Pick up the Mic: The Evolution of Homohop

Chronicling the underrated world of queer hip-hop artists throughout the country, this film follows a group of rappers over the course of three years with their struggles to bring homohop to the forefront of mainstream hip-hop. The artists, most of whom would rather attack homophobia lyrically than physically, show a side of hip-hop that, as of now, is limited to a select group of progressive cities. The film presents a positive message spliced between interviews and raw footage of live performances from the LGBT-themed rappers. Despite not being recognized by the mainstream, Pick up the Mic brings a sense of hope to those who feel hopeless, for those who see hip-hop as a man’s world full of misogynistic chauvinists. The artists in the film use positive affirmation to tackle subjects such as the dangers of barebacking, the angst of feeling alone and finding acceptance in a mostly hetero world. This is a film for queers and straights alike, rappers and nonrappers, outsiders and the in crowd. Regardless of the subject matter, which is geared mostly to fans of hip-hop, the underlying message of tolerance and acceptance is a point that can be appreciated by all. Extras: Forty minutes of interviews with some of the artists, including Cazwell, Deadlee, QBoy, Scream Club, Shante Paradigm and soce the elemental wizard. —Danny Batalla

Solos

How do you convey complex entanglements and deep emotion without saying a single word? Kan Lume and Loo Zihan’s Solos proves that heartache and joy, compassion and distress can all be expressed without a shred of language. The film explores the true story of an intimate relationship between a teacher and his student (played by Zihan). Shot primarily in black and white in highly stylized scenes, the emotionally charged and erotic film is a mesmerizing visual triumph. Solos beautifully captures the raw passion between the lovers and a mother’s despair over this taboo relationship. As the film progresses the darkness and loneliness of the illicit relationship becomes more apparent, giving the film a somber and at times heated storyline. Solos has all the facets to become a cult favorite. The director’s minimalist vision forces you to focus on the extreme emotion and sexual tension of the story. In an age where action movies and romantic comedies rule the box office, Solos provides a much needed and refreshing break. Extras: Deleted scenes, interviews with Sir Ian McKellen and John Cameron Mitchell (who were not involved in the film, but comment on coming out, censorship, etc.) and Zihan. —D.B.

Were the World Mine

Timothy goes to an all-boys school, he has a crush on the most popular jock in his class and has just discovered how to make a secret love potion: All the ingredients in Were the World Mine add up to a cinematic achievement of note. This modern, musical adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream shows what would have happened in Shakespeare’s romantic comedy if the mischievous fairy, Puck, had been gay. With the power to create love literally in his hands, Timothy takes to converting his homophobic city into the gayest place on earth. But when his plans begin to spiral out of control, he realizes that he should never play with people’s emotions. Were the World Mine—a kind of High School Musical meets American Beauty—explores a different side of Shakespeare, a gayer side. But by the end of the film the raw emotion and compassion shared between the two boys makes you forget that you’re watching a “gay” movie. With an impressive soundtrack—the film includes original music as well as tracks by queer favorites Mika and Patrick Wolfe—and a charming cast, along with a unique twist on Shakespeare, Were the World Mine proves that, with a little education, anyone can learn tolerance and anyone can find love. Extras: None. —D.B.