T.O. hip hop doc Make Some Noise screens @ Revue Cinema, Saturday

Make Some Noise, Andrew Munger's 1994 film about Toronto's underground hip hop scene feat. Da Grassroots, Ghetto Concept, Thrust and others screens Saturday.

The Black Nerds present Make Some Noise

"In celebration of the 30th anniversary of Make Some Noise, The Black Nerds invite audiences to explore the dynamic and often overlooked landscape of Toronto’s 1990s underground hip-hop scene. This documentary, directed by Andrew Munger and presented in its original 16mm format, serves as a critical document of an era that profoundly shaped the broader hip-hop movement while remaining largely unrecognized in mainstream narratives.

"Make Some Noise features a remarkable lineup of early appearances by influential artists, including Da Grassroots, Ghetto Concept, Thrust, a young Mos Def, Dan-E-O, Wio-K, Farley Flex, and Motion.

"Set against the backdrop of Toronto's diverse neighborhoods—Rexdale, Bloorcourt, Scarborough—and the once-vibrant CKLN, Ryerson University’s (currently Toronto Metropolitan University) community radio station, this film illuminates the cultural roots of a hip-hop scene that has been a hidden gem in the fabric of music history. Despite its obscure nature and limited exposure on college radio, this underground movement played a pivotal role in shaping the global hip-hop narrative.

"The screening of Make Some Noise not only celebrates the rich history of Toronto’s hip-hop culture but also serves as a reminder of the importance of documentation in preserving these vital stories. Without the dedication of Andrew Munger and his commitment to capturing the essence of this scene as it was emerging, much of this narrative might have been lost to time.

"Accompanying the screening, a talkback session with director Andrew Munger and DJ X (Adrian King) will provide deeper insights into the film's lasting impact and the vibrant cultural movement it represents.

"We invite you to join us on November 16 for this special screening, where we will honour the contributions of Toronto's underground hip-hop artists and engage with the nostalgic echoes of a transformative era in music history." - Faduma Gure

Make Some Noise screens at the Revue Cinema on Saturday, November 16 at 6:30 pm with director Andrew Munger and DJ X in attendance for a talk back session. Get tickets right here. 

Watch the trailer below followed by a clip of one of the film's highlights, a freestyle by a 20 year-old Mos Def (who was then still known as Dante Smith working with his siblings Casey "Ces" Smith and Dennard "DCQ" Smith in Urban Thermo Dynamics at the time) on CKLN's Power Move show hosted by DJ X and Thrust.