Blacking Up: Hip-Hop's Remix Of Race And Identity

"Blacking Up" explores racial identity through the lens of hip-hop music and culture. The film focuses in particular on the tensions that surround white identification with hip-hop. Popularly referred to by derogatory terms such as "wannabe" or "wigger," the white person who identifies with hip-hop often invokes heated responses. For some, it is an example of cultural progress - a movement toward a color-blind America. For others, it is just another case of cultural theft and mockery - a repetition of a racist past.

"Blacking Up" probes these different responses, constructing a dialogue on race that draws parallels from American history and incorporates the well-known rappers, and assortment of young fans and hip-hop hopefuls, among others. Watch additional video clips and learn more about the characters in this film online.