HipHop Documentaries
Documentaries about HipHop culture based on any or all of its four elements (MC, DJ, BBoy, Graffiti), bio docs highlighting prominent HipHop artists, in some cases docs that are more music business focused, and in some noteworthy cases I included concert videos of sorts, but sometimes it's a judgement call. I'm trying to include any and all HipHop documentaries good bad and ugly, so if I missed one, please feel free to let me know.
Chronological order, this list is a work in progress. While I may be a fan of many of these, and often might include my own personal review or footnotes, this is not a "best of" list of any kind, and I don't claim it to be 100% definitive in any way.
Finally, when compiling this list I realized there is a very large number of Tupac documentaries, some good some not so good, some down right exploitative. While this list may seem incomplete if I don't include all of them, I opted instead to include only the highlights (again, aesthetic reasons) and make a second list dedicated to all those Tupac docs - titled 'Pacumentaries' - found rightchere ... [link]http://www.imdb.com/list/ls077534289/[/link]
Chronological order, this list is a work in progress. While I may be a fan of many of these, and often might include my own personal review or footnotes, this is not a "best of" list of any kind, and I don't claim it to be 100% definitive in any way.
Finally, when compiling this list I realized there is a very large number of Tupac documentaries, some good some not so good, some down right exploitative. While this list may seem incomplete if I don't include all of them, I opted instead to include only the highlights (again, aesthetic reasons) and make a second list dedicated to all those Tupac docs - titled 'Pacumentaries' - found rightchere ... [link]http://www.imdb.com/list/ls077534289/[/link]
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- DirectorTony SilverStarsDemonKase 2Eric HazeA documentary that exposes the rich growing subculture of hip-hop that was developing in New York City in the late '70s and early '80s, specifically focusing on graffiti art and breakdancing.
- DirectorDick FontaineStarsMuhammad AliAlmighty K.G.Arthur Baker
- DirectorTopper CarewStarsIce-TKid FrostAdolfo QuinonesDocumentary about the LA hip hop/electro scene in the early 80s.
- DirectorBram van SplunterenStarsBill AdlerDennis BellVito BrunoIn 1986 a dutch television network, VPRO, aired this raw documentary about New York and its young and fresh HipHop scene. Interviewer Marcel Vanthilt went to the big apple to meet the pioneers of hip hop.
- DirectorFred DukesStarsDebbie AllenIrene CaraTom Lister Jr."RapMania: The Roots of Rap" showcases many rappers performing at the Apollo Theater in New York City and The Palace Theater in Hollywood.
- DirectorNick QuestedStarsLuther CampbellChuck DCrazy LegsOn tour with KRS-ONE, EPMD, Gangstarr. A definitive look at Hip Hop in 1993
- DirectorAndrew Munger
- DirectorBrian RobbinsStarsCraig MackDr. DreAfrika BambaataaA documentary about the culture of hip-hop. Through interviews with some of hip-hops biggest names, the film makers attempt to find out why it has become so popular.
- DirectorSusan ShawStarsAfrika BambaataaChuck DNelson George
- DirectorPeter SpirerStarsB-RealKurtis BlowDa BratA study in the world of hip-hop, done mostly with interviews, in order to see why it is as popular as it is today and what the future holds.
- DirectorJohn CarluccioStarsAfrika BambaataaSteve DeeDJ PremierA documentary project about Hip-Hop DJs who are in competitive battles. Shot from 1994 to 1997, the film captures a pivotal time DJ culture and the origins of the turntablist movement. (Distributed on VHS to underground record stores).
- StarsTupac ShakurSuge KnightExclusive pieces of footage featuring Tupac Shakur are shown in this documentary.
- DirectorMarco La VillaMauro La VillaStarsJunior VasquezRoger SanchezDJ Q-BertFilmmakers Marco and Mauro La Villa examine the role of disc jockeys in 1990s dance-club culture.
- DirectorRachel RaimistStarsLescheaMedusaAsia OneA film about women who love and make hip-hop music. These artists strive through the erasures and obstructions of a heavily male-dominated industry.
- DirectorKevin FitzgeraldStarsChali 2naMuhammad AliPlanet AsiaA documentary about freestyling--the improvised, on-the-spot rhymes that demonstrate the skills of hip-hop MCs.
