Battle (Movie Trailer)


Filmed in Atlanta, GA and scheduled for a Summer 2010 release, Battle aims to capture the hearts of aspiring hip-hop producers/beatmakers worldwide.

“Battle” is a coming of age drama about an unknown producer who pursues his passion for composing music. He wants to produce music for the top rappers in the industry. He must find his way and his own soul for his music before he faces off at a national Beat Battle.

Visit the official Battle Movie website for more info.

917 thoughts on “Battle (Movie Trailer)”

  1. 1. this movie looks really corny
    2. kids will be hitting up best buy and getting mpc 500’s as soon as this drops

  2. Wow What a 8 mile RIP OFF. STR8 BITE. Looking in the mirror like Em. It looks LAME. Get the real deal at this years One Stop Shop conference in Las Vegas.

  3. Yeah like Indy, i’m still gonna check this out. Even though it does not look like a mainstream release, its about time someone released a movie about the art of producing. They’ve seemed to have come up with every other element of hiphop into a film, expect beatmaking. So although this film may be a sucky start towards beatmaking films, hopefully others will make better films in the future.

  4. Everything that becomes a hype. corporate jumps on it and tries to make a fortune out of it. Rape it and leave it behind.It allready happened to breakin, mcin ,dj’in and graffiti. I guess we could’ve expected this to happen. Well after this hiphop will be all raped up. But to most of us real hiphoplovers,even after the whole plundering …we will still love her.
    maybe even more.

    After seeing this trailer i went outside and slapped the first person is saw that looked like someone who would dig this movie..
    Im ok now.

  5. The hiphop side of me hopes this will be good,but the reality side kept telling me to stop watching the trailer.The trailer makes this look like a wack 8 mile.

  6. I know and work with the guy who wrote this. This type of movie isn’t in my taste and yes it is similar to 8mile but at least watch the movie first then pass judgment. I can tell you this much, he loves writing and he loves music and that’s a fact. If you don’t like the movie that’s fine but he has passion for what he does. It wasn’t for the pay check.

    • scrap my coorporate comment. although i dunno if the money for the film came our of his pocket and distribution and such.

  7. This is NOT what beat battles are like. I’ve never been to a beat battle as hostile as this movie makes em out to be. It’s always a good ol’ fun time.

  8. WOW!! This is complete ass! The trailer alone trivializes the entire beat battle scene! Every “Urban” music movie does not have to be about a unknown working his way through a “competition circuit” while over coming odds and finding a love interest who supports him while he defeats a antagonist! When is there an antagonist in a beat battle? crush groove >8 mile>This crap>whatever this crap inspires!!! Go capitolize off some other culture. How come culture vulture ass directors never try their hand at country or emo-pop,

  9. This will not,I repeat, this will not bring the right attention to beatmakers that we deserve. This is just what Digs said whether we like it or not. Remember Breakin`,Rappin`,Body Rock,etc? Those were corporate attemps at getting money out of our culture. MTV may do a story on beat battles for a minute,but no real shine will come of it.You have to go to the Red bull Big tune and Producer Conference battles and even your smaller local beat battles to really get the essence of them. I wouldn`t go to see it,I would wait for the DVD.

  10. The movie looks corny , but were in some corny times right now . There will never be another Wild Style . If you want the raw , you have to grab a documentary .

    • You can try “Beat Makers” which is produced by the team behind “Battle”.

      It’s real beat makers talking about their craft and it actually inspired the script for “Battle”.

      Most who’ve seen “Beat Makers” agree that it’s a good documentary on the subject.

      -M

  11. I appreciate all of the brutal honesty fellas, and I sympathize on how you all feel about our culture of Hip Hop being raped by the masses. Trust me on that. I’ve discussed it with others until I was blue in the face.

    Regardless if you like the trailer, the film etc., that’s cool. I respect that. That’s the beauty of this culture you can agree to disagree. I say Rakim is the greatest someone else comes along and says Jay Z, Biggie, Lil Wayne.

    But what I need for you to know I bleed Hip Hop just like you all do. Fell in love with her in 79′ and decided I wanted to make contributions to her longevity.

    How do I do this? Check out a doc called “BeatMakers” where I interviewed about 20 to 25 up and coming producers just like many of you and documented their pain and agony.

    I realized it had one common theme and that’s how many struggle to get their music heard to those who want to hear it.

    So say what you may about the project. Just remember this is no quick gimmick sell out trying to make a quick buck, but someone who wants to tell different stories about different aspects of Hip Hop Culture. I feel the producer needs to be heard.

    • I commend you for defending this trailer. I will admit that this may be a premature judgement and we might all be pleasantly surprised by the movie, but I gotta say I think that is incredibly unlikely. Despite your admission that you “bleed” hip hop, all of the “beats” in the trailer are all current poppy down south 808 fests. You have to acknowledge that the plot line is predictable strictly from the trailer alone, and worse, its almost identical to 8mile, with the obvious substitution of beat battles instead of rap battles. lol. I’m much more interested in feature length doc with superproducers I.e. Just blaze, Timbo, Nottz etc as well as up and coming or lesser known producers i.e. Black Milk, Bink etc That would draw just as much if not more attention than a fictionalized account of a rags to riches beat battle movie. The audience that would enjoy and be inspired by a solid production based documentary is the same audience that would rage against this watered down representation of a culture.

