Burn Mother...ker, Burn!

About Burn Motherf...ker, Burn!

"Burn Motherf...ker, Burn!" is an engaging documentary film released in 2017 that delves into the depths of the racial and social tension that dominates the landscape of Los Angeles. The main thread of the film tracks the evolution of the L.A. rap scene between the 1980s and invention of "gangsta" rap in the 1980s and 1990s leading to the infamous L.A. riots in 1992.

Making / Production

The film was directed by filmmaker Sacha Jenkins, and produced by Misha Louy. The film was produced under the banner of Mass Appeal & Showtime Documentary Films. It uses a mix of archived footage, animation, and interviews with key players to provide an in-depth view into the backdrop leading to the 1992 inner city riots.

Actors

• Interviews were conducted with a variety of influential figures, including:
  • Michael "Kam" Martin, a rapper and a member of the Watts Prophets, who contributes a first-hand account of the happenings at the time.
  • Rodney King, whose beating by the police sparked the 1992 LA riots. King provides his own perspective on the events and aftermath.
  • Lil Caesar, a former gang member who comments on gang culture and its influence on the community during this period.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The title of the film is a reference to a chant often heard during the 1992 Los Angeles riots.
• The film also explores lesser-known parts of LA history, such as the impact of the Watts riots in 1965.
• The documentary features a large quantity of first-hand archival footage, offering a unique, historic view of the events in question.

Awards

Not available.

Quotes

• "We didn't start the fire, no we didn't light it, but we tried to fight it." - General statement illustrating the film's theme.

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's soundtrack is primarily constituted of period-correct hip-hop tracks, spotlighting the work of influential artists of the time such as Dr. Dre, N.W.A., and Ice Cube.
• Also features commentary about the music scene from influential figures at the time, adding to the atmosphere and authenticity of the film.