)
MC Lyte (on-screen participant)
Miz Korona (on-screen participant)
Love, Monie (on-screen participant)
Mystic (on-screen participant)
Princess (on-screen participant)
Diamond (on-screen participant)
Remy Ma (on-screen participant)
Rah-Digga (on-screen participant)
Roxanne Shanté (on-screen participant)
Shankia (on-screen participant)
Sparky D (on-screen participant)
Trini (on-screen participant)
Other credits
Camera, Dave Hemmingway, Nirit Peled, Ethan Higbee; editors, Chris Scheer, Christopher Hillswright; music, Rone Sabo, Dave Hemmingway.