HipHop Movies
NOT a random list of movies HipHop artists happened to star in, or movies that have nothing to do with Hiphop beyond their soundtrack. Specifically, these are movies where HipHop culture (4 elements) plays a major part of the plot or prominent subplot, though sometimes it's a judgement call. Good bad and ugly I also included HipHop musicals.
NOTE: not saying all these movies are good, or even a good representation of the culture necessarily. Some are downright terrible and exploit the culture to be honest, but they all fit the subject matter to qualify.
I left out documentaries, that's a whole other list, found richtchere - http://www.imdb.com/list/ls075334111/
NOTE: not saying all these movies are good, or even a good representation of the culture necessarily. Some are downright terrible and exploit the culture to be honest, but they all fit the subject matter to qualify.
I left out documentaries, that's a whole other list, found richtchere - http://www.imdb.com/list/ls075334111/
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- DirectorCharlie AhearnStarsLee QuiñonesLady PinkFab 5 FreddySouth Bronx graffiti artist Zoro is commissioned to paint a backdrop for a hip-hop concert.The HipHop movie that started it all. This is NOT a documentary despite what it says on IMDB, although it does document HipHop at the time quite lovely.
- DirectorStan LathanStarsRae Dawn ChongGuy DavisJon ChardietAn aspiring DJ from the South Bronx and his best friend, a promoter, try to get into show business by exposing people to hip-hop music and the local culture.Sort of a glamorized version of Wild Style in how it was produced, I've heard at least a few 'purists' denounce it. Still a classic though, with many great cameos and HipHop moments. Melle Mel title track comes to mind, as does the Treacherous 3 featuring Doug E Fresh Santa's Rap.
- DirectorJoel SilbergStarsLucinda DickeyAdolfo QuinonesMichael ChambersA struggling young jazz dancer meets up with two break-dancers. Together they become the sensation of the street crowds.Pretty terrible movie really, but it does have a few cool BBoy moments with Shabba-Doo and Boogaloo Shrimp. Early document of West Coast HipHop, lots of popping and locking, plus a young Ice-T thrown in there for good measure.
- DirectorSam FirstenbergStarsLucinda DickeyAdolfo QuinonesMichael ChambersA developer tries to bulldoze a community recreation center. The local breakdancers try to stop it.Worse than the first one, but I will always give it credit for the 'electric boogaloo' title, that still pleases me to this day.
- DirectorMarcelo EpsteinStarsLorenzo LamasVicki FrederickCameron DyeChilly is just a guy from the streets with a talent for break-dancing. When his wicked moves catch the eye of an industry pro, Chilly finds his dreams of fame and fortune coming true, for better or for worse.Another old school BBoy movie, though lesser known, along the lines of Breakin' and Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo, not good or noteworthy beyond the mid 80's era release. Pretty sure I caught it on TV once way the hell back, but not positive to be honest.
- DirectorMichael SchultzStarsSheila E.Joseph SimmonsDarryl McDanielsThe story of a man who has started a new hip-hop/rap label called Krush Groove.Loosely based on Russell Simmons and the rise of Def Jam records. Part comedy part drama with some musical elements. Has a strong hint of cheese factor, but with all the HipHop artists in there it's still a classic.
- DirectorJoel SilbergStarsMario Van PeeblesEriq La SalleMelvin PlowdenAn ex-con and break-dancer helps save a neighborhood from a greedy developer while trying to win a rap contest.Still haven't seen it to this day, not sure how it passed me by to be honest. While I prefer to form my own opinion I have heard nothing but negative things about this one on all sides.
- DirectorDominic OrlandoStarsLeon Isaac KennedyNicholas CampbellJohn MengattiA street gang that is also a rap group tries to get a record contract.Starring the Fat Boys and Kurtis Blow, this sounds like a cross between the Warriors and Krush Groove and that's all I need to say.