      • also, keep in mind that most of the “Brutal honesty” is pretty uniform. I dont think thats a coincidence. A consensus has pretty much been formed.

        • Sane,

          Well, let me invite the mass uniformity to name some excellent hip-hop films of late?

          Watered-down representation? I don’t understand where that comes from? What is a raw representation?

          There are similarities to 8 Mile but it’s certainly not identical. I’d encourage a little open-mindedness from Hip-Hop heads. Or just wait for the next Hip-Hop film that you can berate for being corny prior to seeing it and wait for that perfect film that will NEVER come.

          Everyone’s Hip-Hop experience is different. This film happens to be based on real aspiring producer’s stories…so the fact that they’re trying to make it agains the odds lends itself to a rags to riches storyline.

          And for folks who think the Battles aren’t handled realistically? How can you tell, there’s not a evidence in the trailer of how a battle actually plays out. Besides, if they’re not supposed to be competive why do they call them battles in the first place. Besides, it’s a movie, you can’t expect a dry re-enactment.

          Anyway, keep discussion going, it’s healthy…I just think some of y’all doth protest too much.

          Peace,
          Martay

          • some of us? Try all of us protest. I’ve been to (And in) several beat battles, and to say that you seem to have sensationalized it is putting it lightly. And I’m not knocking that. A movie has to have some sensationalism to add interest or through some flavor in the narrative, however, you cant expect people who actually live it to feel ok that when they tell people they’re a producer people will instantly think of the cliche beat battle movie they saw. The point here is clear. People who dont have a good grasp of the culture may “MAY” enjoy some part of this movie, however, ask any producer with self respect and I can almost promise you can expact a pan.
            Being the best beat battle movie by default isnt the greatest defense. Inviting critics to name an alternative to a rather exploitive beat battle movie in a feild where their are none does not validate you as a pioneer. It just means you were the first to justify actually making a hip hop movie with a beat battle based narrative. If you think a re-enactment of an actual beat battle is “Dry” then perhaps you have no business touching the subject matter.

      • no we pretty much all agree that it looks gay. LMAO. Dont fret! Turn those lemons into lemonade! Get a sponsorship from G.L.A.D. and maybe have some beats from lady GaGa’s producers on there!

        Yay homo beat battles!

  12. The Hip Hop Producer community doesn’t need this attention. We’re producers or aspiring to be producers because we like being BEHIND THE SCENES. This is kind of like a mockery, and it’s good that everyone sees that.

  13. Definitely threw up in my mouth during this trailer. Very disappointing, but I guess it was only a matter of time before someone capitalized off the recent popularity of producing.

    • Wow, you’ve got a weak stomach. Sorry to induce vomit.

      And mr. Brown, if they want to be so behind the scenes why are battles so popular these days? and do you think producers would shy away from being name-checked and applauded for their talents? Not many that I know.

      thanks for the comments,

      Martay

      • “why are battles so popular these days?”

        Well, I like to think its because beat battles are exciting extremely entertaining production showcases that allow producers to display their craft to fans of the such. I’m not sure how one would arrive at the conclusion that beat battles are popular because producers want fame and lime light for being producers.

        • I think your taking it too far when you claim I think producers are wanting fame, though let’s be real and know that lots of producers do. I just countered that if producers were SO averse to the limelight, there wouldn’t be public beat battles.

          Do you disagree with my point that producers want to be recognized?

          Martay

  14. gotta agree completely. battle…i feel your appeals, but that trailer felt like the most predictable, stereotyped b.s. i could imagine. but hey maybe twelve years olds will feel that shit. to me: pull the cord on it!

    • There’s only ONE beat in the trailer…you didn’t feel it…fine.

      There will be over 50 original beats in the film…I invite producers who feel they’ve got some hot ish to get with us about submitting.

      email me if you’re a producer who’d like to be considered.

      Thanks,
      Martay

  15. Its been said already, but this film looks terrible.
    It looks corny and over dramatic.
    The fact that the maker has been into ‘the culture’ since 79, to me makes it worse because he should know better.

      • LMBAO!!!!!!!

        MOVIE = MELODRAMA????

        No sir, Bad movies are melodramatic unless its a tongue in cheek comedy of some sort.

      • Martay –

        Yes know better….
        As a beatmaker and hiphop head the trailer is almost offensive….The culture we live is so far beyond cookie cutter / copy cat 8mile b.s. C’mon…the mirror scene for real? Stop that…

        Truly I applaud the effort but this looks like some sellout knock off type movie. Add up the comments and there is a general consensus. Real feedback off just viewing the trailer.

        You know the phrase or slogan … ‘that’s it’ or he/she/this has ‘it’….That can’t be said from the trailer. It’s not it fam.

        I know for me ..part of why I fell in love with hip hop was ORIGINALITY. The trailer does not give me/us that. It really just looks like 8mile but switch in producers.

        And to chime in on what another poster said – I’ve watched and participated in numerous beat battles…One thing I can tell you is that it’s all love. Producers/beatmakers have a silent affinity for the craft and rarely if ever have I seen a battle seem “heated” or “intense”…Even cats I don’t like …if they joint knocks or the sample flip is lovely …it’s all pounds and daps….

