I’m a sucker for a good documentary. If it’s based in New York City and has anything to do with youth, culture or controversial events, I’m pressing play without question. So when I came across the trailer for Rubble Kings, a brand-new docu-film that “chronicles life during the era of gang rule in New York City between 1968 and 1975,” I told my secretary to clear my schedule and hold my calls — I needed to see what was up.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Shan Nicholson, Rubble Kings dives into the violent landscape of NYC during the late 60s and early 70s, a time when the streets were filled with directionless anger and frustration in the controversial wake of the civil rights movement. As it became clear that neither law enforcement nor social agencies could provide an end to the escalating bloodshed, the gangs that oversaw NYC and specifically the Bronx made an monumental decision — they would take it upon themselves to come together and make peace.
Little did they know, their efforts would indirectly give birth to hip-hop and change both New York City and the world over, forever.
Rubble Kings is now available on iTunes. Check out the captivating trailer, below.
