A COOL STORY : THE SIXTH BOROUGH film review!

As a native Long Islander, I've always viewed hip-hop through an outside lense. At times even feeling less than or left out of the overall picture. What I didn't realize until watching The Sixth Borough was just how deep music roots locally ran.  Directed by Jason Pollard, the documentary explores Long Island's often overlooked role in hip-hop history, while telling the stories of legendary artists, radio stations, producers and cultural figures who helped transform a local movement into a global force. What was even more impactful was knowing the names, the records, and  places mentioned. We were always a much bigger piece than the culture gives us credit for. I walked in thinking I knew it all and walked out feeling both surprising and informed.

What made The Sixth Borough so effective was its ability to tell a larger story through the people who lived it. The film examined Long Island's segregated history and the truth about the migration of Black families seeking opportunity in the suburbs. It discussed the impact of WBAU radio and the rise of Public Enemy, to the role of figures like Biz Markie introducing Rakim to the scene.  Another powerful part was with the remaining members of De La Soul being open and vulnerable about the loss of their brother in music. This documentary highlighted how Long Island became a breeding ground for innovation but didn’t  shy away from the darker realities. It explored how communities that once represented prosperity and possibility were later challenged by the rise of drugs, guns, and violence.

Following the screening, legendary Video Music Box founder DJ Ralph McDaniels led an outstanding Q&A that reinforced one of the film's central messages: Long Island's place in hip-hop history deserves far more recognition than it often receives. More than a documentary about music, The Sixth Borough is about community, identity, and the audacity of artists who believed their voices mattered. I left the screening with a deeper appreciation for the history that exists in my own backyard and a renewed understanding of how much the music I love can be traced back to Long Island.

Ps. I also left thinking about my own roll in this thing called Long Island music. I feel like the goal I set out for all makes sense now. That goal is to take our talent and give them a voice through. What’s even more shocking was finding out the original WBAU frequency is now the WHPC dial I operate on today!

For my artist friends: We have a long lineage of doing things our way. Our own sound with our own style so continue to stand out. I will continue to do my part and maybe one day I can be talked about in a great film like this.

FOLLOW SIXTHBOROUGHFILM FOR MORE INFO

HOME