Mac Dre: Legend of the Bay @ SFBFF XVII
The 17th annual San Francisco Black Film Festival commenced this year from June 11-14. The variety of films offered something for everyone. Topics ranged from the human condition, to the fast paced and sometimes violent reality experienced by today’s youth. There was action and drama, comedy and culture all on display as told through the lens of the selected story tellers. The festival does a great job presenting a global mosaic of sights, sounds and ideals.
SFBFF was founded in 1998 by Ave Montague, a Publicist who is renowned in San Francisco as a patron of the arts and pillar in her community until her transition to spirit in 2009. Today, the festival is in the good hands of Ms. Motague’s son Kali O’Ray and his wife Katera who are Co-Directors.
The Official Selection Mac Dre: Legend in the Bay, playing at the Boom Boom Room is what brought me to the festival this year. Katera explained to the crowd why the Boom Boom Room is the perfect venue to show this selection. Every Sunday night something very Hip-Hop happens at the Boom Boom Room. It’s called Return of the Cypher (R.O.T.C) a live show where emcees, can flow in the moment with other musicians in the tradition of the of the Hip-Hop Cypher that is a staple within the culture.
Mac Dre: Legend in the Bay is a documentary film that chronicles Andre Hicks’ (Mac Dre) rise to legendary status in Bay Area Hip-Hop. His Mother Wanda Salvatto (Mac Wanda), tells her sons story with help from his friends and colleagues who explain the significance of Dre’s genius, and the tragedy felt by his loss.
Zachary Butler and Mac Wanda
Director Zachary Butler covered all bases, including commentary from Charis Kubrin Ph.D, Professor of Criminology, Law and Society. In the film, Kubrin explains how Vallejo Police Department and Federal Prosecutors used Mac Dre’s rap lyrics as evidence to harass, arrest and eventually convict Dre in 1992.
The film, reflected Mac Dre’s zest for life and charming personality. I now know that his work ethic and business mind made him a legend. The Q&A after the screening gave views even more insight.
On Dre’s spin on politics in his music:
Mac Wanda reminded the crowd that it takes courage to speak about politics – “Dre did Punk Police, and we see what happened-He went to jail.”
J. Diggs replied that Dre had every right to make that record, because he wasn’t robbing banks.
“Dre went to jail for a crime he did not commit, for J. Diggs and Kilo Curt as a stand up individual.”
Diggs then turned to Mac Wanda stating “To his Mamma-Dre was innocent. He was 100 like that. That’s why we go 1000 for him, because I know he lost his life once behind me.”
Coolio responded that Dre spoke about politics “minus the mainstream” in his own unique way. He encouraged the crowd to check out Mac Mall’s new project: Legal Business (Thizzlamic Records), promising that the label has continued to speak truth to power.
Zachary Butler, Mac Wanda, J. Diggs, and Coolio
On Mac Dre’s evolution as an Emcee. Where he might have taken it and what made him legendary:
Coolio was quick to answer, smiling as he talked about Dre’s ever evolving creativity. “He always wanted to rival major labels-Dre saw what mainstream was doing, and modeled his work ethic, but not his style.” We were always changing. “Never stop, never settle, Hennessy-Dre been saying that. Real Talk!” I would tell any {artist} to keep doing you- as your fans progress you progress. “When Dre said: 18 til I’m 80 though, he really meant that.”
J. Diggs shared his memory of recording with Dre, in a condo in Sacramento. Diggs was “fresh out the pen”, and Dre told him that his delivery was too aggressive. Diggs said he took Dre’s advice and eventually calmed down.
Mac Wanda teased that Diggs calmed down after taking “that pill”. Then, and interesting detour in the conversation that will provide a different prospective:
Diggs took the joke in stride then responded very sincerely to the crowd, “ I’m glad you said that,- J. Diggs never took a pill in my life.” I rep this Thizz shit, but I’ve never {took a pill}, I ain’t never did coke, no mushrooms or nothing.
Which brings me to the conclusion that the Mac Dre, Thizz Entertainment experience is more than folklore of a flamboyant drug induced emcee and his gang rapping about alleged crimes and wild times. Mac Dre: Legend in the Bay documents the coming of age and creative brilliance. Mac Dre put the Bay Area culture of survival to music during the height of the Reagan and Bush Era; when the War on Drugs instigated the proliferation of all kinds of criminal activity resulting in the today’s enormous Black prison population. Dre’s persona of swag and humor became so familiar that we all claim him as our “Cutty.” More than a local hood star, Mac Dre is revered by many great names in Hip Hop. The loyalty of his friends and his mother’s tenacity keeps the legend alive by telling his story to inspire.
Mac Wanda also announced plans to produce a full feature movie about Mac Dre. “I don’t know if Dre could see this part-but I’m going to take it where its going to go, with the help of all of you.”
