Over the years, numerous process documentaries about rock music have been produced, but less so for hip hop. These movies provide viewers with an inside view of all that goes into being successful in this genre.
Tribe Called Quest remains one of the most beloved groups in rap history, and director Michael Rapaport’s documentary explores all their ups and downs.
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If you love hip hop music, these documentaries will take your appreciation of it to another level. Showcasing artists and their personal narratives while delving deeper into its larger cultural impact; plus exploring all its layers from rhythmic beats to poetic verses – these documentaries make a compelling watch!
Rhyme & Reason
This documentary offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse at one of hip hop’s iconic groups: Wu Tang Clan. While this documentary contains plenty of drama, it provides an engaging portrayal of how this legendary collective manages to remain together over an extended period while maintaining their legacy and dealing with individual issues.
The film pays a fitting ode to the lasting influence of rap as an art form and offers an insightful account of hip hop’s formative years. With interviews featuring iconic figures like Russell Simmons visiting Slick Rick in prison and 50 Cent discussing what kind of marijuana inspires his lyrics, it provides an ideal introduction into Hip Hop culture.
This award-winning documentary on hip hop history is an absolute must. It covers its evolution from block parties in the Bronx to an international industry and explores its social effects. Narrated by Ice-T himself, who brings his authentic viewpoint into this engaging narrative.
Since premiering on PBS’s Independent Lens series in 2007, this documentary has become a classic. Challenging stereotypes and encouraging dialogue about gender issues within hip hop, this film also explores its development from its origins in Bronx to today, when hip hop acts as an outlet for self-expression and voice for those without one.
Few rappers are as captivating as Lil Wayne, making this intimate portrait of him an absolute treat for fans. Filmed over several months, the film follows Wayne through an especially trying time in his life and career; from drug dependency and finding peace within to artistic creation – as depicted through Wayne’s art.
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Hip hop music has grown from its humble origins into an influential global phenomenon that influences fashion, language and culture worldwide. Through an unfiltered look at rap music’s development over time and its effect on society – from Run-DMC’s early days through Cardi B’s rise – these films provide a valuable look at this unique genre’s impactful story and are essential viewing for fans of Hip Hop music and culture alike.
Jay-Z and Dame Dash believed in Kanye West from his infancy; their support has allowed the rapper to rise from obscurity into one of the most influential artists of his generation in an unforgiving process. Furthermore, this film explores how hip hop has developed from a cultural movement into an industry.
This four-hour documentary centers around Kanye West as a young producer in his twenties. At that point in his life, he needed to prove to record labels that he could rap and sell records by himself without their help – not an easy feat when starting out! But that didn’t deter his determination in becoming an icon in hip-hop music culture.
This episode offers viewers a peek into his inner workings of his career, such as his attempts to balance fame and family life and his relationship with Donda (deceased), an integral figure in both his life and art. Furthermore, this film examines its aftermath regarding a 2002 car accident which severely altered him as an artist and individual.
As opposed to its previous installment, this documentary takes a broader approach and focuses on one style of rapping: freestyle. It features Black Thought with Questlove as well as freestyle battles between classic Biggie and Craig G, among others MCs who may have fallen between the cracks due to their unique skill sets. It serves as a lovely tribute for their contributions.
This entry is one of the newest on this list, and should not be overlooked by fans of hip hop music. This four-hour documentary provides an intriguing and intimate glimpse into the inner workings of the musical industry – from early days of gangsta rap to megastars today – revealing how hip hop has created and supported an entire culture in urban environments that wouldn’t exist otherwise.
Style Wars
This legendary documentary should be seen by anyone even remotely interested in Hip Hop culture. It captures the earliest days of graffiti writing and b-boying as they emerged in New York City and features interviews with both artists themselves as well as NYC Mayor Ed Koch and city workers – as well as young graffiti writers themselves who risk everything to create art that resonates globally. Ultimately, this film shows us that art can drive change despite many risks; graffiti writers willingly risk their lives for it!
Rock music has seen its share of process docs, while hip hop remains underrepresented when it comes to documentaries that explore its birth and development. This is unfortunate given that hip hop transcends genre and is part of global culture that has touched lives everywhere – providing documentary viewers an in-depth look into its history as it became an international movement.
Style Wars was the first hip hop music documentary to gain widespread acclaim when it premiered in 1988 and remains a beloved classic today. It focuses on graffiti writers and their clashes with city officials, while also exploring breakdance – an expression that evolved out of traditional forms into new ways to move.
Rhyme and Reason is another noteworthy hip hop music documentary that delves into female rappers in hip hop music culture. Featuring interviews with Missy Elliott, Trina, Roxanne Shante, and Lil’ Mama as well as discussions regarding their experiences within the industry as well as thoughts on its societal impacts and on issues like sexism/misogyny that occur within music industries like this one, Rhyme and Reason is sure to leave its mark.
Time Is Illmatic is a moving tribute to one of the greatest albums ever produced in hip hop history: N.W.A’s debut LP Time Is Illmatic. The documentary explores their meteoric rise as well as their profound effect on music, culture, and politics; making this must-watch viewing for any fan of rap and may even encourage young kids to pick up microphones themselves!
The Birth of Hip Hop
Hip hop has had a profound effect on global culture, transcending music and fashion genres to become an essential component of daily life. Documentaries dedicated to this genre offer insight into its development while honoring its artistic achievements while exploring its wider societal impacts.
No matter your level of interest in hip hop music or its complex genre, these films will leave you with a deeper appreciation. From rhythmic beats to poetic verses, these movies capture its essence while showing its influence in society.
This two-part documentary chronicles the birth of hip hop through interviews with legendary artists and pioneers. Belgian television presenter Marcel Vanthilt traveled to New York in 1986 to learn about rap music from Iggy Pop and the Stooges as well as learn more from LL Cool J, while other interviews include Grandmaster Flash, MC Shan, Schoolly D, Biz Markie and Mr. Magic among many other icons of hip hop history.
From the moment viewers first glimpse Juice WRLD shirtless and looking directly into the camera, it becomes apparent that this young talent was unafraid of showing who he truly was. Tommy Oliver’s heartbreaking portrait of this late rapper provides a candid depiction of both his struggles and triumphs as he pursued his goal of becoming a successful recording artist.
Stretch and Bobbito’s radio show played an invaluable role in early hip hop culture, helping identify and showcase talented individuals. This documentary follows their personal journeys as well as their ability to discover future stars – many of today’s renowned hip hop artists can trace their beginnings back to this show.
A special edition of the film commemorates 20 years since Nas’s iconic album “Illmatic”. This documentary gives an exclusive inside look into its creation as well as exploring its complex themes and impactful messages. Additionally, gangsta rap’s impact and challenges are addressed as part of its focus.