#osyikhile

Hip-hop really and truly has become a worldwide cultural force in it’s now four decades of existence.  Not only has it firmly set and established itself as a culture with branches that are successful in their own right, but the mood, tone and aesthetic of hip-hop has found itself able to blend seamlessly into other aspects of entertainment.  A perfect example is writer/director Robbie Samuels’ short film and ode to hip-hop music Hip Hop Cafe. 

Jack (Osy Ikhile) and Jenny (Carla Harrison-Hodge) are on a date at the Hip Hop Cafe, and Jack is determined to win back the love of Jenny once and for all.  Meanwhile, diner patrons Marge (Shola Adewusi) and Bonita (Jenny Mayers) are taking in the ‘scenery’ in the form of a handsome waiter (Tom Haywood).  A chess player (Tunji Falana) is studying his board intently, much to the behest of his ill-tipped waitress (Ania Sowinski), while a man with a saxophone (Miguel D’Oliveira) meditates near the door.  As the head chef (Femi Houghton) oversees the proceedings, owner Hov (Gary Beadle) and old friend Mr. Dobalina (Masashi Fujimoto) join him after a brief reunion.

The fact that this film’s dialogue is comprised totally of hip-hop lyrics is a testament to how much hip-hop lyricism is a reflection of our day to day lives and personal experiences.  The ability to tell stories of love, having fun, deep connections and random interactions has always been a benchmark of hip-hop, and with the diner being the classic film trope/symbol for the diversity of society (and the world at large), it’s only fitting that Hip Hop Cafe would feel like such a natural piece of art, as if it has always existed.  Even when the ‘dialogue’ may feel a bit forced, it’s easy to accept because it’s obvious that it was all done in the spirit of fun, love and homage.

Casual viewers will definitely find themselves fixated with the films vivid colors and rich tapestry of characters.  The push and pull between Jack and Jenny is a story as old as time.  Marge and Bonita play like a female version of the Odd Couple, with a bit of brashness thrown into the mixture for good measure.  The chess player, saxophonist, Hov and Mr. Dobalina all have an air of mystery around them that is intriguing, making you wish for backstories on these individuals.  

Lovers of hip-hop will find themselves taking tally of the lyrics, which artists/songs are being referenced, and seeing how they fit in contextually within the bigger picture.  Be it an abstract approach or a direct re-appropriation, each line is cleverly inserted into the short to both cause an emotional reaction and to push the narrative forward.  Many of the lyrics are strictly added for levity, providing the film with more than a handful of humorous beats that (as stated before) remind us of how fun hip-hop can be.