DVD Review | The Battle For LA: Footsoldiers (Vol. 1)
Written by: Kage Alan

Rap and hip-hop…styles of music I was never aware of growing up, mostly because one of them really didn’t exist at the time.  Rap did, but it was the kind of rap started by groups like RunDMC, not exactly the same thing we have today.  I mean, for crying out loud.  I was raised on the Thompson Twins, Duran Duran and Real Life.  And while hip hop remained something of an anomaly in the beginning, it has certainly been in the spotlight after films like “8 Mile”, which, incidentally, is less than 15 minutes away from where I live.  The big question, however, is whether films like “8 Mile” give a true representation of what hip-hop really is.

Not willing to remain solely on Hollywood to interpret this phenomena for us, filmmaker Darren Doane (“42K”) decided to investigate the subject matter on his own and on a more intimate level.  With just a camera, Doane hit the streets of L.A. in an almost guerilla-like fashion and interviews a number of DJs, rappers and dancers.  Not only do they give their take on what hip-hop is, what it represents on a personal and social level, but he also attends what is termed “battles” between rappers.  While such battles are known to get aggressive from time to time, it is often a way for people to blow off some steam, express themselves, strut their stuff and compete.

This is labeled as Vol. 1, so I can only assume that Doane is far from done with the subject.  I give him mounds of credit for not trying to sensationalize the fights, the violence and other unsavory aspects of hip-hop battles and culture.  There seems to be a genuine interest in the people, the attitudes, the philosophies and the impact of the music and events surrounding it.  Others would be tempted to do the exact opposite, but not Doane.  What he does capture is fascinating material, only it’s the kind of material I feel much safer watching in the safety of my own home.  I may not understand everything I see, but I can certainly respect it.

Redline Entertainment has released “The Battle For L.A.” in a Full Screen format.  Video quality tends to waver from solid to grainy depending on light sources, but that actually adds to the feel of this documentary.  Audio quality has a rough and tough feel to it, so don’t expect anything too polished.  As for extras, there are four additional selections to watch.

I suspect that how Doane proceeds with his next film will depend on how well this one sells.  Considering what he is attempting to give to the community, I hope he succeeds, but only time will tell.  For someone like myself, this was definitely an enlightening experience and I hope to see more from this director.  It’s said it sometimes takes one person’s voice to be heard over a crowd and Doane seems to possess the ability for others to take notice.

Film Rating: B
DVD Special Features: B