- DirectorRick RubinStarsDarryl McDanielsDaniel SimmonsJam Master JayLegendary hip-hop group Run-D.M.C. stars in this cross between a blaxploitation film and a spaghetti western. They must find and punish the evil drug lord-record company executive who murdered their friend. Along the way, they encounter racist bikers, blonde bimbos, and the Beastie Boys!Half action comedy, though I'm not so sure the comedy was intentional, sort of HipHop version of Blues Brothers. Run DMC play a fictional version of themselves and Rick Ruben plays the music executive villain and it has some great cameos from other HipHop artists, most notably the Beastie Boys.
- DirectorMelvin Van PeeblesStarsMario Van PeeblesGlenn AthaideRick AvilesA rapper finds himself possessed by the soul of a dead fashion designer; frequently switching personalities.Another Mario Van Peebles HipHop movie from the 80's that I haven't seen. Now, I think Mario is a great filmmaker, but this, and Rappin' just look downright smelly. Maybe I'm wrong though. Luckily he came back hard with New Jack City.
- DirectorReginald HudlinStarsChristopher ReidRobin HarrisChristopher MartinKid decides to go to his friend Play's house party, but neither of them can predict what's in store for them on what could be the wildest night of their lives.This came out when I was 12 and I loved it. Probably seen it 20 or 30 times. While it was a watered down slightly more radio friendly version of the culture, it's still a classic for its time period, and went a long way to introduce HipHop to new demographics. Fun fact, before casting Kid N Play, it was originally written for DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince.
- DirectorGeorge JacksonDoug McHenryStarsChristopher ReidChristopher MartinMartin LawrenceWhen Kid's college money is stolen by a crooked music promoter, Play's solution is to stage the 'mutha' of all pajama parties. Starring Kid 'n Play and Martin Lawrence.Not as good as the first one, but not bad either. In addition to Kid N Play they got Queen Latifah in this one, plus an unusual and unexpected minor role from Kamron of Young Black Teenagers fame. Decent sequel.
- DirectorDavid KelloggStarsVanilla IceKristin MinterNaomi CampbellA rapper gets stuck in a small town and falls for a local girl whose family is in witness protection.Terrible, I don't even want to include this on the list to be honest, but technically it fits the bill, exploitative as it may be. I always hated 'best-movie-ever' and 'worst-movie-ever' comic book guy extremist types, but this truly was one of the worst movies I ever seen, easy, bottom 10 for sure. It also destroyed, or at least put a damper on, the career of Steven 'Michael Gross' Keaton.
- DirectorErnest R. DickersonStarsOmar EppsTupac ShakurJermaine HopkinsFour inner-city teenagers get caught up in the pursuit of power and happiness, which they refer to as "the juice".Aside from the DJ subplot, the story had very little to do with HipHop per se. However, the debut of Tupac as an actor, tons of cameos from other respected HipHoppers, a classic soundtrack including a BombSquad score, the NY location, and the DJ battle footage makes this a HipHop movie to its core.
- DirectorAnthony DrazanStarsMichael RapaportDeShonn CastleKevin CorriganA white, hip-hop loving teen falls in love with a black girl.Solid movie, underrated I'd say. More of a romance drama action type movie about interracial relationships than about HipHop. That said, it covers some early taboos about white people being into HipHop. Michael Rappaport has always tried to show his real life love for the culture, most notably with his ATCQ documentary, and his character here is a mixtape DJ. Also, I believe Half Time by Nas made its debut in this movie.
- DirectorTamra DavisStarsChris RockAllen PayneDeezer DA guy makes a documentary of the rap band CB4 by following them. CB4 got popular by stealing Gusto's name, background and image. He wants them dead.Loved this when it was new. It came out at a time when I was 15 and HipHop was the only thing I cared about. In retrospect, it was never a great movie, however still funny, still has its moments, was a clever commentary on the culture at the time and the soundtrack is still noteworthy. The parodies in particular.
- DirectorRusty CundieffStarsLarry B. ScottMark Christopher LawrenceRusty CundieffA mockumentary chronicling the rise and fall of NWH, a not particularly talented--or particularly bright but always controversial--hip-hop group.Was made around the same time as CB4 and has a similar concept. It's sort of like 'Spinal Tap meets a better version of CB4' but sadly never got the same credit due to its lower budget and mostly unknown cast. The soundtrack was all parodies and it was hilarious. Highly recommended.
