Hip-hop DVDs are becoming more popular and the Boot Camp Clik is a crew that truly deserves to have a DVD. While many people think they do not have the same intensity as they did in the late 90's, B.C.C. released 2 stellar albums in the last year ("Collect Dis Edition" and "The Chosen Few"). Finally, emcees like Ruck aka Sean Price of Heltah Skeltah and Starang Wondah of O.G.C. will be releasing solo albums in the future. Duckdown Records made many incredible videos in the past and they have also filmed much of their tour for "The Chosen Few" album. "From The Front Lines: Duckdown Visuals IV" is NOT a BCC video collection! While it does have some videos, it is mainly live performances, some interviews, some backstage and label antics, and a bunch of celebrity cameos where props are given to the BCC. Either way, it is a look into one of the New York hip-hop underground's most charismatic and talented crews.

An excellent aspect of this DVD is the fact that it shows both the hip-hop and everyday aspects of their life. "Solidify" by Sean Price is filmed live and for the second verse, Ruck rhymes a cappella. It's probably the most entertaining part of the DVD (especially for Sean Price fans). The hilarious and clever 2nd verse comes out much clearer without the pounding beat in the background. The clever lyrics come to the forefront as Sean P literally owns the crowd. While the DVD displays Sean Price as a superb emcee, there is also a gritty realism on the DVD too when we see B.C.C. members picking up Sean Price when he is released from Riker's Island. Starang Wondah adds some insight to the situation. Buckshot and Sean Price have a very funny incident during a BCC version of the show "Punk'd". Sean Price is trying to get into Duckdown HQ and Buckshot, using a nerdy white person's voice, is having a hard time letting him in as he poses as the man behind the security desk. Sean P gets so steaming mad that he is ready to pound his fist into somebody's face. Once he realizes it is a practical joke, Price respects the effort. The comradery is evident through the good times and the laughs.

B.C.C. always had interesting music videos but they were never played very often on MTV or BET. On this DVD, we are given videos like "Think Back", "Two Turntables & A Mic", "And So", and others. The actual video footage is edited in with live footage. It goes back and forth. While B.C.C. are excellent live, the videos should have also been available in their full form as a bonus feature. While most of the videos are from "The Chosen Few" album, the Heltah Skeltah video "I Ain't Havin That" is included but the mixture of live footage and video footage breaks the fierce flow of the song. Since Rock of Heltah Skeltah is no longer in B.C.C., Rock is only seen in the video version. It would have been extremely interesting if the Rock vs. Duckdown issue was discussed in some way or even mentioned.

The live footage plays an important role in the DVD and the editing does add a surprise. "Welcome To Bucktown USA" (from "The Chosen Few" album) is a pleasant surprise. The live footage cuts to Supreme (of The Representativz) in the studio as he raps his lyrics. Supreme's energy, lyrics and flow are so incredible that this DVD gives new life to the song. His verse on the CD was not impressive before but seeing him rhyme it adds a new perspective.

Celebrities also play a integral role on "Duckdown Visuals Vol. IV". Everyone from Styles to Clipse to 50 Cent to Dave Chappelle have a little 30-second spot on the DVD. Dave Chappelle's spot is hilarious and he even cracks up big tough dudes in the background. He says, "You lick one of the members of Boot Camp Clik and you will get high." Shucky Ducky (with a severe case of the munchies) eats and eats and eats. Food, weed, hip-hop and celebrities weave this web.

From scenes of huge green mounds of weed owned by Cocoa Brovaz to interesting recording studio scenes with Da Beatminerz, "From The Front Lines" gives a unique and entertaining look at the world of Duckdown Records and The Boot Camp Clik. While people who are unfamiliar with B.C.C. may not appreciate the entire film, the die hard fan will. For fans of B.C.C., this DVD is wonderful. There is an interesting radio interview with Buckshot where he talks about how the first Boot Camp Clik album "For Da People" was ahead of it's time and misunderstood. Still, songs like "Won On Won" by The Cocoa Brovaz, "No Fear" or "Bounce To The Ounce" by OGC or even some of the BDI Thug music is missed. Overall, "From The Front Lines: Duckdown Visuals IV" is an entertaining and interesting look into Boot Camp Clik and Duckdown Records. These are a talented and hard working bunch of guys who love hip-hop and love to smoke. How can you hate that? Since B.C.C. does not have constant airplay on MTV or BET, most fans are left to the music from the CDs and LPs. Finally, fans have a visual aspect to complement the music. Boot Camp Clik and Duckdown Records are on the front lines of a war for good independent hip-hop and they will be victorious.

8.5 out of 10

Written by Todd E. Jones
toddejones@yahoo.com