Doc Features Life, Work of 9th Wonder

LRG recently hosted an exclusive screening of a documentary featuring the life and work of producer Patrick Douthit, better known as 9th Wonder, titled "The Wonder Year." 

"I make music for life, not just the club," 9th Wonder says in the beginning of the film, when speaking about the type of music he makes. With credits including Little Brother, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne and even Destiny's Child under his belt, his range of music reflects that thought process.

The documentary, created and directed by Kenneth Price, features Drake, J.Cole, Young Guru and others as it explores his roots in North Carolina and his exploration of music as a tool and an outlet. But when he discovered music, he didn't abandon education.

The Wonder Year - Trailer from LRG on Vimeo.

His life changed forever when at the age of 14 he was placed into a program that put him on a college-bound track, and he then attended North Carolina Central University.  Even after graduating, he continues to be involved in education, having taught and lectured at North Carolina Central University and Duke University. 

"That's the key to teaching our youth, through music. It's not about hip-hop music only, it's about music, period.  We learned the alphabet from the melody of 'Twinkle twinkle little star,'" 9th Wonder said in an interview with Nonstop Sound after the screening. 

A mix of friends and colleagues from the music industry were in attendance at the event downtown, and many buzzed after the film about how inspired they felt from the passion and talent they saw.

"He seems like he really does it for the culture, and my respect level definitely shot up for him tonight," said Karsten Venna, after watching the film. 

The movie isn't being released online yet, and is only being shown through screenings.  People can request a screening in their town through the documentary's website.

 

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