Black Wax

"With The Most Dangerous Musician Alive, Gil Scott-Heron"

Jan 12 1983 Not Rated 1h 19m
Documentary, Music

Gil Scott-Heron, one of rap's earliest (and unfortunately unknown) pioneers, gets his full due in Black Wax, the 1982 documentary recently reissued on video. Interspliced between performance footage of Scott-Heron and his Midnight Band are vignettes of him walking around Washington D.C., spouting his views on then-President Reagan (dubbed "Ray-Gun") and generally dropping knowledge. The live performance features many of Scott-Heron's best-known hits, including "Johannesburg," "Winter in America," and "Angel Dust," among others. Warm, intelligent, and insightful throughout, Scott-Heron is clearly enjoying himself and the opportunity to espouse his views. A must for any fan of Scott-Heron's, and definitely worth a look for fans of the funkier jazz music of the mid to late 1970's.

Plot

BLACK WAX is a musical-political entertainment film produced and directed by Robert Mugge. It centers on the late African American poet-singer-songwriter Gil Scott-Heron - the man Melody Maker called "the most dangerous musician alive" and many dubbed the forefather of rap music - and his Midnight Band. The entertainment is political. HD from the original 16mm film and lovingly restored.

Written by

N/A

Directed by

Robert Mugge

Cast

Gil Scott-Heron, Ed Brady, Robert Gordon

Crew

View crew

Production Countries

United Kingdom

Production Companies

Channel Four Films, Mug-Shot

Languages

English

Awards

N/A

Scores
# of Votes
188
Average Rating
7.9 out of 10
Metascore
NA
Popularity
NA