Finding Your Glow: Shaolin Jazz and the Cultural Power of The Last Dragon
Instagram: @shaolinjazz
Website: www.shaolinjazz.com
Contact: info@shaolinjazz.com
On a crisp night at Lincoln Center, hip-hop, martial arts, and soul converged in an electrifying performance that shook the heart of New York City. Enter Shaolin Jazz’s Can I Kick It? series—an unparalleled fusion of sound, culture, and cinema that transforms martial arts classics into an experience unlike anything you’ve ever seen. And this time, they brought us Berry Gordy’s 1985 cult masterpiece, The Last Dragon—a film that continues to resonate with anyone searching for their "glow."
A Celebration of Legacy, Art, and Innovation
At its core, Shaolin Jazz is a cultural phenomenon, embodying the rich intersections of hip-hop, jazz, and martial arts. Created by Gerald Watson and DJ 2-Tone Jones, the project has grown from a mixtape into a revolutionary creative brand. With nods from Okayplayer, NPR, and BBC Radio, Shaolin Jazz reinvents what it means to tell stories through sound.
Through their Can I Kick It? series, cult-classic films are reborn as immersive cultural events, featuring live, scene-by-scene scoring of martial arts and action films. Blending hip-hop, soul, and funk, Shaolin Jazz builds a dynamic sonic landscape that amplifies the emotional beats of each story. And with The Last Dragon, a film bursting with vibrant imagery and unforgettable lessons about self-discovery, they hit cultural gold.
The Last Dragon: A Tale of the Glow
The Last Dragon isn’t just a martial arts movie; it’s a cultural movement. Set in 1980s Harlem, the film tells the story of Leroy Green, aka Bruce Leroy, on his quest to achieve "The Glow"—a state of mastery that marries physical skill with spiritual enlightenment. Along the way, Leroy battles the villainous Sho’nuff (the Shogun of Harlem) and learns that true strength lies within.
This film is a love letter to martial arts, Black excellence, and self-empowerment, seamlessly weaving Bruce Lee's philosophical teachings with the pulse of Harlem’s hip-hop scene. It’s not just about throwing punches; it’s about finding your own light and owning your greatness.
When Shaolin Jazz scored The Last Dragon live at Lincoln Center, the movie’s timeless message resonated in an entirely new way. The beats of hip-hop and funk aligned with Leroy’s journey, adding fresh layers of emotion and energy to his search for The Glow. As each punch landed and each scene unfolded, the audience wasn’t just watching—they were experiencing.
Hip-Hop Meets Martial Arts: A Cultural Intersection
Hip-hop and martial arts share more than just a history—they share a soul. Both are disciplines born of struggle and creativity, emphasizing mastery, discipline, and storytelling. Just as the Wu-Tang Clan revolutionized music by blending Shaolin-inspired imagery with gritty beats, Shaolin Jazz elevates this connection to a modern audience.
Their live scoring of The Last Dragon didn’t just honor the film—it transformed it. Funky basslines turned fight sequences into dance battles. Soulful melodies brought tenderness to Leroy’s quest for identity. And hip-hop beats created a heartbeat for Harlem, reminding us of the dynamic energy that shaped the film’s original release.
Book Shaolin Jazz: Bring the Glow to Your Venue
Ready to experience the magic for yourself? Shaolin Jazz is available for booking, bringing their innovative performances to theaters, cultural centers, and festivals around the globe. Whether you're hosting a screening of The Last Dragon or looking to celebrate the rich intersections of jazz, hip-hop, and martial arts, they’ll create an unforgettable event.
ALEXANDRIA TAVA
10+ year Certified Holistic Producer and Accredited Personal Growth Coach leading radical transformation to inspire the next generational through conscious media.
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