SXSW Film Preview: The Weird World of Blowfly
In that time it’s important for us Austinites not to lose our grip on what we are—Austin is primarily a music town, and while we welcome all these amazingly talented artists, we still want to keep it weird. Helping us remember our music roots while also keeping it more than just a little weird is The Weird World of Blowfly.
“The What of the WHO?” you say. Blowfly is the stage name of Clarence Reid, the original dirty rapper. Before 2 Live Crew scandalized the industry, before Eminem was accused of being obscene, before "Rumpshaker" forced kids into puberty prematurely—before all of that, there was the Blowfly.
At 69, he can definitely lay claim to the term “old school” more than the rest. But his story is not all fame and glory. Originally working as a producer for acts like KC & the Sunshine Band and Betty Wright, he was responsible for some extremely popular R&B hits. But his true calling emerged when he recorded what some say is the first rap song in 1965. His foul-mouthed songs garnered him a quite a following; some of his hits include “Shake Your Ass, Funky Party, and Hole Man/Cleanup Woman” (trust us, these are the less dirty titles). But through the years, Reid has lost any fortune he might have once had, and continue to perform, rocking clubs in a customized bizarre wrestling outfit complete with mask, in an effort to regain the success and recognition he feels is his due.
More about the film, screening times, and trailer after the jump!
Swinging wildly from raucous and vulgar to heartbreakingly sincere, director Jonathan Furmanski follows this potty mouthed performer, uncovering more than just a musical talent or an envelope pushing pioneer, pushing further to see just what keeps Blowfly ticking. Interviews with respected and renowned rap luminaries like Chuck D and Ice T certainly help provide context and perspective. Take a journey into a world where no word is too dirty, no idea too crude—take a trip into the Weird World of Blowfly.
The Weird World of Blowfly plays Saturday, March 13th at 9:30 PM at the Alamo South Lamar 3, Wednesday, Mar 17th at 4:30pm in the G-Tech Theater at the Austin Convention Center, and Friday, Mar 19th at 9:00pm at Alamo South Lamar 2. For the full schedule, see my.SXSW or B-Side.
