SXSW Film Review: The Art of Organized Noize
An engaging history of the pioneering Atlanta production house
By Kahron Spearman, 11:30PM, Tue. Mar. 15, 2016
Finally getting a long overdue retrospective, Atlanta production pioneers Organized Noize – Rico Wade, Ray Murray, and Sleepy Brown – delves deep into their humble beginnings to their rise to superstardom. The finished product is a piece with great clarity, told to often humorous effect.
An event that almost didn’t happen because of label mogul L.A. Reid’s lack of belief, they would introduce Outkast to the world – via “Player’s Ball,” which incidentally first belonged to the LaFace Family Christmas compilation. Goodie Mob’s soulful and sociopolitical efforts would also spring forth.
As a household name, the trio would produce hits for others. A reflective Wade’s hilarious and unapologetically Southern quality shines throughout – especially when speaking about the origins off TLC’s megahit “Waterfalls” and En Vogue’s R&B chart-topper “Don’t Let Go (Love).”
There was the downfall, well, because there’s always a downfall, with the usual suspects being checked off: money issues, loss of connection, strip club patronage, and, of course copious drug use. Now in the midst of resurgence, the film shows the trio’s indomitable spirit, binding generosity, and an overwhelming love – forged through trials and incredible music – cutting through with tangible definition.
The Art of Organized Noize
24 Beats Per Second, World Premiere
Wednesday, March 16, 5:30pm, Alamo South Lamar
Saturday, March 19, 11am, Alamo Ritz
A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.
Raoul Hernandez, May 25, 2022
Richard Whittaker, April 14, 2022
April 15, 2022
SXSW 2016, SXSW Film 2016, SXSW, The Art of Organized Noize