Max Minelli & Matt Keith Reveal the Stories Behind Diamonds in the Dirt 3 and Baton Rouge Rap History
TRILL FM EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW | BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA
🔥 Baton Rouge Hip-Hop history takes center stage as filmmaker and rapper Max Minelli and producer Matt Keith join DJ Lex at TRILL FM Studios to discuss Diamonds in the Dirt 3, the documentary series chronicling Louisiana’s rap culture.
In the conversation, the filmmakers break down why they set out to preserve Baton Rouge’s musical legacy, the artists and producers who helped build its sound, and the behind-the-scenes work involved in documenting the city’s history.
Why Diamonds in the Dirt Exists
Max and Matt explain that the series was created to tell Baton Rouge’s story from the perspective of the people who lived it. They wanted to highlight not only established names, but also overlooked figures who helped shape the local scene.
Matt recalls working on a related documentary project as far back as 2006 before footage went missing. He later joined forces with Max, who had already been developing the project that became Diamonds in the Dirt.
Part 3 Explores the Evolution of Baton Rouge Rap
According to the filmmakers, Diamonds in the Dirt 3 follows the changes in Baton Rouge Hip-Hop after the era explored in Part 2, focusing on the development of street rap, Jigg culture, and the sounds that influenced later generations.
They discuss artists such as Level and Mista Cain, as well as the work of influential local producers. The documentary also looks at places and people behind the music, including promoters, record stores, and the Renaissance Center’s role in the scene.
The filmmakers share why documenting these contributors matters: Hip-Hop history is about more than the artists who became famous.
Rare Footage, Untold Stories and Diamonds in the Dirt 4
During the interview, Matt reveals that boxes of older backup footage from the original documentary era had recently resurfaced, including material recorded on MiniDV tapes. The discovery could provide another window into earlier chapters of Baton Rouge’s music history.
They also discuss the challenges of tracking down interview subjects and revisiting conversations as new developments unfold. With Diamonds in the Dirt 4 in progress, the filmmakers say the next installment will explore more of the city’s nightclub culture, DJs, promoters, and other influential figures.
Where to Watch Diamonds in the Dirt
In the interview, Max and Matt say all three released installments of Diamonds in the Dirt are available on Tubi, including Part 3.
Watch the Full Max Minelli & Matt Keith TRILL FM Interview
Watch DJ Lex’s full conversation with the creators below.
Watch the original interview on YouTube.
TRILL FM wants to know: Who deserves to be featured in the next Diamonds in the Dirt documentary?
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