        • I appreciate the intelligent discussion Heir and Sane.

          Offensive? Come on, man…that’s over the top.

          The fact that a character stares in a mirror does indeed give one a ‘flash’ of a scene in 8 Mile…we have A SCENE in our film with the main character looking at himself in a mirror. There are many films with characters in reflexive moments.

          We were willing to take comparisons to “8 Mile” by including that scene in our trailer.

          I’ve been to beat battles and while it may all be love…there is an element of hungry artist to most of the ones I’ve been to and to go back to the documentary we did, most of the producers are very competive in terms of trying to get better to be noticed. Plus, being a hip-hop artist myself, I admit to being competive when wanting to put on the best show possible. So, as a writer, I sought to enhance that aspect of our film as it relates to Beat Battles. I hoped that most producers would identify with the idea of striving to be the best.

          SPOILER ALERT
          There is certainly an all-love aspect to many of the battles within the film itself but there is also a lot at stake for characters in these battles too. So I don’t feel it’s overly dramatic to have them be competitive. Again, I have attended battles so I don’t really believe we’ve done something ridiculous with them.

          You sound like a nice guy and very supportive at beat battles…hopefully you’ll be able to give us a chance down the line.

          Again, I’m calling for beats as I know there are lots of producers on this site.

          So, email me at: martin@cinematl.com if you want to represent.

          Please see our Documentary “Beat Makers” too if you’re interested in a straight ahead look at Beat Makers.

          You can see it free here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06YSdiMh6QE

          Thanks again for the comments…I just disagree for the most part that it represents Beat Makers in any negative way or trivalizes anything about the struggles.

          -Martay

    • We love hip-hop, that’s why we financed our own film about it. Again, it’s based on stories from the producers in our documentary “Beat Makers” and many of them make cameos and are contributing music to the movie.

      We stand by it and hope some of the folks here will take a chance on it when it’s released.

      Peace,
      Martay

      p.s. I never intended to respond so many times but I couldn’t help myself. Sorry if I offended anyone who posted.

      • I dont think anybody is offended. In fact, I’m more intrigued by your responses than the trailer. I cant front, I’m interested to see this movie based on your vehement defense. lol

      • Martay –

        Again I applaud what you n yours have done and are doing…I know for me it all respect for your defense. If you believe in it that’s what’s up…and were just people with opinions…

        I just gotta ask …when the trailer/movie was put together did you at all see a resembalence* to 8mile? or think how that may be looked at from the beatmaking/hip hop community (your niche supporters)? Heads are turned off by copy cat – biting – etc…etc…If it’s something new/groundbreaking/ original cats can get with it…Help me understand why i need to see this?

        • Heir,

          Again, I realize the surface resemblance to “8 Mile” and accept that.

          I accept that you have a negative opinion though I do wonder why still.

          This is intended to be a Hip-Hop film in the vein of Beat Street in the end. It’s bound to be compare to other Hip-Hop related movies. In terms of groundbreaking, you’ve got me there. I’m an old-school head and went more with a “keep it true” vibe in terms of the storyline. It’s what myself and many others who love hip-hop have been through in our endeavors. I don’t think there can be something that I can say to make you NEED to see it. I do know that I make it a point to see Hip-Hop movies when they’re available to me over other genres (I can’t front though, I see tons of movies being a filmmaker so it’s not a stretch for me to see them) and can assure you that we are as “outside” Hollywood as they come so any trite representation you may believe is in the film is certainly not the intention of the crew behind the film.

          So, all I can say is attempt to keep an open mind to it.

          That said, we’ll be putting out a mixtape in Late January for free download, so be on the lookout for that and again…PRODUCERS wanted email: martin@cinematl.com

          Peace,
          Martay

          • Martay –
            Ok…That’s what’s up and I appreciate you gettin back.

            Quickly…
            I like many others here I would think….Have an open mind. It’s being honest. The trailer is to get one hyped or intrigued to see the movie right? So Im not intentionally being negative, the trailer just didn’t do it for me (and a lot of others).

            Your right…You don’t have to tell me to see this movie or there is nothing you can say…The trailer should get any hip hop head amped to see it right? Maybe the trailer should be reworked judging off the response yall getting?

            Again, I applaud the effort…We need more indie films and looks into the lives of producers….Hope Im wrong and that it’s tight. If so I’d be the first to tell heads to chk it…we’ll see and I’ll chk for it when it drops(with an open mind)
            Peace

            You say ..you do see the resemblence to 8mile…So why bite? That mirror scene and the story line portrayed in the trailer aint biting 8mile? It’s almost exact from 1st look…That’s not hating or being negative just speaking on what I see.

  16. I think people will want to watch this film just to see if it is as bad as it looks.
    In fact I have watched the trailer several times now because it is so bad and corny that it is actually entertainingly funny to me. It comes across as a kind of spoof parody of a beatmaking film. I was waiting for one of the Wayans’ brothers to appear.

