BALTIMORE — The 25th annual Maryland Film Festival is underway.
On Friday night, a film documentary that took more than five years in the making will premiere.
It celebrates the history of hip-hop – specifically Baltimore club music, the vibrant scene that gave birth to Charm City.
Believe it or not, this is more than just hype.
“Baltimore clubs are really like the soundtrack of our city,” says Marquis “Mighty Mark” Gaske, a Baltimore music producer, arts advocate and DJ.
He calls it the heartbeat of Charm City.
“The Baltimore club feels like war is brutal. It’s right in front of you. It’s a way of escaping your problems,” says the powerful Mark.
Baltimore entrepreneur and director Larry “Whaddup” Caudle is trying to tell that story in his film “Beyond the Hype.”
It’s a project he started in 2017 with colleagues he met while touring as a hype man.
“I said, you know what, let me stand up and tell this story,” said Larry ‘Whaddup’ Caudle, director and executive producer of “Beyond the Hype.”
The Morgan State University graduate earned a degree in social work and said he took the road less traveled, using his degree and career to work in a different way as a hypeman.
“That’s exactly the kind of social work I’m doing in my setting with this program, which is bringing communities together in the city of Baltimore,” Larry “Whaddup” told WJZ.
From artists like Scottie B to Kevin Lyles, K Swift to Rod Lee, Caudle tells the stories of Baltimore hip-hop’s biggest stars, past and present.
“This film is not just about music. It’s a social project, looking at how to bring communities, people, businesses, organizations and talent together,” said Larry ‘Whaddup’.
The film weaves together the personal stories of our city’s soundtrack while finding a way to bridge the gaps in a place with a solid but struggling music industry.
“I want to empower people, inspire people, and educate people about our music,” said Larry “Whaddup.”
The film stars music producer and arts advocate Mighty Mark, whose work has appeared in hit films and shows such as “Insecure.”
“I talked about Baltimore club music and how I’m trying to push the genre forward,” says Powerful Mark.
His work recently appeared in an ad for Lucozade, a popular British sports drink. Mighty Mark wrote a song called “Roll Call” with artists TSU Terry and TT The Artist.
“Good music is good music no matter what. Whether you’re in Baltimore or London,” Mighty Mark said.
“I probably have to do some other screenings and stuff in Baltimore, but I’m done with Three in One and now it’s time to hit the road. We gotta go,” Larry “Whaddup” explained.
Larry “Whaddup” told “WJZ” he couldn’t have completed the documentary without the help of artists, friends and family.
“Tell your story, but don’t suppress creativity, because creativity helps heal the world,” says Mighty Mark.
Larry ‘Whaddup’ told WJZ he doesn’t know yet when the next show will be, but stay tuned. For now, he said, follow him and Beyond the Hype on social media for any announcements.
Baltimore Club Music Day is June 17th.
“They can use this voice. They should embrace this voice,” Mighty Mark told WJZ.
The Maryland Film Festival runs through May 5.
