Oppression Gets the Kick-Push: ‘People Speak’ with Lupe Fiasco

America's struggle with oppression of every stripe is a storied history. The People Speak -- a riveting, extensive documentary directed by Howard Zinn, Anthony Arnove, and Chris Moore -- features an A-list cast (Marisa Tomei, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, Kerry Washington, Viggo Mortensen, Eddie Vedder, Sandra Oh, Lupe Fiasco, Danny Glover, Sean Penn, John Legend) and covers the topic from every possible angle. Despite the film's current status of simmering in post-production, last night's MoMA screening provided a platform for some of Hollywood’s finest to show off their talent for translating these issues in the most direct way possible. The three-hour-plus film alternates between archival footage, monologues of historical speeches, and letters and acoustic performances -- all focusing on the American history of Democracy and human rights struggle. Yet, as is often the case with Cultural Functions for "Serious" Topics in New York, nothing follows a firm history lesson like an intimate little soiree.

People’s Revolution put on the afterparty, sponsored by Alternative Apparel (which supplied the gift bag’s bangin’ graphic tees). Kerry Washington, Howard Zinn, and Lupe Fiasco made appearances, as well as Yigal Azrouel, straight from the GQ/CFDA Menswear Awards. Fiasco showed up playing a modest fashion card in thick-rimmed specs and a letterman jacket; we got in to talk to him about the film, as well as a little random, mood-lightening Q&A.

How’d you get involved with The People Speak?
My name was in the air for the kind of music that I do, and the film’s producers got in touch with my manager and we put it together, went out to LA, and just did it. It was that spot-on. It was really democratic, like, “What do you want to read?” They had a selection of stuff they wanted me to read, and I chose what I thought fit best, and thought that I could do well.

Did you get a chance to interact with the other members of the cast?
It was done in different places and different parts ... everyone was on their own schedule. But it was cool. You would meet people coming in and coming out. And with the entourages and the producers there—it was cool. Even though it seemed like we didn’t have an audience in certain scenes, it was still like a little arena of people right there. Everyone going, “wooh, wooh” in the audience.

What are your feelings about the Grammys this year?
I went in, I had four nominations, I was happy. I kinda lost all of them, but even so, it was good. It was the best Grammys that I’ve been to. The performances were really good.

Where were you when you found out that you were nominated?
I have no idea. I found out about my first nomination when I was on an airplane. I have no recollection about this one. I was on tour.

Who’re some of your biggest idols?
A lot of people that should have been in that movie, and would’ve related to the movie. People like Bob Marley, people like Joe Strummer, Johnny Rotten from the Sex Pistols. Musicians with a cause, and with a voice. That’s what I’m inspired to be, and to have that kind of social awareness.

Let’s say you’re on a spaceship, going to the moon, and you have to listen to one song on repeat the whole way, what’s it gonna be?
Robert Glasper, “G & B.” It’s a jazz piano record. It’s my favorite record in the whole wide world.

Who would be your date if you could go back and take any girl to your senior prom?
I’d take Sandra Bullock.

The people have spoken, and will continue to. Check out the trailer for The People Speak below.

Photo: Patrick McMullan


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