Secret Lives: The Untold Story of British Hip Hop

I initially missed a showing of this at a local cinema, but when I discovered it was doing a run at The Edinburgh Festival, I bought a ticket straight away. The fact that some of the heavyweight names from the late 90's and early 90's were attached made this an interesting prospect. Names like Mc Mello, Blade, Rodney P and others meant at least some of the acts I would have been a fan of at the time.

What isn't clear from the info is that this is a short, it clocks in at around 45 mins. Usually followed up with a live Q&A by the director. Who I had never heard of before, and I am Scottish as well as a rap fan, but she is apparently better known as a supermodel.

So what to make of this supermodel MBE directed documentary?

It is very engaging and well researched, although it is mainly talking heads. There is some music in there, but definitely some classic tracks and indeed artists missing from the roster. No Hijack, Demon Boyz, Gunshot or Hardnoise. There are of course newer artists I hadn't heard of, which is generally the case as people tend to age out of the scene eventually.

Its professionally produced so its head and shoulders above most the YouTube content which focuses on the UK rap scene of the past. The main downside is it lacks a timeline structure. But it is engaging nonetheless.

I think what this needs is someone to step up and throw some cash at it to make it a full length feature, so that other important artists can be included, as well as their music. And a nod to record labels like Kold Sweat, Mango and Music Of Life.

There is definitely a market for it, as older rap fans of the Britcore sound would be keen to own a copy if it had a bit more of what's on offer. This is a good start however and the Q&A with the director who is engaging and articulate is well worth the ticket price alone.