  17. I looked at the trailer again and I have to at least give it a try. I stand correceted.It will give us some shine. It will make some of the outsieders realize why we do what we do. The trailers didn`t look that exciting because ,let`s be honest, alot of our lives outside of beatmaking and music as a whole,really isn`t exciting. But our passion will somewhat be displayed on screen as was alot of mc`s with 8 Mile and breakers with Beat Street. I can`t just write it off without giving it a true chance.

    • Dj ILL One,

      Thanks giving it a try. I appreciate it.

      And to all y’all who’ve engaged in a positive discussion, thanks I really am thankful you wanted to engage.

      Peace,
      Martay

      • if you werent responding to all of these posts I think this whole trailer would have spun into a diss fest. But you engaging everybody has opened up some minds. i know its opened mine. I still think its gonna be a corn fest but I dont think its so much of a prob to drop 8.50 to see a corny beat battle movie. lol! No offense!!! Sample based beats allowed in this movie or is it all gonna be casio horns, 808 kicks, and triple time hi-hats. LMAO Hustle n Flow ass beats? I hope yall let some crate diggers shine!

        • Spank,

          Thanks for being willing to support.

          Casio horns? Come on, man!

          Yes, we’re looking for hot beats! Definitely not Hustle and Flow type. That’s not our taste. Crate Diggers more than welcome!

          Hit me up…email: martin@cinematl.com

          Peace,
          Martay

  18. Wow you have got to be kidding me. The only attention this is going to give “the craft of beatmaking” is the kind we dont need. As if the culture isnt already saturated enough with people who dont need to be there. Remember when 8 mile came out there was a flux of slim shady copy cats who under normal circumstances would have never even entered into battle circuits. Not that I dont think Em is one of the dopest Emcees ever but I remember what happened as a result of the movie. Sorry Martay I dont care how diplomatic you try to sound on this site, at the end of the day its just another movie for you but its a culture/lifestyle for others. Its like us taking your love for filmmaking and disrespecting it. So you can consider me offended by this movie too. ………Oh yea in the opening credits it says “From the same people who brought you You Got Served??” Hahahaha c’mon son really like thats supposed to make it credible.

    • Well, being that we’ll have put a year of effort (more if you count the development process) and lots of resources into it, to say it’s just another movie for me is pretty disrespectful. Offended, again, that’s something that I just can’t imagine is accurate…it smacks of hyperbole to me.

      Also, what’s this fear of people getting involved with producing? Anyone who shouldn’t be involved will be shaken out in short order.

      Its a culture and lifestyle for most of the team behind Battle as well. So the suggestions that attribute our motives to something other than that are very dissappointing.

      The Producer of “You Got Served” (Accurate quote: From the Producer of You Got Served) is our executive producer and a man who’s been in the film business for roughly 50 years. His involvement in the development was fairly non-existent, he’s someone we relied on for advice and help during the production process who we’ve worked with for several years now (YES, all POST-“You Got Served” years). If you could step back for a half second you’d see the logic in including him in the marketing of a film.

      I’m happy to continue all the discussion but I have to admit that I’m really surprised that people can’t accept that a movie will have to walk the line between its core audience and the general public. I mean, I suppose it’s easy to dismiss anything on its surface if you want to. I generally don’t operate that way, but I see that a lot of folks do.

      Again, keep tabs on our progress…there’s going to be another trailer at some point prior to the release and of course a lot of music will be showcased on the official soundtrack as well as a little on the mixtape that will be coming out.

      For what it’s worth. I put out a call for music here and haven’t gotten an email yet. So, again Producers, contact me if you’d like to have your music considered for the movie’s soundtrack… email: martin@cinematl.com

      I do appreciate all the discussion.

      Later,
      Martay

      • “I’m really surprised that people can’t accept that a movie will have to walk the line between its core audience and the general public”

        You definately shouldnt be surprised by that at all! Heck, I dont want my music to “walk the line between its core audience and the general public”!!! Thats a pretty thin line that more often than not ends up alienating both ends of that spectrum. Its akin to making a beat that suffices the discerning tastes of hard core hip hop heads while still pleasing fans of Soldier boy and Nelly. I cant think of a beat that could do that, lol. I’m sure its possible, and kudos the dude that pulls it off, but sh*t seems unlikely. Thats all I’m saying.

        • I’d like to hear your stuff. Do you got a spot I can check for it? Any artists that have releases I can get at?

          Also, my question previously was not inted to deflect. I’m really interested in what hip-hop movies are the ones that don’t offend some of the heads around here who’ve been up in arms and sure “Battle” is exploiting their art.

          I definitely want to find some examples of movies that aren’t sinning against Hip-Hop.

          I appreciate the dialogue Sane.

          Peace,
          Martay

  19. That is a good point though! LMAO, I would think to put that somewhere in the credits but definately not in the tagline to prove that its about to be a legit look at the art form! HAHA, in fact its almost the same plot as you got served!

    Malibu’s Most wanted: (Producer Edition) LMAO

  20. I feel violated and insulted.
    Yikes.
    All i can say is this: I DJed many, many emcee battles after 8 Mile dropped and it wasn’t pretty; sh*t changed quick when that movie dropped. If this movie hits somehow, get ready fellas cuz it’s gonna be a new day at these beat battles.

    • Now it’s violated? Wow. The sensibilities of some of y’all are pretty delicate, huh?