- DirectorJohn SingletonStarsJanet JacksonTupac ShakurRegina KingGrieving hairdresser Justice goes on a road trip from South Central L.A. to Oakland on a mail truck alongside her friend and an obnoxious postal worker.More of a romance movie than anything else. Still, Tupac plays an aspiring HipHop artist in the subplot and it has noteworthy appearances from Q-Tip and Tone Loc.
- DirectorTed DemmeStarsEd LoverDoctor DréBadja DjolaThe two worst barbers in Harlem become cops while a real estate developer forces people out of Harlem.Story wise, this has very little to do with HipHop culture, it's a cop comedy. However, it has a who's who cast of HipHop cameos of the time unlike anything we seen on film before or since, even many of the extras with no dialog were played by HipHop legends, and the soundtrack speaks for itself.
- DirectorEric MezaStarsChristopher ReidChristopher MartinDavid EdwardsKid, after a lifetime 'playing the field', is about to get married. 'Play' plans to throw the best bachelor party ever - until 'Kid's' three wise-crackin' nephews come to town, intent on showing them what parties are all about.I know they kept making these after the 3rd one, but this will be the last House Party I include on this list. They just keep getting worse like the American Pie straight-to-DVD movies and I feel the need to draw a line somewhere. That said, even this third installment is a HUGE drop in quality from the first two on every level.
- DirectorMarc LevinStarsSaul WilliamsSonja SohnBonz MaloneGrand Jury Prize, 1998 Sundance Film Festival. A talented youth (Saul Williams) copes with urban crime and despair by competing in poetry slams. Sonja Sohn of "The Wire" costars.Loved this movie, highly underrated. Saul Williams is one of the greatest Slam poets of all time and really gets to display that here, some very memorable performances from him. Plus Bonz Malone is in it as well.
- DirectorWarren BeattyStarsWarren BeattyHalle BerryKimberly Deauna AdamsA suicidally disillusioned liberal politician puts a contract out on himself and takes the opportunity to be bluntly honest with his voters by affecting the rhythms and speech of hip-hop music and culture.While I think they meant well, this was a poorly done political comedy and a poor representation of HipHop. I kinda felt bad for Warren Beatty by the end of it to be honest, but again, I think his heart was probably in the right place. just misguided. It also introduced the world to that Ghetto Superstar song everybody hates so much.
- DirectorMarc LevinStarsDanny HochDash MihokMark WebberIn Flip's path towards "keeping it real" by becoming hip-hop star, harsh realities surface to shake up his world.If you're unfamiliar with Danny Hoch, he has a book, CD and one-man show all titled 'Jails, Hospitals & Hip Hop' I recommend all of it. One of the characters from his show - a white suburbanite wanna be gangsta rapper - is the basis for this movie, and it translates well into a film. As you can see from the poster art, it also features a solid cast of cameos from respected Hiphop artists.
- DirectorJames TobackStarsBen StillerAllan HoustonClaudia SchifferA group of white high school teens become involved with Harlem's black hip-hop crowd.Truth be told, I saw this in theaters when it first came out, but I can't remember a damn thing from it. I do remember it had a solid cast, but turned out to be a disappointing jumbled up mess of a movie. It did have some Wu-Tang members in it spitting rhymes, perhaps its one saving grace.
- DirectorSpike LeeStarsDamon WayansSavion GloverJada Pinkett SmithA frustrated African-American TV writer proposes a blackface minstrel show in protest, but to his chagrin, it becomes a hit.More a commentary on pop culture stereotypes on a TV platform than a music one, but with The Roots as the TV band, plus the Mau Maus HipHop crew, consisting of Mos Def, Canibus, MC Serch, etc, fits this movie on the list.
- DirectorDale ResteghiniStarsStacii Jae JohnsonDale ResteghiniMia Tyler5 white kids get lost in the hood looking for da hip hop witch, a year later their footage was found.Despite the HipHop cast and cameos, I avoided this movie like the plague. Nothing good can come of this. No comment.
