We caught up with both Crockett and Radcliff to discuss their intentions with the film.
There is a razor thin line between parody and insult. How did you balance this — especially given Hip-Hop’s reputation for taking itself too seriously.
AFFION: WE ARE FANS OF ANYONE WE IMPERSONATE AND HAVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH MOST OF THEM, SO OUR JOKES FEEL LIKE GETTING ROASTED BY FAMILY. PLUS WE DON’T INSULT ANYONE. THERE’S A MEANINGFUL DESTINATION FOR EVERY JOKE.
Damaine: Our film is social commentary masquerading as a parody. We have a deeper message that is grounded in truth but told in a humorous way.
What goes into making and executing a good impression of a public figure?
AFFION: THE DETAILS OF VOICE, MANNERISMS, AND PLAYING THEM REAL. NOT TRYING TO BE FUNNY CREATES THE FUNNY.
Damaine: Affion and I have been portraying characters for many years now garnering support online and we figured out how to make it work. We are fans first and we always consider the voice, the wardrobe, and the ability to tap into the comedy.
There was mention of this being in the vein of Hip-Hop’s origin story meets Coming to America. Can you speak to this a little bit?
AFFION: WE ARE HIP-HOP BABIES WHO GREW UP ON THE MASTERPIECE THAT IS COMING TO AMERICA. WE IMPERSONATE MULTIPLE LEGENDS IN THIS FILM WHICH IS OUR WAY OF SIMULTANEOUSLY PAYING HOMAGE TO EDDIE MURPHY AND ARSENIO HALL.
Can you tell us a little about how you got MC Lyte to record a new version of “Paper Thin?”
AFFION: LYTE IS A GEM AND WE WERE ALREADY WORKING ON A SEPARATE PROJECT. I SIMPLY ASKED HER FOR HELP AND SHE DIDN’T HESITATE TO SHOW UP FOR US.
Damaine: MC Lyte blessed us with this re-imagining of “Paper Thin.” I was excited to put it in the film because it is sure to have people bopping their heads in the theaters.
The project has been described as calling in a lot of favors. Do you want this film – in addition to being entertaining – also reflect that a DIY attitude is truly how to get things done in Hollywood?
AFFION: ONE HUNDRED PERCENT. NOBODY KNOWS YOUR VOICE LIKE YOU DO. IF YOU EVER GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRODUCE THAT VOICE, YOU SHOULD.
Damaine: This project is from what I call the “Robert Rodriguez film school of filmmaking.” It is a “rebel without a studio.” The team of producers we worked with including Talitha Watkins, Charlie Mack, Wolf Adler, Alanna Evans, and Matthew Calhoun all provided a full all-hands-on-deck approach to what Affion and I needed to get this film done in time to celebrate Hip Hop 50th year! We did it for the love of Hip-Hop.