      Again, some new cats give it a shot…big deal…that won’t last…but some might be good and find their calling.

      I have to say I’m hoping we have that far a reach to have that kind of impact.

      I hope you’re right in terms of having a lot of folks see the movie at least.

      Martay

      • I think violated may be an extreme term but I definately see where it comes from. Its kinda like Tyler Perry movies claim to explain the African American Experience with liberties taken to ensure entertainment. As a Black man I know what my life is like but to those who actually look at it as a sincere look into the experience it becomes an explanation rather than entertainment. Now people who wish to understand the experience think my life is all “OH LAWDY, hand me mah pickled Pig feet and neckbones madea!!” LMAO, that sh*t is a exaggerated characature that leans much more in the way of entertainment and is nowhere near a cultural expose’.

        Boxer’s hate rocky. That movie is full of some of the most inaccurate boxing techniques ever!! Defense is non-existant, and training consist of a lil more than stealing on meat. Football players HATE any given sunday! Very little attention was paid to the actual heart of the sport. Actual technique was sacrificed for a “widely acceptable” plotline.

        In short. When the General Public is appealed to, the “Core Audience” is who suffers.

        Wow, that sh*t was pretty profound. I’m deep. Maybe I should make a movie, lol. j/k

        • “In short. When the General Public is appealed to, the “Core Audience” is who suffers.”

          That’s a little deep but also very limiting and insular thinking.

          Peace,

          Martay

          • Sure, call it Insular but thats redundant when referring to a “core Audience”!!! A Pure fan of something is going to think of it in an “insular” manner. They almost take an ownership of it. In some cases core audiences are able to glean an “elitist” attitude about whatever they feel that passionately about. So call it insular thinking, but recognize that its inherant in everybody that feels strongly about the music/culture they enjoy. Having an open mind is relative. I’m open to new things, so long as I like them. lol.

          • Yeah Sane, I understand taking ownership and having those thoughts. Believe me I was an elitist and am still on some level. However, I have learned not to be completely dismissive as I once had been until it played out. So all I’m hoping is that the “core audience” lets it play out. And a lot of y’all have said you’re willing to do that and I’m truly grateful for that attitude.

            Thanks,

            Martay

  21. Well its just that 8 mile had a worldwide audience cuz it was marketed that way as a hollywood movie etc. this is gonna be some local shit you stumble upon and forget about it the moment its over its that simple. So i dont think it will bring new wack producers into the game .

    • Well, true that it won’t be marketed as much as “8 Mile” because we’re “independent as fuck” but definitely hope to make it more than some local shit.

      thanks for the response,

      Martay

  22. Martay –

    Just to clarify ….I know me and many others in the community are not knocking your hustle or anyone in the film as far as trying to put together a movie that captures the essence. A project like this obviously has a lot of work that has gone into it and truly that is respected. Although that doesn’t mean it can’t be critiqued. And judging off the trailer it’s like Sane said….The masses…the ones that have no idea may check it and get enlightened and get into it/ like it. But someone who lives and breathes mp’s, dusty records, breaks, choppin, bouncing between softwares, beatbattles etc…is gonna be like wtf? At least at first glance….

    Again…the biting of 8 mile is TERRIBLE! One rule in Hip Hop is not to bite…Originality shines..Am I wrong on that??? If something new / fresh blesses the game heads embrace it. A lot of the feedback is the way it is because this is biting and YES a slap in the face! Why…because someone or group has a lot of nerve thinking that …oh we can just take 8mile and put in producers and make it pop…That’s like cats who recycle beats! It’s flat out corny and will get no respect from anyone who reveres Hip hop.

    Switching gears…I took your advice and peeped the “beatmakers” documentary since you said the maker of that was behind this. I watched the whole thing (gave a full chance). Sorry man – It wasn’t hot. Chronicling sub par beatmakers is not inspiring. With all due respect a couple cats in that joint need to sell they equipment a.s.a.p. With all the vids on the net of real producers talking how they came up and what they use …and lil tidbits here and there why would anyone find “beatmakers” Hot? Im not sure. None of them cats impressed me. Sorry…..I mean …there’s thousands of heads doing it that got heat…c’mon man…

    You ask what hip hop movies are out there? That’s what makes the effort grand…There really is an untapped segment out there ready to support some quality flicks on producing / beatmaking …but if it’s a 8mile rip you can forget it…..

    Lastly,

    You asking for cats to send beats in to promote or be apart of what they feel may be corny? C’mon ….Heads are not selling out fam….with the net cats aint gotta compramise they beliefs just to get a placement….

    On the real…Im still gonna check it Martay…and I hope im wrong…

    Peace n big up the convo…Sane 2…

    hEiR

    • Heir

      “I know me and many others in the community are not knocking your hustle…”

      Well, some people are knocking the hustle with comments like “why would they bother to shoot this, etc.” That shit knocks our hustle and you’re right about the work involved not just by me but lots of folks involved. So I don’t take that lightly.

      “But someone who lives and breathes mp’s, dusty records, breaks, choppin, bouncing between softwares, beatbattles etc…is gonna be like wtf? At least at first glance….”