- DirectorRobert AdetuyiStarsPras MichelJa RuleJason StathamA gifted musician struggles to rise above the crime-plagued urban streets and realize his dream.Pretty awful movie about an aspiring HipHop artist and his manager and the crimes they commit in order to afford recording a demo, and some other stuff, I guess. Kind of a mess really, poorly done on every level with Pras in the lead as the HipHop artist if you can believe that.
- DirectorSyd GaronEric HenryStarsDJ Q-BertD-StylesFlareA crew of heroes, cleverly disguised as a team of oral hygenists, is determined to save the lost arts of Hip Hop (B-boying, Graffiti, MCing, and of course, Skratching) from total extinction. The lost arts are being oppressed throughout inner-space by lord Ook and his evil minions the Chinheads. The dental commander and his team, armed with the ancient relic known as the Wave Twister (the only weapon powerful enough to defeat the enemies), travel to the far ends of inner-space for a final confrontation with the sinister army of oppressors.Sadly I don't know much about this one, but not on purpose. I love Q-Bert, the concept sounds cool and the box art is incredible so naturally it's on my 'to see' list, but I have yet to see a copy or screening of this in person anywhere.
- DirectorRobert TownsendStarsMekhi PhiferBeyoncéYasiin BeyA contemporary, urban retelling of the classic story, Carmen: A Hip Hopera follows the life of a police sergeant whose world is turned upside down when an irresistible woman enters his life.A HipHop musical, first of its kind far as I know, correct me if I'm wrong, makes this TV movie somewhat of an ambitious project. This came on TV a few times and I only ever caught glimpses of it, never had the chance to sit down and watch it straight through. That said, any criticism/praise I give it should be taken with a grain of salt. What I can say is I liked the concept, but it didn't draw me in, and the cast is an unbalanced mixed bag of artists, some I like, most I dislike.
- DirectorArtie MandelbergStarsRomany MalcoTangi MillerRoyale WatkinsThis film is an unbiased look into the rise and fall of late 80's and early 90's rap superstar MC Hammer. It begins showing Hammer as a ball boy for his hometown Oakland Athletics, and ends with his departure from Death Row Records. It delves deep into the ruthless dirty business of record companies and dirty sanchez's. The most moving scene in the film is when Hammer drops a deuce in the pool at a Death Row event.Not sure how often they play this and I never seen it available on DVD or anything. May be the first biopic about a rap artist, and when I spotted Romany Malco of 40 Year Old Virgin fame played Hammer it sparked my interest. I was unable to find it online, but did manage to find several clips. It was laughably bad. His buddy Tupac shows up and from what I did see, the movie feels like it's trying way too hard to cash in on that Hammer/Tupac friendship than anything else.
- DirectorCurtis HansonStarsEminemBrittany MurphyKim BasingerFollows a young rapper in the Detroit area, struggling with every aspect of his life; he wants to make it big but his friends and foes make this odyssey of rap harder than it may seem.Not a biopic exactly, but sort of. Say what you will about Eminem, love him or hate him, this movie was well made. A little over dramatic at times but otherwise it managed to appeal to Hollywood sensibilities while managing to stay culturally authentic at the same time, much like Eminem himself I suppose. No easy feat. Most importantly, the battle footage didn't disappoint.
- DirectorAdam Bhala LoughStarsMark WebberJade Scott YorkerJaclyn DeSantisA tribute to graffiti art and the city where it all began. Blest, a 19-year-old graffiti writer, has just graduated from high school. With no ambition toward mainstream goals of work and family, he spends his time bombing the city with graffiti messages until he and his crew become the most wanted bombers by the corrupt NYPD Vandal Squad. He even attracts major media and gallery attention for his tags. Also part of Blest's crew are Buk 50 and his younger brother Lune, whose arrest and beating by the NYPD causes the crew to wage a full-on graffiti war against the city. As they fight with their spray cans and their tags, Blest meets a political activist, Alexandra. Soon after, Blest's relationship with Buk 50 and the crew fragments as Blest ponders his position in life.Pretty good movie about Graffiti. I have heard/read Graffiti artists denounce it and nitpick its authenticity, but as there really isn't a whole lot of movies about the subject, and its independent status allows the needed artistic freedom to tell a story like this, I welcome it. Throw in Bonz Malone and a score by El-P and I'm happy with how it turned out.
