“More Than Hype” Documentary Shines Global Spotlight on Baltimore’s Music Culture

Baltimore’s creative heartbeat takes center stage in More Than Hype, a powerful new documentary directed and produced by acclaimed filmmaker Larry Whaddup Caudle. Already earning international recognition—including Best Director for a Feature Documentary at the 2025 London Vision Film Festival—the film offers an unfiltered and deeply human look into the artists and cultural innovators who have shaped the city’s signature sound.

For decades, Baltimore’s music scene has been revered for its originality, grit, and undeniable influence, yet many of its most transformative stories have remained untold. More Than Hype seeks to change that. Through immersive cinematography and vivid storytelling, the documentary amplifies the voices of local creatives whose work continues to redefine the city’s cultural identity.

Featuring intimate interviews and electrifying performances, the film highlights the resilience, challenges, and triumphs of Baltimore artists who have transformed their craft into a movement. Viewers are invited into rehearsal spaces, neighborhood studios, and live shows, witnessing how music becomes both an outlet and a lifeline for many of the city’s visionaries.

At its core, More Than Hype is more than a music documentary—it is a tribute to community, perseverance, and the transformative power of art. Larrywhaddup captures Baltimore as a city that doesn’t merely create culture—it innovates, adapts, and inspires. From the beats pulsing through rowhouse blocks to the personal stories driving them, the film paints Baltimore as a cultural epicenter deserving of global attention.

The documentary also issues a call to action for the next generation of creatives. It challenges viewers to look beyond surface-level perceptions and recognize the depth, brilliance, and global significance of Baltimore’s artistic landscape.

With its award-winning direction, emotional resonance, and commitment to authenticity, More Than Hype cements Baltimore’s legacy as a powerhouse of creativity—one that continues to influence far beyond its city limits.