Filmmaker Byron Hurt is a straight man who clearly loves the music and culture of hip-hop, but is conflicted about where it is right now. His new documentary, Hip Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes, which airs on the PBS series Independent Lens later this month, focuses on the issues of sexism, violence and homophobia in hip-hop culture.

The documentary includes interviews with dozens of mostly male, mostly straight, mostly African-American hip-hop stars, producers, fans, experts and even passersby. Hurt doggedly asks questions that are often disturbing and even displeasing to those being interviewed, and the results are revealing.

In one segment of the documentary, three young, male cross-dressers crash an Atlanta hip-hop festival in order to meet attendees and hopefully “go 'round the corner and do it on the DL.” The three claim that in their everyday, non-cross-dressing lives, they are “just regular guys.” When asked how they feel about homophobia in rap lyrics, they say, “It turns us on.”

Only two openly gay men are interviewed in the film: former editor-in-chief of Vibe magazine Emil Wilbekin briefly comments on the homoerotic nature of hip-hop imagery in the media, and gay rapper Tim'm West speaks about his life and work within the larger straight rap community. Gays and gay viewpoints have little other presence in the documentary, and the film's general conclusion is that violence, misogyny, homophobia and vulgarity are not unique to hip-hop culture, but can be found throughout American popular culture.

For gay viewers, then, Hip Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes may be both frustrating and informative. On the one hand, watching the film is like listening in on a discussion that repeatedly brings up important, gay-related issues, but being unable to participate in the discussion. On the other hand, Hurt's sincere documentary does expose truths, however unpleasant, underlying both hip-hop culture and the wider culture of modern manhood.

AfterElton.com: How has the general response been to Beyond Beats and Rhymes so far?
Byron Hurt: It's been crazy, man. We did a sold-out screening in Oakland last week. They added an overflow screening room and we got a standing ovation. The conversations it sparked afterwards were just incredible.

AE: Has your film come under any criticism from straight hip-hop fans as being self-hating, overly critical or one-sided?
BH: Actually, most are saying, “It's about time!” regarding this film. I haven't been getting criticism saying, “Why are you bashing hip-hop?” The one thing people do say is, “What about the positive aspects of hip-hop? You didn't talk about alternative and more socially conscious hip-hop artists.”

AE: In the film, when you interview rappers on homophobia in hip-hop, a certain amount of discomfort shows through on your part. It's as if you are afraid that bringing up the subject might make them think that you are gay. One can see you struggling. In watching yourself on-screen, how do you feel about this?
BH: That's a very astute question. Honestly, I am not always comfortable having conversations about homosexuality and homophobia. It wasn't as if I was completely fearless about it. I felt it was important to include that — to show my discomfort at times, like when I was talking to the transvestite guys. I know I have a lack of awareness and understanding about things. I want to make sure I say the right thing and don't come off as being ignorant. One can see there's some hesitation on my part.

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