- DirectorRick FamuyiwaStarsTaye DiggsSanaa LathanYasiin BeyFriends since childhood, a magazine editor and a hip-hop record executive stumble into romantic territory.Been a while since I seen this, only caught it once when it was new so I really don't want to get into too much detail, but I do recall really enjoying it. Will have to check it again sometime soon so I can refresh my memory.
- DirectorOz ScottStarsRashaan NallToni BraxtonFaizon LoveAn up and coming rap artist struggling to find his own voice winds up in the middle of a dangerous turf war when egos violently collide within the music industry.Never heard of it until compiling this list, probably because it was made for TV, but from what I can tell the story loosely follows the East coast West coast beef.
- DirectorLisa FranceStarsCarlos LeonEric SmithJackie QuinonesThe coming of age story of a young female rapper, who finds her inspiration by reading the Diary of Anne Frank.Found this one while compiling this list. Haven't seen it, so no comment, but it sounds intriguing.
- DirectorDamon DashStarsEbon Moss-BachrachRobert StapletonCapone LeeDash is the CEO of Roc-a-Fella records, home to hip-hop's biggest seller: Jay Z. The film tells the story of a beef between Dash and Z over a disconcertingly teenage looking party chick called Picasso.Never seen it, don't much care, looks bad, maybe I'm wrong and willing to admit that if so, but for now no comment.
- DirectorRichard BenjaminStarsLisa KudrowDamon WayansRichard BenjaminA Jewish-American Princess is forced to take control of a hard-core hip-hop record label and tries to rein the one of the label's most controversial rappers.Caught like 5 minutes of this and not ashamed to admit I had to turn it off. I like Damon Wayans, but his movie career is pretty hit or miss. This one seemed particularly terrible.
- DirectorJohn WhitesellStarsJamie KennedyRyan O'NealBlair UnderwoodA senator arranges for his son, a rich white kid who fancies himself black, to be kidnapped by a couple of black actors pretending to be murderers to try and shock him out of his plans to become a rapper.Didn't bother with this one and have no intention to, as it looks pretty stupid, exploitative, and I don't particularly find Jamie Kennedy to be all that funny. Not my bag, though I guess he has moments and I'll give him credit for his Heckler documentary, but I digress. It does seem to have some notable HipHop cameos in it though.
- DirectorBenjamin MorganStarsLane GarrisonBrian BurnamLuis SaguarCelebrated graffiti artists 'Heir' and 'Vain' are superstars in the underground world of San Francisco; urban outlaws always on the run. After a clash with the law, they find their lives spinning out-of-control with explosive consequences.Also known as Against the Wall, alternate title, this is a movie about a Graffiti artist in the Bay Area. While perhaps not revolutionary or mind-blowing, I enjoyed it and recommend it
- DirectorMad MatthewzStarsDavid AnzueloStephanie BerryIshmael ButlerTwo best friends - a graffiti artist with hip-hop dreams and an obnoxious loudmouth with a cooking show addiction - share one main goal in life: to avoid work at all costs.Also known as Planet Brooklyn, alternate title, starring Ishmael Butler in the lead, otherwise known as Butterfly from Digable Planets. I found the DVD in a clearance bin once and gave it a shot. Butterfly plays a Graffiti artist and aspiring MC. Bonz Malone plays his buddy in a supporting role and ultimately steals the show. Light independent comedy, not a bad movie really but nothing to write home about, ultimately I recommend it with the understanding that it isn't for everybody.
- DirectorLarry McLaughlinStarsAndre MeadowsBrandie RiggsAndrea MortonIn 1984, loser pizza guy Whitey Johnson is run over by a semi truck on live television, making him a local hero. The world watches as Whitey vows to not only walk again but to win his town's breakdance competition. Whitey struggles to conquer bully breakdancers, to win the heart of a disinterested girl, and live up to the name, "The Breakdance Kid".Never seen this, don't really care, it looks awful, maybe I'm wrong. Never even heard of it until making this list to be honest, when someone pointed out on the Kickin' It Old School page that they might have stole the idea from this one. Oh well, two bald men fighting over a comb, not my concern.
