On the Record has so many beautiful instances of artful storytelling in its message as Dixon says things such as, “some of the best music is in the fade.” Or how Dixon recounts that she and the others were lured to Simmons’s bedroom and be raped under the guise of listening to unheard demos.
Besides assault, On the Record also examines the hip-hop culture and how music first defined by activism is now deeply embedded in sexual exploitation. Sadly, this exploitation focuses mainly on black women, and the filmmakers even look into slavery to explain how this culture exists. Def Jam was considered royalty, and Dixon didn’t want to be radioactive. She referred to Simmons as an ADD puppy dog that was constantly in need of training, but she also didn’t want to be a victim, rather a warrior. It was also known that sex was part of the game.
“…has so many beautiful instances of artful storytelling…”
As On the Record presents the stories of the lives of women who are affected by men in power, Dixon does “take one for the team” and explains how the #MeToo movement saved her life. Yet, another subject was broached by all the black women who are a part of this film, and it proves a very emotional journey.
Through the very poised filmmaking by Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering, the idea that the black community needs to support a rising group of successful and important black women is addressed head-on. The film ends with a statement that Simmons denies all charges and currently lives in Bali to focus on yoga and meditation. This may change too.
On the Record premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival and the 2020 AFI Fest.
"…connect audiences to new voices and show an inherent understanding of the human condition and experience."
