March 9, 1997, ushered in the tragic end of an era in music history. On that day, rap genius and legend Biggie Smalls died at the hands of an as-yet-unidentified assassin. On the 10th anniversary of his death, a small group of relatively unknown musicians, their supporters and a number of journalists gathered to witness the birth of a new age in music. Those five musicians/ record producers — all female — are the subject of a new documentary called "Lady Beatmakers Vol. 1" by novice director Tkchelle Wilkes.

Chronicling what these women do and how they go about doing it, the film ends up being more than the sum of its parts. The "beatmakers" — Josie, Diverse, TC, Shakti and Jewel Brown — talk about the difficulties of making it in a field where Pharrell, Dr. Ore, Timbaland, Rick Rubin and Diddy are household names, but have no female counterparts. Music producers are like movie directors in that they come up with a vision of the final product, as well as being involved in the technical aspects of creating that product.

At the discussion that followed the screening, it was apparent that they shared the view that this film was a watershed event; a symbol of a nascent movement whose ultimate goal is to finally have world-renowned female music producers. In other words, this film is their Rosa Parks moment. It is the signal to the world that they are no longer willing to sit at the back of the bus. But what is their next step? And who is the leader of this new movement? Can it be really even be called a "movement"? The answer to the last question seems to be both yes and no.

Movements are marked by processes. A series of events orchestrated by its leadership aimed at achieving a particular goal. Parks' refusal to sit at the back of the bus is the most salient example of this. A totally predetermined move, it is what sociologists call the initiating' act. Is there anything analogous to this example present in this purported movement? First, there is femmixx.com. This three-year-old website is dedicated to showcasing the work of female producers, MCs and DJs worldwide. It also features commentary on issues relevant to the urban music industry and community at large. There is also the "She's My DJ" competition, which debuted last year. It's a good, old-fashioned beat battle — for females only. And now we have this documentary; the "Vol. 1" of the title of course indicating that this is only the beginning of the story. The pieces of the puzzle, then, all seem to be falling into place.

Another earmark of a movement is usually the presence of a charismatic leader or leaders, whether it is Martin Luther King, Jr., Nelson Mandela, or Gloria Steinem. None of the women in the film is identified specifically or implicitly as a leader, although the passion, experience and depth of knowledge Josie exhibits tempts one to view her as such. Ironically, however, she was the most insistent that this movement had "no one messiah." She pointed out that each DJ would essentially spread the gospel in her own particular area and to her own particular constituency and that the movement would grow in that manner. It is the ultimate democracy in which each DJ is in effect, a leader.

Such an approach, though not doomed to failure, could be problematic then long run. The fact is that any endeavor has a greater chance of success if it is planned, and historically successful movements were planned, organized affairs.

Still, that is no reason to count out these women or the others like them who are out there trying to do their part to change the music industry. The documentary "Lady Beatmakers Vol. 1" is inspiring to watch because it puts the ambition, drive, intelligence and talent that women possess on display without objectifying or demonizing them. It needs to be seen by every young woman in America and by every male record executive out there.

There will continue to be screenings of "Lady Beatmakers Vol.1" throughout the NYC area. The next one will be on April 14 at Barnard College at 116th Street. Please check femmixx.com for more info.

PHOTO (COLOR): L — R: TC Lewis, Diverse, Josie Carr, Tachelle, Shakti, and Jewel Brown.

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By Nadine Matthews, Special to the AmNews