- DirectorChris FioreStarsJay-ZDMXMethod ManIf you ever wanted to know what really goes on backstage, this is the definitive inside look - uncut and uncensored. Complete with on-stage performances you'll see an intimate view of what life is like at one of the biggest Rap Concert tours of all time. It shows life on the road, in hotels and off stage in a way you've never seen before.
- DirectorDoug PrayStarsThe AlliesA-TrakCrazeThe story of the hip-hop DJ from the birth of hip-hop to the invention of scratching and "beat-juggling" vinyl, to the more recent "turntablism" movement. Underdogs and virtuosos who have radically changed the way we hear and create music.
- DirectorS. Leigh SavidgeJeff ScheftelStarsFrank AlexanderSam Gideon AnsonWilliam J. BennettThe true story of the rise and fall of Death Row Records.
- DirectorMarty ThomasStarsB-RealDa BratFoxy Brown
- DirectorSal MartinoStarsDMXKRS-OneThe Notorious B.I.G.Various hip-hop artist think back and talk about the ghetto life, PAC shakur and there favorite occupations. Also a featured live performance.
- DirectorIsraelStarsAfrika BambaataaYasiin BeyCrazy LegsFrom the Boogie Down Bronx and beyond, the history of the B-Boy.
- DirectorNick BroomfieldStarsThe Notorious B.I.G.Tupac ShakurNick BroomfieldDocumentary on the deaths of Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls and the East Coast/West Coast, hip-hop/rap rivalry that culminated in late 1996 and early 1997.
- DirectorJoey GarfieldStarsDread Archie Jr.Marie DaulneEmanon
- DirectorPeter SpirerStarsAnthony 'Treach' CrissDavey DMichael Eric DysonDocumentary examining the politics, music, and life of Tupac Shakur.
- DirectorSteve KahnPeter LauerMarty ThomasStarsCharlie AhearnRob BaseIrwin CoreyA four-part documentary series entitled "The Architects." The story is told chronologically and right from the mouths of the greats. Learn how these young gifted pioneers constructed an industry that so many people enjoy now. Featuring Full-Length Videos from: Run DMC, Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, Queen Latifah, De La Soul, Special Ed, Dana Dane, and Crash Crew.
- DirectorRay NewmanStarsSean 'Diddy' CombsDr. DreCeeLo GreenIn 1991 the world was introduced to Brooklyn's own Trevor Smith.
- DirectorFat JoeLisa RiosMarcos Antonio MirandaStarsBig PunFelix DelgadoDJ PremierOfficial music video for "Still Not a Player" by Big Pun featuring Joe.
- DirectorTodd WilliamsStarsCrooked IDJ QuikNate DoggWest Coast Rap has become the dominant form of music in America. It has grown from the mean streets of Compton, South Central, and Long Beach to the main streets of middle America. "Tha Westside" details West Coast Rap's notorious past, present, and future, through never-before-seen footage and interviews with the West Coast's most influential music pioneers. With rare looks into the lives of Tupac and Snoop Dogg, leaders of the West Coast Rap scene, this is an important chronicle in the history of music.
- DirectorPeter SpirerStarsVing Rhames50 CentKevin AndersonA documentary on the evolution of MC battles from verbal one-upmanship to street warfare.
- DirectorJason GoldwatchAmaechi UzoigweStarsEl-PMr. LifRJD2This concert film documents a Def Jux music tour from 2002. It features some live performances and the wacky backstage antics that transpired before and after the shows.
- DirectorLauren LazinStarsTupac ShakurRappin' 4-TayConrad BainHome movies, photographs, and recited poetry illustrate the life of Tupac Shakur, one of the most beloved, revolutionary, and volatile hip-hop M.Cs. of all time.
- DirectorJoslyn Rose LyonsStarsCommonCeeLo GreenRafael CasalExploring the creative process is recognizing the importance of the journey.
- DirectorDanilla PerkinsDandaly PrekinsStarsRah DiggaSalt-N-PepaAlthough the rap scene has been ruled by men for 20 years, this documentary shows how and which women are making big moves in the industry. See how Salt "N" Pepa, Lady Luck, Rah Digga and Charlie Baltimore have broken through and how they generate heat and Hip-Hop on the stage! These are the true Queens of Hip Hop.
- DirectorPaul KellStarsA-TrakAfrika BambaataaThe Beat Junkies"5 Sides of a Coin" is a comprehensive overview of the worldwide cultural movement of Hip-Hop.
