I'm often asked, Where do I get an idea for a documentary? It just seems to "hit" me. I can remember when it hit me to do The Toronto Rap Project.

I had been following a steady stream of newspaper articles bemoaning a sudden increase in gun violence across Toronto. When one such article started, "Toronto is awash in the blood of gun-related ghetto crime" and then went on to imply somehow rap music was to blame.

I said to myself, "enough is enough!"

Yes, I was aware that Toronto had seen a spike in gun crime and the city had seen it's share of gang problems. But was I really feeling any less safe then in the past? I didn't feel the need to dawn my bulletproof vest anytime soon. I felt to describe Toronto in terms of "being awash in blood of gun-related ghetto crime" was pure and simple media sensationalism. And I wanted to find out why?

Was this the real Toronto - a city I had come to adore. I felt it was time to show the really real Toronto. At least in a way I see it.

What I found even more troubling, this need to link the violence with rap music. I knew there were people who felt popular music can lead people to do horrific things. But why was the media and politicians suddenly taking these people seriously. I mean, does anybody really think somebody is going watch a 50 cent video then go out and blow somebody away?

Directing this documentary has allowed me to speak to many people on the issues of gun violence in the city. I certainly don't think rap music, or any type music for that matter influences criminal behavior. I think rap artist Mindbender said it best when he quipped, "show me the cat that shoots somebody because he listened to a rap song and I'll show you a cat that has ten more serious problems going on."

It's been said the best documentaries look to challenge peoples perceptions of something. I hope in crafting the Toronto Rap Project, we'll manage to do just a little of that. So I hope you get a chance to see the documentary and enjoy.