Tel K. Ganesan’s Trap City tells the story of DeShawn (Brandon T. Jackson), a struggling rapper with a heavy debt to pay and striving one day to escape the hold his crime-ridden neighborhood has on his life. DeShawn works for Goose (Clifton Powell), a powerful crime boss who once employed Deshawn’s incarcerated father. During his downtime, DeShawn hangs out with the girl, Marisol (Phylicia Lloyd), and works on his rap music.
While heading out on a drug drop, DeShawn plays one of his latest compositions for his buddy, DeShawn plays one of his latest compositions to his buddy, Tre (Juhahn Jones). Tre records DeShawn singing it in his car and then posts it on social media. The next morning, DeShawn is picked up by the feds for drug trafficking and conspiracy. His lawyer, Jacoby (Dennis L.A. White), works out a plea deal requiring DeShawn to testify against Goose in exchange for no jail time and the freedom to focus on his music.
Upon release, DeShawn’s song goes mega-viral, and he’s approached by a music agent who wants to sign him to a record contract. During the discussion, a mysterious man in black attempts to assassinate DeShawn but fails. DeShawn surmises that Goose doesn’t want him to testify.
As the title suggests, Trap City is about a young man looking for a way out of a life of crime and making good. Brandon T. Jackson plays the conflicted DeShawn, stuck in a go-nowhere cycle, doomed to repeat the same mistakes of his convict father. His temper builds a permanent wall between him and Marisol. He then makes one mistake after the other, particularly hooking up with Goose’s girl, Bella (Erica Pinket). Unbeknownst to DeShawn, his family is praying for him, including his father and Reverend Lylee (Jay “Jeezy” Jenkins).
“Upon release, DeShawn’s song goes mega-viral, and he’s approached by a music agent…”
The story then counters DeShawn’s narrative by challenging and tempting him with all the trappings and “pleasures” of fame. Jackson ultimately turns DeShawn into a metaphorical fighter. The bar is in front of him, ready to grasp, but can DeShawn find the willpower to make the right choices in his life? There are no easy choices for DeShawn.
Trap City is a visually sharp film, especially for an urban thriller. As low-budget films go, director Tel K. Ganesan does a lot with what little he has. Each location in the film appears simple at first glance, but with effective lighting, sound design, and an amazing cinematographer, each frame looks cinematic. Overall, Trap City is an exceptional indie production.
I can’t end the review without discussing the film’s killer soundtrack. The music explores hip-hop, and the lyrics drill deep into DeShawn’s wants and desires. The songs get to the heart of the matter and will appeal to a wide audience.
Trap City is an exhilarating dive into the desire to break free from a cycle of crime and desperation, driven by Brandon T. Jackson’s gripping performance. With its intense visuals, poignant narrative, and a killer soundtrack, this combination only elevates the story; this indie gem punches well above its weight. The film leaves us with the question: can one escape their past in order to embrace a better future?
"…leaves us with the question: can one escape their past in order to embrace a better future?"