- DirectorAnat HalachmiStarsSubliminalTamer NafarYoav EliasiA documentary about two Israeli rap music performers, one Jewish (Kobi Shimoni, known as Subliminal) and the other Arab (Tamer Nafar, known as TN).
- DirectorMaxie CollierStarsChuck BrownJames BrownCorey BrownePaper Chasers is a feature length documentary about the impact of hip hop entrepreneurs who have built successful businesses in music, film, fashion, TV, print media, and now the Internet. Filmmaker/entrepreneur Maxie Collier (aka Son #1) and his production team travel the country in an RV, documenting the ambitions, successes, and failures of paper chasers at all levels of the game? everyone from hungry upstarts to successful old school veterans. The film combines these interviews with behind-the-scenes footage as Collier struggles to hold his team together through the rigors of their ambitious low budget production. The end result promises to be an insightful documentary filled with unpredictable moments and an incredible soundtrack.
- DirectorGeorge MollStarsSean 'Diddy' CombsNellyTyrese Gibson
- DirectorGeorge MollStarsQ-TipJoe BuddenAndré 3000
- DirectorPatrick PaulsonMichael John WarrenStarsJay-ZRick RubinMissy ElliottFilmed during his "Black Album" era, Jay-Z looks back on his career as one of rap music's most successful emcees and entrepreneurs.
- StarsBill AdlerWill SmithIce-TA five-part documentary series released by VH1 in 2004. The series recounts the development of hip hop culture from its birth in New York City in the 1970s through its flowering into a global phenomenon in the 21st Century.
- DirectorPeter GerardStarsMode 2Charlie AhearnAironeMore than thirty years ago, the youth of New York's neglected neighborhoods started a revolution by spray-painting their names on subway trains. The energy and freedom of this expression has inspired generations of youth throughout the world, yet the established authorities and institutions continually deny its merit. Working against the powers of the media, the police, and the art world, aerosol artists have developed a unique worldwide culture based on respect, camaraderie and a shared struggle to re-claim and re-create their environments. Just to Get a Rep rigorously examines the love-hate relationship between graffiti and hip-hop. Hear the true story of aerosol art as told by New York's pioneers as well as today's innovators from all over the world.
- DirectorPeter SpirerStarsKeith David50 CentB-RealBEEF 2 exposes the business of hip hop battles.
- DirectorMike CorberaStarsEminemAnthony 'Treach' CrissMarc KempfThe story of rap superstar Eminem and his rise to fame, as told through interviews with family and friends.
- DirectorDarren DoaneStarsCarlos AguilarJohnson BarnesTerrence CedricsFilmmaker Darren Doane ("42K") and a camera, hit the streets of L.A. in an almost guerilla-like fashion and interviews a number of DJs, rappers and dancers. Not only do they give their take on what hip-hop is, what it represents on a personal and social level, but he also attends what is termed "battles" between rappers. While such battles are known to get aggressive from time to time, it is often a way for people to blow off some steam, express themselves, strut their stuff and compete.
- DirectorRay NewmanStarsMary J. BligeThe undisputed Queen Of Hip-Hop / Soul Mary J Blige is a true rags-to-riches phenomenon. Brought up in the rough and tumble projects of the Bronx, New York, Mary, used her unique vocal talents to overcome the odds of the streets. To not only survive, but to become one of the most celebrated talent of our time. Follow us on the journey of the rise, and fall, then rise again of Hip-Hop's one and only reigning Queen.
- DirectorPeter SpirerStarsKRS-One50 CentCommon"The MC: Why We Do It" explores the art of the MC from the unique point of view of todays top rap artists.
- DirectorThibaut de LongevilleLisa LeoneStarsBill AdlerDamon DashDozeAn in-depth examination of the culture and fashion of the sneaker, from its creation as athletic wear to its place as a cornerstone in hip-hop fashion.
- DirectorMichel GondryStarsDave ChappelleYasiin BeyLauryn HillA mix of Dave Chappelle's sketch comedy and musical interludes, inspired in part by the 1973 documentary Wattstax.
- DirectorThomas GibsonStarsSnoop Dogg50 CentAesop RockNarrated By Snoop Dogg- Letter To the President is a feature documentary that showcases the close-knit ties between the Hip Hop Music community and America's social and political policy in the last 30 years.