- DirectorCraig BrewerStarsTerrence HowardLudacrisAnthony AndersonWith help from his friends, a Memphis pimp in a mid-life crisis attempts to become a successful hip-hop emcee.Wasn't expecting much from this one, as up until then I hate to admit I was mostly sleeping on the Dirty South. After giving it a chance however, I'm not ashamed to admit how wrong I was. While I'm still not a big fan of that Southern style of HipHop, this movie certainly gave me a whole new appreciation for it. Solid story and acting on top of all that.
- DirectorJim SheridanJim SheridanStars50 CentJoy BryantAdewale Akinnuoye-AgbajeA tale of an inner city drug dealer who turns away from a life of crime to pursue his passion of rap music.Not a biopic, but what ever feelings you may have towards him as a HipHop artist or otherwise, this is the 50 Cent version of 8 Mile. Not nearly as good though.
- DirectorBryan BarberStarsAndré 3000Big BoiTerrence HowardAt a sexy, sizzling nightclub, pianist Percival lives life by the rules, while Rooster, the club's flashy lead performer, struts his stuff on the stage. But all changes when greed, fame and murder threaten to destroy them and the joint.Never liked musicals, but I have always been a fan of OutKast, so I checked it out. I'm glad I did, it was a solid movie.
- DirectorCoke DanielsStarsDian BacharMalik BarnhardtHowie BellThe hardest group you've never heard of is back. After several run ins with the law, shady business management, failed comeback attempts and countless child custody cases, they've just inked a deal with rap powerhouse Innersounds Records.Mocumentary along the same lines as Fear of a Black Hat. No comment though, as I have never seen a copy of this anywhere before, but if I do I'll probably give it a chance.
- DirectorAlejandro ChomskiStarsOmarionGiancarlo EspositoMelonie DiazA young man from the South Bronx dreams of making it as a rapper, until a run-in with local thugs forces him to hide in Puerto Rico with the father he never knew.Jennifer Lopez made this one. I never seen it, but from the description it's more about Reggaeton than HipHop.
- DirectorHarvey GlazerStarsJamie KennedyMaria MenounosMiguel A. Núñez Jr.A young breakdancer hits his head during a talent show and slips into a coma for twenty years. Waking up in 2006, he looks to revive his and his team's career with the help of his girlfriend and his parents.Another stupid Jamie Kennedy HipHop exploitation movie, but unlike Malibu's Most Wanted I did see this one. He plays a break dancer in this one who injured himself in a BBoy battle and wakes up 20 years later, only to be in his 30's, and keeps on trying to battle. Pretty bad, though it had some funny moments I guess, the homeless guy in particular. Also it's cool that Lazy Legs was in it.
- DirectorKamal AhmedStarsStuart RudinNick RamusJim FletcherHip-hop meets horror in this twisted tale directed by Kamal Ahmed (The Jerky Boys). Binging on hard drugs, white rapper Rapturious spins into murderous hallucinations - or is he really committing these blood-splattering crimes?Pretty terrible horror movie about an aspiring HipHop artist who has horrific visions and people die and blah blah blah ... weird, hard to follow, mind trip type movie that ends up going nowhere. I love horror movies and I love HipHop obviously, but this movie was just bad. Not that good kinda so-bad-it's-good way like many low budget horror movies either, this was just plain terrible. Notable only in that it was written and directed by Kamal Ahmed of Jerky Boys fame.
- DirectorCharles T. KanganisStarsNate ParkerLindsey HaunAllen MaldonadoThis modernization of Shakespear's tragic love story Romeo and Juliette is set in Los Angeles against a backdrop of inter-racial romance.HipHop musical take on Romeo & Juliet. Reviews were awful and it looks bad. No interest, so no comment.
