Rap is not just music; it's a whole philosophy that the streets live by. From its early roots to its influence on mainstream culture, rap has become a powerful tool for artists to speak the truth and fight against the system. We've put together a collection of 10 films about rap and rappers who have become icons of their time.
Content
- 8 Mile
- Straight Outta Compton
- All Eyez on Me
- The Up in Smoke Tour
- The Art of Rap: Something from Nothing
- Bad Rap
- Roxanne Roxanne
- Get Rich or Die Tryin'
- Hustle & Flow
- Brown Sugar
8 Mile
IMDb: 7.2/10
2002, Drama, Music
USA, Germany, R
Director: Curtis Hanson
Top Cast: Eminem, Brittany Murphy, Kim Basinger
The events of 8 Mile unfold in Detroit in 1995. The development of the industrial city has come to a halt, and chaos and confusion are gradually taking over the streets. This gives rise to one of the most significant conflicts in American history between white and black communities. People who have long-lived side by side now find themselves on opposite sides of the barricades. The 8 Mile highway, separating Detroit from its suburbs, becomes the dividing line between blacks and whites. To cope with the tension, people begin making music. In poor neighborhoods, hip-hop becomes a true escape for those who have lost their jobs and are struggling to survive.
Straight Outta Compton
IMDb: 7.8/10
2015, Biography, Drama, History, Music
USA, Japan, R
Director: F. Gary Gray
Top Cast: O’Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell
Straight Outta Compton tells the story of how N.W.A.'s journey began back in 1987. Five young and bold guys from the suburbs of Los Angeles start their rapid rise to fame. Each of them has their own story and problems, but none of them stopped them from taking a risk to change everything drastically. Their music was met with suspicion, and the government directly threatened them because they spoke the truth. But that’s how a legend was born.
All Eyez on Me
IMDb: 5.9/10
2017, Biography, Drama, Music
USA, R
Director: Benny Boom
Top Cast: Demetrius Shipp Jr., Danai Gurira, Kat Graham
All Eyez on Me is the story of a star that burned brightly and faded too soon. Flashing cameras and clickbait headlines hid the real truth about him. No one knew that this Black man from the ghetto, involved in criminal conflicts with an extensive criminal record, had sparked a deadly war between record labels and become the voice of the streets. A guy from the ghetto became one of the most influential rap artists in the world.
The Up in Smoke Tour
IMDb: 8.5/10
2000, Documentary, Music
USA, Not Rated
Director: Philip G. Atwell
Top Cast: Ice Cube, Eminem, Dr. Dre
If you love rap and enjoy the atmosphere of a hip-hop concert, The Up in Smoke Tour is just what you need. Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Xzibit, and MC Ren. The documentary features songs and gives a behind-the-scenes look at the tour’s planning, what went on backstage, and how many fans came to see the concert. This is not a boring declaration of events. The film is filled with lively interactions and the humor of these rappers.
The Art of Rap: Something from Nothing
IMDb: 7.1/10
2012, Documentary, Music
UK, USA, R
Director: Ice-T, Andy Baybutt
Top Cast: Ice-T, Dr. Dre, Chuck D
In the documentary The Art of Rap: Something from Nothing, legendary rapper Ice-T takes us on a fascinating journey through the history of hip-hop. Through interviews with key figures of the genre, such as Grandmaster Flash, KRS-One, and Dr. Dre, we learn about the birth of rap, its development, and its influence on modern culture. More than just a collection of interviews, this film is a true anthem for rap music that speaks to the power of music and its ability to change lives.
Bad Rap
IMDb: 6.5/10
2016, Documentary, Music
USA, Canada, Not Rated
Director: Salima Koroma
Top Cast: Awkwafina, David Lee, Richard Lee
If you are interested in hip-hop and rap battles, then the film Bad Rap will definitely appeal to you. The film shows the backstage of the rap industry, where young performers fight for the right to be called the best. Viewers will see how rap battles are held, how new tracks are born and how the career of a rapper is built. The film is filled with energy, drive and real passion for music.
Roxanne Roxanne
IMDb: 6.2/10
2017, Biography, Drama, Music
USA, TV-MA
Director: Michael Larnell
Top Cast: Chanté Adams, Nia Long, Mahershala Ali
The film Roxanne Roxanne takes us to the exciting world of rap battles of the 80s, where young Lolita ‘Roxanne Shante’ Gooden becomes a true legend. Despite her young age, she easily defeats experienced rappers, defying patterns and stereotypes. Her story is an inspiring account of a talented girl who, despite hardship and danger, managed to find her voice and become a hip-hop icon.
Get Rich or Die Tryin'
IMDb: 5.5/10
2005, Biography, Crime, Drama, Music
USA, Canada, R
Director: Jim Sheridan
Top Cast: 50 Cent, Joy Bryant, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje
The main character's life was far from easy. He had to survive alone without family or support. On the streets of New York, he dealt drugs, becoming a real gangster whose presence made those around him tremble. But he grew tired of the criminal world and the cycle of death, and he decided to put an end to it and start a music career, where rap would be his only weapon.
Hustle & Flow
IMDb: 7.3/10
2005, Crime, Drama, Music
USA, R
Director: Craig Brewer
Top Cast: Terrence Howard, Ludacris, Anthony Anderson
DJ loves rap and dreams of breaking into the world of hip-hop. The problem is that, in reality, he's a pimp. Trying to record his first album with the help of his friends, DJ realizes this is his only chance to achieve at least something. Hip-hop superstar Skinny Black comes to his neighborhood by a stroke of luck. To get Skinny's attention, DJ goes all out and offers him his best 'item.'
Brown Sugar
IMDb: 6.5/10
2002, Comedy, Drama, Music, Romance
USA, PG-13
Director: Rick Famuyiwa
Top Cast: Taye Diggs, Sanaa Lathan, Yasiin Bey
Brown Sugar is another story from the world of American hip-hop. First and foremost, it's a story about love. Music critic Sidney and record company owner Dre have been friends since childhood. For many years, their relationship is purely friendship, but Dre's sudden engagement shocks Sidney. She realizes that she can't lose Dre because he's the love of her life. A woman in love becomes dangerous, as she is willing to do anything not to lose her love.
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