      Again, I guess we’ll continue to be on different footing on this aspect. I am someone who lives and breathes it as well…the equipment in the film and all the records, props, etc. are MINE…so I don’t see how I’m any different than most of y’all and I certainly don’t think I would’ve been like wtf?

      “Again…the biting of 8 mile is TERRIBLE! One rule in Hip Hop is not to bite…Originality shines..Am I wrong on that??? If something new / fresh blesses the game heads embrace it. A lot of the feedback is the way it is because this is biting and YES a slap in the face! Why…because someone or group has a lot of nerve thinking that …oh we can just take 8mile and put in producers and make it pop…That’s like cats who recycle beats! It’s flat out corny and will get no respect from anyone who reveres Hip hop.”

      First of all, nobody bit 8 Mile…one scene in a mirror does not BITING make. Sorry it’s that simple. Take it how you want but a 100 minute movie with 1 similar scene (a common scene in many movies by the way) is not the same as BITING in its classic form. And to say BITING is a sin…you sound like me…I harped on this for years and years (perhaps before you were even in the game) and it didn’t stop the proliferation of it and the fact that those who did this were not called out sufficiently…and again, nobody on our end is trying to get over in terms of “we’ll just make an 8 Mile for producers”…but hey, I guess we’ll keep butting heads on this point because of how it was taken by many of y’all.

      “Switching gears…I took your advice and peeped the “beatmakers” documentary since you said the maker of that was behind this. I watched the whole thing (gave a full chance). Sorry man – It wasn’t hot. ”

      Well, how could it be, I guess, coming from the team behind “Battle”. That’s dissappointing. Those cats are just like y’all. They’re trying to make good music. Yes, there was a lot of disparity in terms of experience level but hey, it wasn’t a joint that features well-known producers. I’ve been involved with one of those as well and I prefer the one that shows you the young cats on the rise. But hey, thanks for checking it out. They didn’t impress you? Sorry. Did we do anything on the filmmaking side of it to eff it up…or is it just we didn’t get hot enough cats into the movie?

      “You ask what hip hop movies are out there? That’s what makes the effort grand…There really is an untapped segment out there ready to support some quality flicks on producing / beatmaking …but if it’s a 8mile rip you can forget it…..”

      Well, it’s not an 8 Mile rip…but hey, I’ve already said that but we did have a mirror scene…so I guess I’m not a reliable source in that department.

      “You asking for cats to send beats in to promote or be apart of what they feel may be corny? C’mon ….Heads are not selling out fam….with the net cats aint gotta compramise they beliefs just to get a placement….”

      Compromise their beliefs? I guess that means they would never agree to produce for certain artists? Seems like a bit of a Cop-Out. I’d really like to hear some of the Beats from y’all though but nobody wants to share I guess. That’s cool…well, it’s not cool but there’s nothing I can do if nobody gets at me.

      “On the real…Im still gonna check it Martay…and I hope im wrong…”

      Thanks for that, I appreciate the consideration.

      And the continued discussion.

      Again, I’m checking for more producers to consider, so email me at: martin@cinematl.com

      Peace,

      Martay

  23. Damn playas heated!! First its coming from the “You Got Served” cats camp I believe? That joint got my seed dancing when ever he has the chance. Eventhough he couldn’t cut a rug with a buck fifty strapped to his Nikes, he’s eventually gonna get that rhythm right and serve a few fools on the dance floor!!(LOL!!!)

    Now on to the realness aspect of this movie. To but “today’s” current Hip-Hop producer/production and realness in the same sentence would be an oxymoron if there was ever one playaz. Less we forget how 95% of “today’s” so-called producers are addicted to that “crack” -FL, Reason, etc. from user groups that you probably ain’t even touched “real” hardware let alone actually know what to do with it if were in front you? You can’t have it both ways? Real put having everything produced from “Virtual” Studio Technology Instruments and insta-beat programs that make it “virtually” impossible to not be in sync and/or misplay a note, for the few who still dare to venture into that realm.

    So if anything this movie may spark a few more herbs from the burbs to rush down to Guitarded Central or Musicians Enemy and comp some load-and-be-a-producer-overnite software. So what. These cats deserve some applause regardless of the realness perception and/or the box office success of this movie. For starters it ain’t reinforcin’ the bullshit, tired ass “I’ma thug can’t wait to get tatted and then shot like Tupac or 5o” mindset that has “REALLY” over taken this next lost generation and has become the status-quo and identity of today’s so-called “real” Hip-Hop heads, fans, etc. For that I say yall cats should pump your brakes and ride their dillz for that versus hating cuz it ain’t “real”. Look at the bigger picture–no pun playaz.

