Bling: Consequences and Repercussions

Narrator: Chuck D

Director/Producer/Editor: Kareem Edouard

Producer: Ashley Queen & Lathan Hodge

Associate Producer: Jan Ascanio

Running Time: 11:00

Format: Digital Video

WGH Media, Inc.

When American rapper Kanye West sang "Diamonds From Sierra Leone" it was the first time a hip hop artist raised the issue of blood diamonds from Africa making it onto the necks and fingers of African American artists in America.  A new short documentary takes the question a few steps further.

BLING: Consequences and Repercussions is a bold documentary that sheds light on the obsession with diamonds in the hip-hop industry.  The film hold no punches in showing the trail that blood diamonds travel from greedy rebels in countries like Sierra Leone to the musicians who don as much diamond jewelry as possible in America.  In the film's 11 minutes the filmmakers pull the curtains back on a multi-billion dollar a year industry, from the diamond mines in Africa, the profits of the De Beers, to the necks of some of the world's most famous rap artists.

Though graphic at times, the film is one of the only documentaries to link blood diamonds in Africa with diamond jewelry worn by African American musicians.  Narrated by Chuck D of Public Enemy, the film is an excellent peek into the world of blood diamonds in Africa.  The film examines the role of De Beers in the world diamond market as well as the influence of diamonds in fueling the war in Sierra Leone.

My only criticism of the film is that is too short and needs to include more information on the negative impacts the diamond industry has had on Africa, in not only Sierra Leone but also Angola, South Africa, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  It would have also been nice if the filmmakers had the opportunity to talk to some of the diamond-wearing musicians.  With Chuck D involved in the project it would have been nice to use that connection to get to other artists.

Film Reviewed by Msia Kibona Clark