Back in 1998, Safada Y Sano Co-founder Richard Montes
(Director, Writer, Producer) sat with Digital Aztlan President Sal Rojas
(Producer), and Carlos B. Lopez. A
conversation ensued about each other’s favorite hip-hop documentary. While discussing the pros and cons
associated with the films, they both noticed one particular group that was
omitted from all of the movies. An
important group that helped shaped hip-hop to its current form. Then the idea arose to do a documentary
featuring exclusively this group.
The idea manifested when both Richard and Sal 
realized the
lack of respect, especially from the media, dealing with this group: Latinos in
Hip-Hop. With that very knowledge that
no other hip-hop documentary featured stories on the Latin Influence, Pass The
Mic! was born.
Without any funds to back the project, Richard turned to his
brothers, George and John. Feeling
confident in Richard’s creative ability, both brothers invested in the project.
To make sure Latinos were given their dues, the creative
team spent four years researching and shooting footage. Now, Pass The Mic! is regarded as an open
textbook into the world of Latin Hip-Hop.
What makes the film unique was that the production team all
grew up in the hip-hop community. So,
working from the inside out made the film more authentic because they
understood and were part of the culture.
“At every underground show, event, concert; I was there with
my camera in hand capturing history” Richard recollects.
When deciding what artists would be featured, Mellow Man
Ace, Delinquent Habits, Brown Town Looters, and Lighter Shade of Brown were
some of the definite targets because of their rich history and their longevity;
yet to truthfully reflect the hip-hop world, underground artists like Street Platoon,
Los Tumbados, and the 5th Battalion were definitely needed to
provide a complete picture into the Latin Hip-Hop realm.
Everything seemed to be headed in the right direction until
tragedy struck. Executive Producer
George Montes was killed in a freak car accident. The project remained in limbo as Richard mourned the loss of his
brother, who was also his best friend.
Not finding the energy to move forward, Richard found in
Associate Producer Jessica Martinez Puga the passion that would refuel the
film.
Richard’s unique style of editing
ultimately brought life to
the collection of interviews, concerts, and freestyles. The long road to completion will satisfy
fans and others in this sometimes-controversial, yet honest look into the
history of Latinos in Hip-Hop. George
Montes hard work is not forgotten; this documentary is dedicated to his
memory. May his soul rest in peace.
HOME