    What is really real? Me compin’ the movie @ the barber shop a week before it hits the theaters!! I’m out like a 2010 pimp with a perm…oNe…

  24. I feel obligated to point this out here. Your constant proclamations that you haven’t bitten 8 Mile because it’s a “reflective” scene that’s shown up in movies before is kind of sad. To anyone that’s seen 8 Mile, it’s a clear bite. Don’t try to pretend that it didn’t occur to you at SOME point that it was a blatant rip-off. Whether it was while writing it, filming it, or editing it may only be known by those involved with making the movie, but come ON, man. You’re a movie guy and a hip-hop guy, right? You damn well know that 8 Mile scene.
    Look, if you wanna try to make some money and make some noise that’s cool, and nobody should fault you for that. What you CAN be faulted for is this little charade you have going on where you claim ignorance to concerns by people who love this sh*t; you can’t play both sides of the fence. You wanna sugar coat this sh*t? Then don’t be surprised when people who know this sh*t ain’t sweet won’t swallow it (pause that).
    You strike me as someone who knows better–don’t play dumb man, it’s see through. All this those records are mine, the equipment’s mine…whatever. You know how passionate people are about this. When you bastardize something people love, they’re gonna get pissed. And best believe, when something gets popular enough, it’s gonna get bastardized so what you’re doing is probably inevitable; history has certainly dictated that inevitability.
    The best you can do is be honest about sh*t.

  25. I was just watching the ‘Beatmakers’ documentary just now on youtube and someone from the ReelOneTV (who are involved on making this film) left a comment on the video saying that a film was coming out soon called ‘Battle’ and that it was gonna be like 8 mile but with producers.

      • Yikes, Crab, Spank and Heir,

        Hey, it’s shorthand and I’ve admitted to the similarities. To me though, biting is way too strong as the movies are not the same story retold with producers.

        The fact that rappers “Battle” and producers “Battle” makes it inevitable for similarities and in terms of movie speak…the rule is to boil it down to terms that people can identify with…so it’s easier to say “Die Hard on the President’s Plane” to describe “Air Force One” etc.

        I’ve been defending the film as not be a rip-off.

        “You’re a movie guy and a hip-hop guy, right? You damn well know that 8 Mile scene.”

        I do know that scene…and I know our scene. They’re similar in the sense of a guy looking at himself in a mirror. Again, Biting is way too strong a term. And that’s what I’m defending.

        I do appreciate all the discussion, and perhaps I’ll never be able to convince some that our movie is worthwhile. That’s dissappointing.

        “Look, if you wanna try to make some money and make some noise that’s cool, and nobody should fault you for that. What you CAN be faulted for is this little charade you have going on where you claim ignorance to concerns by people who love this sh*t; you can’t play both sides of the fence. You wanna sugar coat this sh*t? Then don’t be surprised when people who know this sh*t ain’t sweet won’t swallow it (pause that).
        You strike me as someone who knows better–don’t play dumb man, it’s see through. All this those records are mine, the equipment’s mine…whatever. You know how passionate people are about this. When you bastardize something people love, they’re gonna get pissed. And best believe, when something gets popular enough, it’s gonna get bastardized so what you’re doing is probably inevitable; history has certainly dictated that inevitability.
        The best you can do is be honest about sh*t.”

        A) I am being faulted and I think I’ve shown a lot of interest to the concerns brought up here.

        B) I do know how passionate people are…I am too. That’s why I’m passionately defending our movie because I don’t feel there’s been a bastardization of what we love.

        I’ve been called a Biter, Sad, a VIOLATOR, and of course disingenuous. Not to mention folks trashing the work we’re trying to do.

        I can’t win making a narrative movie because I’m biting and over-dramatizing the scene…and I can’t win making a documentary because the cats “ain’t hot”.

        It seems that the idea of a movie would be better than an actual movie to a lot of folks here.

        Maybe somebody on this board gets motivated and makes the more representative feature highlighting this and I’ll be checking for that. I do watch lots of the clips here and elsewhere on the subject. However, I still believe in our film and will say so even in the face of the criticism which at times here has been fair and at other times overstated. Is there nobody who’ll admit to that?

        Again, as always, I appreciate the discussion.

        Martay

        p.s.
        “All this those records are mine, the equipment’s mine…whatever.”
        What bugs you about this?

  26. Martay –

    Look man. It’s not that serious. Put out a good “original” product and promote it. Let the chips fall as they may. 1 thing to take away from all this is that there is a segment of the core audience that is not feeling the trailer or initial glimpse. Let the chips fall as they may and get over it….If it’s good it will be received well …if it’s not then you’ll know by the response you get.
    Good luck.

    • Heir,

      Well, you know it’s serious to me. In the end you’re right and that’s what we’re doing.
      It’s gonna do what it’s gonna do, and we’ll be fine with that.

      Again, I appreciate your willingness to check for it and the others who’ve expressed that same sentiment. Thanks for that.

      Thanks for the well-wishes and stay tuned as we’ll have more materials related to the movie in the coming months.

      Peace,

      Martay

  27. Okay,we are being totally too hard on Martay for this movie in which hasn`t even been released yet. You keep talking about 8-mile and the rush of fake mc`s that came after it. But ask yourself this question,are they still around? In my experiences with my hip hop community,NO. When Breakin` came out,everybody wanted to do it. When Herbie Hanckock came out with “Rockit”, mad Dj`s came out the woodwork. Some great ones stayed,and the weak faded away. when something new comes along,you will get followers and posers . There are too many people who take this artform a little too seriously. Martay is not selling out ,he is bringing this to the light. I get tired of hearing of how hip hop producers only steal and don`t create. Goddammit,I create. This movie isn`t going to be the holly grail of beatmaking,but it will give the outsiders a glimpse of what we sacrifice a lot for. Giv the man a break and give it a try before you just massacare his vision.