- DirectorGeorge Tillman Jr.StarsJamal WoolardAnthony MackieDerek LukeThe life and death story of The Notorious B.I.G. (a.k.a. Christopher Wallace), who came straight out of Brooklyn to take the world of rap music by storm.Solid biopic, but certainly not without its flaws. The portrayal of Notorious BIG by Jamal Woolard felt spot on, or at least as much as you could expect it to be, and I had no problem with how they presented his career highlights. However, no disrespect to Jamal Woolard, but anything in regards to Christopher Wallace's personal life felt a little flat. Many other notable HipHop artists were portrayed to various degree, I won't get into all that other than to say some good, some not so good, and some with serious artistic liberties taken.
- DirectorSticky FingazStarsAlvin 'Porky' HollandBokeem WoodbineChris FlemingBad blood between two urban crime families explodes into an all-out turf war in this gritty, hard-hitting drama set to rap and starring music legend Sticky Fingaz.Still have yet to see this sadly, as I have yet to see a copy in person, but my buddy said he found a copy at a corner store once. What I can say, this is Sticky Fingaz taking HipHop musicals to a whole new level, as most every word of dialog is apparently spit in rhyme form. Beyond that, I loved his album 'Blacktrash: The Autobiography of Kirk Jones' which plays out like an audio movie itself. High on my to see list.
- DirectorYoussef DelaraMichael D. OlmosStarsGina RodriguezJenni RiveraLou Diamond PhillipsA promising hip-hop rhymer from Los Angeles finds herself in a gray area when a record producer offers her a compromising shot at stardom.Mostly awful. I caught this on Netflix one time, it's about an aspiring artist trying to overcome obstacles to break into the business and blah blah blah ... Honestly the music sucked, the story was poor, the acting was bad aside from Lou Diamond Phillips, and I barely made it to the end. It felt like a HipHop movie made by people who don't listen to HipHop.
- DirectorPaul HoenStarsTyler James WilliamsCoco JonesTrevor JacksonA teenage rapper must use his musical talent to battle his nemesis and win the girl of his dreams.Disney movie about a child rap star. Really not my demographic so I skipped it, and I have a hard time believing Disney would ever do HipHop any kind of justice on film, but it might be good for the youths, I really wouldn't know.
- DirectorNeil DrummingStarsDorian MissickSuzy Jane HuntGbenga AkinnagbeMembers of a once-promising hip-hop group, now in their late 30's, struggle with regret, disappointment, and change on Election Night 2008.Caught this on Netflix at random one night and loved it. Taking place during the first Obama election, it's about a talented, but failed HipHop group from the early 90's era who haven't spoken in quite some time until events in this movie unfold and once again bring them together to deal with their past issues. They did a great job at making the characters feel authentic. Also, it features Jean Grae in a small role. I recommend it.
- DirectorSticky FingazStarsPat Crawford BrownCedric The EntertainerDavid CooperWith nothing but footage from a security tape, two detectives try to solve a bank robbery by interrogating the one surviving crew member.Another Sticky Fingaz musical on my 'to see' list, much like A Day in the Life. I'll get to them eventually.
- DirectorLance FrankStarsJamal MixonJerod MixonEric RobertsHerbert and Henry (Jerod and Jamal Mixon) are twin brothers who dream of becoming the biggest rap stars in the game. Their chance at superstardom comes after they buy a T-shirt with a winning golden tag that allows them to perform Real Deal, the most legendary rapper in the world. However, Kevin, a Jewish kid their same size with dreams of singing and blinging manages to steal the prized Whit T and has his own plans to perform at the concert. With help from a gypsy, a goat, and cast of characters as big as Herbert and Henry's appetites, White T is a feel-good urban adventure reminiscent of "Dude. Where's My Car?", "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle", and "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory."Hot garbage. I didn't even want to include it on here it's so terrible, but since the storyline revolved around a local HipHop talent show in which the main characters take part, it fits the mold of this list.
- DirectorF. Gary GrayStarsO'Shea Jackson Jr.Corey HawkinsJason MitchellThe rap group NWA emerges from the mean streets of Compton in Los Angeles, California, in the mid-1980s and revolutionizes Hip Hop culture with their music and tales about life in the hood.Raised the bar and set new standards on what a HipHop biopic can and should be. The success of it will probably inspire a whole bunch of new ones, but I think this is going to be the biopic to beat for a long time.