- DirectorPeter SpirerStarsBarry BergmanDavid DiazLoco GringoLearn from the biggest MCs exactly how they achieved success. They share their approach to live performances and how they put together a demo tape, got signed and dealt with labels as well as their knowledge about how the industry works.
- DirectorBooker SimStarsTragedy KhadafiCaponeJayson EvansAn in-depth look at the life of the hip-hop MC known as Tragedy Khadafi, aka Intelligent Hoodlum, who hails from the Queensbridge housing project in New York City.
- StarsChuck DFlavor FlavTerminator XCheck out and follow Public Enemy on their very first tour in the UK, 1987. PE stepped into this world with plenty to say. Featuring vintage interviews and footage, plus the live performance from the legendary concert at the Hammersmith Odeon, immortalized on the legendary album "It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back"!
- DirectorMaori Karmael HolmesStarsLady BBahamadiaSchoolly DPhiladelphia is often referred to as the mecca for American soul music, however its contributions to hip-hop have been overlooked despite its mass proliferation of artists, many of whom have made landmark contributions as emcees, graffiti artists, dancers, and most notably as deejays. Native talents such as Will Smith, The Roots, and Eve have become international pop stars and made great strides domestically and internationally, but somehow "the Illadelph" still doesn't get the kind of props of a city like Los Angeles or even Atlanta. Despite all of this, the City of Brotherly Love has continued to churn out some of the most innovative hip-hop artists of the current generation. Perhaps one of the most unique aspects to the scene is the abundance of powerful female voices that it has produced as artists, promoters and writers. In this debut featurette, director and producer Maori Karmael Holmes seeks to tell the story of these women-the legends, the famed, and the ingénues-as they struggle to succeed in a male-dominated industry in a city that has been left behind in the national consciousness. Scene Not Heard features interviews with some of the originators of hip-hop such as Lady B, Schoolly D, Monie Love and Rennie Harris, with vanguards chiming in including Bahamadia and Ursula Rucker, and presents current talents such as the Jazzyfatnastees, Ms. Jade, and Lady Alma, and emerging talents such as Versus, Keen of Subliminal Orphans and Michele Byrd-McPhee of Montäzh, as well as scholars, critics and local promoters.
- DirectorRay NewmanStarsYeThe story of Kanye West will inspire and entertain you. Witness how this Chicago native made his mark in Hip Hop, in just a few short years. He has produced for Jay-Z, Nas, DMX, Brandy, Alicia Keyes...
- DirectorPeter SpirerStars50 CentAliBig BRespect...In hip-hop it's the name of the game. Some rappers will do anything to get it, even starting a Beef with another rapper or crew...and that can lead to raw, brutal conflict in the streets. In fact Beef has become so common that it is quickly becoming the fifth element of Hip-hop, right beside MCs, DJs, graffiti and breakdancing. "Beef 3" is about the high-profile Beefs in the hip-hop culture. Beefs are started when one rapper disses another for whatever reason, usually to get the upper hand with the fans or to show their machismo. This program features Beefs between 50 Cent and Game, Lil Flip and TI, Nelly and Chingy, Twista and Bone Thugz, Lil Scrappy and the Orlando Police and many more.
- DirectorByron HurtStarsCarmen Ashurst-WatsonYasiin BeyChuck DHip-Hop: Beyond Beats & Rhymes provides a riveting examination of manhood, sexism, and homophobia in hip-hop culture.
- DirectorDenis Henry HennellyCasey SuchanStarsChali 2naD.J. AbilitiesBabuAn inside look at what it took to bring the Wu-Tang Clan together for their final performance at the Rock the Bells Hip-Hop festival.
- DirectorAlex HintonStarsAggracystDeadleeDutchboyAn explosive documentary on the world of queer hip-hop. Featuring searing public performances and intimate interviews with the community's most significant players, the film captures an underground music movement as it's about to hit the mainstream - defying the music industry's homophobic traditions in the process.
- DirectorMatt RuskinStarsChris 'Kazi' RolleRussell SimmonsBruce WillisThe Hip Hop Project is the dynamic and inspirational story of a group of New York City teenagers who transform their life stories into powerful works of art, using hip hop as a vehicle for self-development and personal discovery. The film traces the evolution of this award-winning outreach program developed by Kazi, a formerly homeless teenager turned youth mentor. After four years of collaboration, the group produced a powerful and thought-provoking album that provides a revealing look at their lives. In contrast to all the negative attention focused on hip hop and rap music, this is a story of hope, healing and the realization of dreams.