    • No movie will ever be the Holy Grail in my opinion. I definitely agree that with the rise in popularity of Beat Making in general there will be tons of people flocking to “try it out” which will annoy some but 90% or more will be gone before you know it.

      Thanks again Dj ILL One for the discussion,

      Martay

  28. Wow. I really enjoyed reading all of this dialog. I think it’s pretty interesting reading Martays’ justifications for what is obviously something he truly believes in. honestly though…like most, initially I was a bit embarrassed. I’ve been wanting to write a script for years. I give major props to ANYONE who not only follows through with the script but actually CREATES a movie using their idea’s.
    Martays passion has induced enough curiosity to see this movie. I think his numerous invites to producers to send him material to possibly be included in the movie is mad cool. How cool would it be to have your music in a movie!!
    The thing is….This movie does not appear to have had a budget to create a main stream stir. If Eminem was not in 8 mile? Most would have never even heard of it. It’s obvious that this movie was not intended for main stream in the first place. However, if “main stream” is not the target….who is? Because people with a room full of records and an SP-505 are hardly intrigued by a movie in which their craft is only used as a path for a simple “Rocky” type story line. I think the bulk of this culture could have probably done without the drama and hype. So difficult to recreate something as organic as hip hop on this medium. The discussion on here is more of a reason to see this movie than the trailer. You can see the obvious conclusion that the trailer has lead to by reading these posts. Martay has done everything but say “the movie is nothing like the trailer”. Honestly…I hope not.
    -Nothing but good vibes your way Martay. Not sure what to expect here….I’m hoping the movie is as genuine as you seem to be.

    • mrfloyd,

      I appreciate the good vibes. Thanks for the props…

      Just write if you really want to…it’s that simple.

      I went from writing rhymes to some journalism to script writing and it’s just like making music…you gotta be disciplined about pursuing it.

      This script is one for me…I write many for other folks…I do a lot of low-budget movie writing and get assignments to re-write lots of stuff but this one I was able to write for just us (my team of collaborators rather than outside producers) to do. So it’s definitely our passion project.

      Again, thanks for the discussion,

      Martay

  29. I mention how the records and equipment are yours because it should mean that you know better. Not know better than to make this movie, but know better than to expect people in this type of forum to be receptive to a movie trailer like this.
    Like i said, i would never fault someone on their grind, trying to eat, trying to make a living, but even you yourself alluded to the fact that not too long ago you would’ve hated on a trailer like this also.
    Nobody wants to see something they love become corrupt and turn from something beautiful into something ugly (unless of course you’re one of the people getting rich off that transformation i guess). We saw it during the “shiny suit era”, and we’ll see it many more times. When something raw becomes something pretty and sweet, it’s tough to handle for those of us who cherish that rawness.
    The trailer portrays something very not Hollywood being turned 180 degrees into something that is. You can’t fault us for wishing this movie was raw as f**k. You can’t fault us for wanting this movie to come from a pure place. And we can’t be faulted for wanting something we consider to be unique and special to be portrayed in exactly that way.
    That being said, i will still wish you good luck, because like someone just said, it takes balls to make something, follow it through, and put it out there…

    • “The trailer portrays something very not Hollywood being turned 180 degrees into something that is. You can’t fault us for wishing this movie was raw as f**k. You can’t fault us for wanting this movie to come from a pure place. And we can’t be faulted for wanting something we consider to be unique and special to be portrayed in exactly that way.
      That being said, i will still wish you good luck, because like someone just said, it takes balls to make something, follow it through, and put it out there…”

      I guess I must not understand my mistep enough. Raw as f**k? I mean, really? How many folks on this board are living raw as f**k? Let me know, most of the producers I know have a similar story setting as the main character in our movie…what is raw is his passion for making music. We could keep going back and forth, but I just appreciate all the willingness to discuss things in the end even if I still don’t completely agree with the level of initial “hate”, I can respect where it comes from as I too am possessive of it in my own way (for years I sounded like y’all in my reaction to a lot that has happened in Hip-Hop but mostly expressed in my inner circle and later to find I was off-base at some and right on in others when I was able to interact with some of the targets of my outrage).

      Thanks for the good luck wish, I appreciate that too.

      Peace,

      Martay

  30. I just hope the movie soundtrack is not like the trailer soundtrack.. Different moods n scenes with the same track.. felt artificial.

    And you can’t assume this gon be predictable. Look what happened to Friday Night Lights. Everyone thought it was another underdog team that was gon win a championship, but they lost by an inch and everyone in the theatre cried. It could be like that.
    I think the trailer already made me cry tho……
    omg i hope the movie is better than the trailer.

  31. Captain,

    Well, the soundtrack will be very diverse…there’s going to be at least 50 different music cues so there’s a lot of room for some ill shit.

    We’re working with a lot of ATL cats and some others as well. Just got contacted by one of my favorite under the radar Hip-Hop producers from Philly and he’s sent some great stuff but we’ve got a long way to go in that regard, still in post production.

    Thanks for the comments though Captain,

    Martay

  32. You know this reminds me of the parodies of different movies/tv-shows you can watch on for example youtube.

    I was waiting that the click to website´s link would reveal text “sike!”.

    Not this time.

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