Rap Diego: A San Diego Story uncovers the untold story of a significant music revolution in San Diego. It chronicles the underground rap movement that launched numerous artists into the spotlight and fostered a subculture that ultimately became mainstream and influential worldwide. This narrative unfolds in four acts, narrated by those who experienced it firsthand—producer Parker Edison; editor Chris Reyes; and cultural attaché Jay Smith. Audiences will have the opportunity to hear early music and performances that have rarely, if ever, been heard by the public.
Rap Diego: A San Diego Story
Rap Diego: A San Diego Story uncovers the untold story of a significant music revolution in San Diego. It chronicles the underground rap movement that launched numerous artists into the spotlight and fostered a subculture that ultimately became mainstream and influential worldwide. This narrative unfolds in four acts, narrated by those who experienced it firsthand—producer Parker Edison; editor Chris Reyes; and cultural attaché Jay Smith. Audiences will have the opportunity to hear early music and performances that have rarely, if ever, been heard by the public.
Rap Diego Hosted by Parker Edison, Chris Reyes, and J. Smith
Episodes
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“Rap Diego" is a three-part art history project that explores the origins and evolution of the San Diego local rap scene over the past 40 years. This initiative includes a podcast, an audio documentary, and a series of short films directed by various filmmakers, culminating in this digital exhibition in collaboration with the San Diego History Center. Follow this link to explore the vibrant cultural heritage and potent moments within San Diego's rap scene.
The Wanted List: Part 1 - The Loss
This compilation of clips spotlights topics that the dedicated writing staff wanted to incorporate into the 'Rap Diego' podcast series but couldn’t due to time constraints. Subjects include battle rap and the San Diego sound. Filmed by Platform Collection.
The Wanted List: Part 2 - Battle Rap
This compilation of clips spotlights topics that the dedicated writing staff wanted to incorporate into the 'Rap Diego' podcast series but couldn’t due to time constraints. Subjects include battle rap and the San Diego sound. Filmed by Platform Collection.
The Wanted List: Part 3 - San Diego Sound
This compilation of clips spotlights topics that the dedicated writing staff wanted to incorporate into the 'Rap Diego' podcast series but couldn’t due to time constraints. Subjects include battle rap and the San Diego sound. Filmed by Platform Collection.
Short Films
The writers of Rap Diego aimed to address a broad range of information but were limited by the subject's vastness. To supplement their work, they produced a series of visual materials. Each short film, directed by a different filmmaker, features a unique aesthetic and explores various topics.
Rap Threads
This film-short explores the intersection of rap, fashion and black art, serving as a companion piece to the 'Rap Diego' podcast season. This conversation between rapper Ramel J. Wallace and writer Parker Edison takes place in Brick Row, a historic area in National City, Ca. Directed by Jack King.
Beat Machines of the 90’s
This video essay looks into the significance of beat machines in the 1990s, highlighting the pivotal role they played in our local rap scene. This companion piece to the ‘Rap Diego’ podcast season, offers a unique perspective on the historical and sonic impact of these machines. Produced by Jon Wesley Ewell.
Spotify Playlist
“Rap Diego” is a narrative that explores the legacy of rap music. This curated a Spotify playlist showcasing the diverse sounds of San Diego rap. This collection aims to highlight the genre's growth and evolution over the past 40 years. We hope you enjoy it.