- DirectorAdam YauchStarsMike DAdam HorovitzAdam YauchA live performance shot by audience members at a 2004 Beastie Boys concert at Madison Square Garden.
- DirectorDamian ZellousStarsBad AzzBig Pimpin'Tray DeeeThe ups and downs experienced by the West Coast's Dogg Pound Gangstas have been legion, and this documentary seeks to set the record straight, tracing the evolution of the beefs, reunions, and lasting relationships over the years. Documentarian Damian Zellous reveals accusations that Dre stole some of his tracks, Snoop Dogg expounds on Suge Knight, his tumultuous relationship with Tupac, and Kurupt, among other things, as well as appearing in a live performance. Kurup's decision to re-join Death Row Records is a point of contention and a bone which all the members pick.
- DirectorGeorge GittoesStarsAngelArielBam BamA 14 year old boy in a dangerous ghetto in US is trying to make it as a rapper, but labels want him to change his lyrics. Meanwhile Denzell's brother is back from Iraq and another war is brewing in the streets.
- DirectorPeter SpirerStarsIce-TBig TiggaKamau Karl FranklinIt's been whispered about for years in the Hip Hop community. Now learn the shocking truth and see the irrefutable evidence -- top Hip Hop artists are being targeted by one of the most powerful police departments in the country. Unlike performers in any other musical genre, respected Hip Hop artists such as Jay-Z, Ja Rule, 50 Cent, The Game, Cuban Link, Damon Dash, Snoop Dogg, Nas, Lil' Kim and more are constantly followed, questioned and harassed without probable cause by New York City's finest. The NYPD maintains that there's no profiling of Hip Hop artists and their crews. But in this program, retired police detective Derrick Parker reveals that he created an NYPD rap unit after the murder of Notorious B.I.G. in 1997, then saw his unit become officially sanctioned three years later. With actual law enforcement rapper surveillance footage and a rare peek at the infamous "Rap Binder" used in law enforcement training, BLACK and BLUE tells the compelling story of Detective Derrick Parker, the unit he created and the controversy it has spawned. This is one of the secret stories of Hip Hop, a culture that continues to be exploited by corporate America and condemned by mainstream society.
- DirectorGerald BarclayStarsRalph McDanielsRemedy RollGano GrillsIn the summer of 1993, the Wu-Tang Clan emerged from the burroughs of New York City and took the hip-hop world by storm. Their legacy spanned over a decade, garnering fans worldwide and generating sales in excess of $50 million. This is their story.
- DirectorBenson LeeStarsStephane FiossanangayeMr. FreezeLuis MateoJumping continents and crossing cultures, "Planet B-Boy" looks at the history of breakdancing and its vibrant resurgence in urban cultures around the world.
- DirectorRobert Patton-SpruillStarsChuck DJonathan DavisFlavor FlavRobert Patton-Spruill's WELCOME TO THE TERRORDOME chronicles Public Enemy's legacy, their history and what icons of the music world say about their influence.
- DirectorPeter SpirerStars50-GrandEasy Mo BeeTodd BoydThe greatest rapper to ever pick up a mic - with his velvety flow and unparalleled rhyme style he captivated everyone from Jay Z to Tupac. Now Notorious B.I.G. is revealed. Hear the stories from his closest friends and some of the biggest names in Hip-Hop: Diddy, Method Man, Easy Mo Bee, Matty C, E-40, Raekwon, Common and more. See raw footage of B.I.G. free-styling on the streets of New York, rare home video footage, a never-before-seen interview with Biggie shortly before his death and undisclosed video footage from the night of his murder. From the acclaimed director who brought you Rhyme & Reason, Thug Angel, Beef, Beef II and Beef III.
- DirectorShauna GarrStarsAkonTwink CaplanShauna GarrThe filmmaker finds her friend, a once successful rap producer, living under a tree in Hollywood cleaning a crack pipe; from there the two try everything, including a reality show, to kick his habit.
- DirectorVusi MagubaneErin OfferThis documentary reveals the position of South Africa's women today; their stories are mediated through the experiences of three major artists in South Africa's hip hop scene.
