Rare footage of rapper Eminem will be featured in a new documentary titled “The Untold Story of Detroit Hip-Hop,” which is nearing completion, according to the documentary’s director.
The documentary is being produced and directed by Brian “Champtown” Harmon, a fixture on the Detroit hip-hop scene, who helped or worked with several of the industry’s biggest stars in the early days of their careers, including Eminem, Proof, Insane Clown Posse, Kid Rock and others.
Although he was instrumental in helping to launch Em’s career, the filmmaker claimed that his relationship with the rapper has become strained over the years, for various reasons.
“A lot of people think that there is some animosity between Eminem and me, but they would be shocked to know that I was influential in his early life and career,” Champtown told AllHipHop.com in a statement released today (November 2).
“As a matter of fact, the first real recording studio that Em ever recorded in was with me at Prince’s Paisley Park in 1992 through my connections,” Champtown revealed.
“The Untold Story of Detroit Hip-Hop” is being narrated by legendary rapper Chuck D of Public Enemy.
According to Champtown, the documentary is broken down into two sections, covering from 1982 – 2000, and from 2000 – 2011.
Artists like Big Herk, Rockbottom, Street Lords, Chedda Boyz, Royce the 5”9, Slum Village, Kid Chaos, Trick Trick, Stretch Money, K Deezy, Verdict and others are highlighted in the Part 2 of the documentary.
“Even though some artist may have fallen out over stupidity, those issues should be put to the side for the historical accuracy of this doc,” Champtown said. ”For instance, the falling out between Eminem and me has been hyped up by people trying to keep us away from each other. I mean in Hip-Hop, if someone disses you, you diss them back. It’s not about race or attacking someone because of their success, but more the nature of our art form.”
While the rare footage of Eminem is no doubt a selling point for the documentary, Eminem’s role is one of many that are examined in the documentary.
While Champtown personally extensed personal invitations Kid Rock, Eminem and Insane Clown Posse, despite some tension with the latter two, the documentary will be released in the new year, with or without those artists.
“Whatever the case, I just hope we can all move forward and create a masterpiece. But, if any one of them decides not to get down with this documentary, it will be considered a smack in the face to the entire Detroit Hip-Hop community.”
“The Untold Story of Detroit Hip-Hop” is being executive produced by Alfred Smith III and Quomeini R.Adams.