Big Fun in the Big Town

New York, 1986: a city of big dreams and equally big problems. Like New York itself, hip-hop music encompassed both of these human conditions. But hip-hop and its cultural birthplace shared other important characteristics, too: the desire to always be original, a hustle-to-survive ambition, and — if the stars aligned — the ability to come out on top, no matter what the odds. Big Fun in the Big Town is about hip-hop when artistry in the game was still at its center. When skills, not hype, got you your first record deal. When Run-DMC took the reins from Doug E Fresh and Grandmaster Flash, paving the way for hundreds of other hitmakers to follow. When a chart-topping LL Cool J still lived with his Grandmother. When the Latin Quarter was the club to be at on any weekend night. And when artists from all backgrounds could taste their own pop chart dreams, just beyond their reach but still seemingly attainable.

5

41 min

Cast

LL Cool J

as Self

Doug E. Fresh

as Self

Grandmaster Flash

as Self

Jason 'Jam Master Jay' Mizell

as Self

Biz Markie

as Self

Schoolly D

as Self

Roxanne Shanté

as Self

Joseph Simmons

as Self

Russell Simmons

as Self

Darryl 'DMC' McDaniels

as Self

Marley Marl

as Self

Suliamen El Hadi

as Self

Vito Bruno

as Self

Bill Adler

as Self

Dennis Bell

as Self

Mr. Magic

as Self

DJ Hurricane

as Self

M.C. Shan

as Self

Marcel Vanthilt

as Self

Director

Bram van Splunteren