- DirectorPeter AltonStarsWaverly W. Alford IIR.L. AltmanJin Au-YeungBeef has expanded from its Hip Hop roots into the entire culture. Skateboarders, ball players, actors and comedians are all getting into their own beefs! Here we reveal the truth about many kinds of beefs inside and outside of Hip Hop. Beef IV takes an extensive look into what went wrong and who dissed who to cause such animosity, exposing the reasons why some unlikely people are getting caught up in their own beefs. Separating the real from the fake with a comical twist, Beef IV features interviews with The Game, Chamillionaire, Paul Wall, Proof, Young Jeezy, Bow Wow, Trina, Jacki-O, Lupe Fiasco, Terry "TK" Kennedy of the Ice Cream Skateboarding Team, Bun B, Slim Thug, Beanie Sigel, Damon Dash, Daz, Kurupt, Obie Trice and much, much more!
- DirectorHenry CorraStarsSal AbbatielloAfrika BambaataaWayne BarrettNew York City, 1977 - It was a time when the city had fallen into decay, with too few jobs, money, police, schools, and social services. There was a city wide blackout with major looting, a serial killer on the loose, and the Bronx was burning. And yet out of the chaos emerged one of the most creative times any city has ever encountered. Executive Produced by Academy Award Nominee Nanette Burstein ("The Kid Stays in the Picture"), "NY77: The Coolest Year In Hell" is a two-hour documentary that tells the story of one astonishing year in New York City history. Premiering Saturday, August 11 at 9PM*, the documentary is told chronologically and weaves together the stories of the emergence of hip hop, punk and disco, graffiti art, and sexual liberation. In the background are the major political events and social issues of the day -- crime, urban decay, financial woes, the infamous blackout, drugs, Son of Sam, the bitter mayoral election and the overall poverty that gripped the city. Out of chaos came creation. From the South Bronx came hip hop. From the Lower East Side, the thrashing guitars of punk. And all over the city, a disco revolution was underway. Elaborate, finely crafted graffiti art decorated the subway cars and break-dancers shimmied in the streets. The sexual revolution was in full swing. In January 1977, most of this activity existed in its own underground bubble. Yet by the end of the year this artistic expression was on its way to mainstream America, and would be with us for generations to come. The documentary uses groundbreaking animation to help tell the story, and features interviews with those who lived it, including Ed Koch, Geraldo Rivera, Jimmy Breslin, Gloria Gaynor, Afrika Bambaataa, Chris Stein (Blondie), Richard Hell, KRS-One, Grandmaster Caz, DJ Disco Wiz, Legs McNeil, Annie Sprinkle, Al Goldstein, Tommy Ramone, Jellybean Benitez, Lee Quinones, and many more. The Emmy Nominated "NY77: The Coolest Year In Hell" is the newest film in the VH1 Rock Doc franchise. VH1 Rock Docs are high-end feature-length documentaries that each reveal an untold story in the history of rock and hip-hop music, combining never-before-seen footage with a unique and unconventional narrative approach. The documentaries tell some of the most unique stories of artists and music from a wide range of genres, styles, and musical perspectives.
- DirectorMike CorberaRick UnderhillStarsMelle MelScorpioRahiemIn the tradition of "Scratch", HIP HOP LEGENDS tells the story of the genesis of hip hop through specific, in-depth exclusive interviews with legends such as DMC, DJ Skribble, and Affrika Bambaataa and the Zulu Nation.
- DirectorGuy LoganStarsBill AdlerKid RockRussell SimmonsOctober 30, 2002 - Legendary hip-hop DJ Jason Mizell, aka Jam Master Jay, is gunned down in his Queens studio.
- DirectorVlad YudinStarsArmageddonAZB-RealBack in 98, Big Pun, a Puerto Rican from the Bronx made history by becoming the first Latino rapper to sell over a million records. His presence stunned the music world, but on 2000, his life was cut short when he suffered a heart attack.
- DirectorJim DziuraStarsIce CubeYasiin BeyKRS-OneFeaturing Ice Cube, Mos Def, Prodigy, KRS-ONE and Young Buck among others, this documentary pulls back the curtain on gun violence in hip-hop America.
- DirectorAva DuVernayStars2MexChali 2naCut ChemistA feature-length documentary that chronicles "The Good Life" emcees, the alternative music movement they developed, and their worldwide influence on the art form.
- DirectorVlad YudinStarsArmageddonAZB-RealBack in 98, Big Pun, a Puerto Rican from the Bronx made history by becoming the first Latino rapper to sell over a million records. His presence stunned the music world, but on 2000, his life was cut short when he suffered a heart attack.
