Posse In Effect atGunnin' for That #1 Spot Premiere

The paparazzi jostled behind the barricade along the red carpet for the premiere of Gunnin’ for That #1 Spot, the new street basketball doc by Adam Yauch, aka MCA of the Beastie Boys. Just as the eight players profiled in the film stopped for the flashes, an unidentified man in dingy Pumas and an expensive looking shoulder bag smiled, waved, and whispered to his cohorts, “I’m the producer, I know everyone.”

Shortly after, Robert “Bobbito” Garcia of Rock Steady fame, (the game announcer in the film) came through in fine fashion, flexing poses for the camera, clearly enjoying the limelight as always. Yauch followed up the procession with fellow Beasties Michael Diamond (Mike D) and Adam Horovitz (Ad-Rock). The photogs worked themselves into a small frenzy for the best angle, and then packed up their bags just as the film was getting underway. Done and done.

After the film, Yauch and the players fielded audience questions, which mostly consisted of asking them to join the Nets and wondering whether they will go pro. They dodged most of these for obvious reasons. Perhaps ironically, the best moment that was left with this viewer was just how damn good Biggie’s rhymes are ("Hypnotize" is used prominently in this cut of the film). Yauch sure knows how to pick 'em. Works like a charm every time.