What is life like when your job description is rapper?
In 2012, Paul Iannacchino, Jr. launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund a documentary that would explore the real lives of ‘working class’ rappers, peering behind the artifice for an honest look at what it’s like when your job is to rap. Adult Rappers was completed and released in 2015, and it is now available via Vimeo On Demand.
Iannacchino, who had signed to legendary indie label Definitive Jux in the early 2000s as part of Hangar 18, interviewed over 30 artists stuck in between obscurity and making it, including battle rappers, retired legends, new blood, and many who still toil at the coal face of rap.
The one-hour documentary is a refreshing look at how many found, or lost, a balance between living off their art, staying relevant, and ageing gracefully. It features poignant stories of self-doubt and conviction alongside lessons learnt and funny moments.
Featured in the documentary are J-Zone, Breeze Brewin, Esoteric, Jairobi, R.A. The Rugged Man, Murs, Open Mike Eagle, and many more.
Adult Rappers is available on-demand via Vimeo for $9.99 outright or $0.99 for a 24 hour rental. Watch the trailer below as well as an outtake of Breeze Brewin discussing the moment when his past career clashed with his present job as a teacher.