- DirectorJacqueline Reem SalloumStarsTamer NafarSuhell NafarMahmoud JreriThe voice of a new generation rocks and rhymes as Palestinian rappers form alternative voices of resistance within the Israeli-Palestinian struggle.
- DirectorNegin FarsadKimmy GatewoodStarsDamian HessGaby AlterBeefyHilariously entertaining, NERDCORE RISING introduces a new wave of hip-hop to the world called "Nerdcore" where computer obsesses geeks bust rhymes about the hard knock life of nerdom. The gut-busting comedy follows MC Frontalot, the "Godfather of Nerdcore" on his first national tour where the roots of the genre, the dorky complexities of its artists, and one MC's fight for nerd stardom is revealed.
- DirectorDan LamoureuxStarsYtcrackerBeefyUltraklystronHip-Hop and Geek Culture collide. This documentary follows the top names in this new genre as they struggle to overcome the common obstacles that prevent musicians of all genres from fulfilling their dreams.
- DirectorBenjamin FranzenKembrew McLeodStarsD.J. AbilitiesAesop RockSteve AlbiniA documentary that examines the creative and commercial value of musical sampling.
- DirectorSonali AggarwalStarsPugs AtomzJared BallAfrika BambaataaThis documentary presents views from hip hop founders, contributors, and artists in an attempt to return its audience to the four principles: Peace, Love, Unity, and Having Fun.
- DirectorNirit PeledStarsAariesErykah BaduSparky DeeA story is built around the lives of entrepreneurs, mothers and artists fighting to be themselves in a society that offers few opportunities for women.
- DirectorEli Morgan GesnerStarsTravis BarkerTony HawkTerry KennedyIn the 1970's, on opposite sides of the city and opposite sides of the country, two separate yet equally dynamic new art forms were emerging. Both possessed a rebellious spirit and quickly evolved into movements that have become a global phenomenon and the creative voice of a generation. Hip Hop and Skateboarding were born.
- DirectorAdam Bhala LoughStarsBirdmanCortez BryantReginae CarterAn in-depth look at the artist Dwayne LIL' WAYNE Carter Jr, proclaimed by many as the "greatest rapper alive" With comprehensive and personal interviews with Lil' Wayne, this film will also feature insight from those that know him best. The world will finally get to know the history surrounding one of the most prolific artists of this generation.
- DirectorPaul AndresenStars2 Live CrewAfromanAnybody KillaDocuments the 2008 Gathering of the Juggalos and focuses on the fan-base of underground hip hop label Psychopathic Records.
- DirectorMaggie Hadleigh-WestStarsJasun Jabbar Wardlaw Jr.A documentary about hip hop artist named Half-a-Mill and his Brooklyn crew as they struggle to escape the poverty and violence of the Albany Housing Projects through music.
- DirectorVirgilio BravoLoira LimbalStarsEli EfiGuerrillero OkultoMagiaEstilo Hip Hop is a feature length documentary that chronicles the lives of Eli Efi, Guerrillero Okulto, and Magia, three hip hop activists from Brazil, Chile, and Cuba who firmly believe that hip hop can change the world. As we delve into their lives, we learn of three inspirational leaders responsible for mobilizing young people to become politically active. However, the personal issues affecting the three protagonists prove to be as overwhelming as the challenges posed by their political work. As the stakes assume a greater risk, Eli Efi, Guerrillero, and Magia make life-altering decisions that ultimately impact the course of their lives and that of the hip hop movement.
- DirectorAva DuVernayStarsChuck DMissy ElliottEveA documentary exploring the issues and art of women hip hop artists, from the 1980s through 2010.
- DirectorShan NicholsonStarsLloyd MurphyThrough archival footage Nicholson tells the story of the real Warriors that walked the streets of New York City in the 1970s and the harsh reality of gang life in a city that seemed to be falling apart.
- DirectorNabil ElderkinStarsCrazy LegsWill.i.amBouncing Cats is the inspiring story of one man's attempt to create a better life for the children of Uganda using the unlikely tool of hip-hop with a focus on b-boy culture and breakdance.
- DirectorJonathan FurmanskiStarsClarence ReidSteve AlaimoBela B.Clarence Reid is a musician who wrote and produced romantic and spiritual songs for some of the greatest Southern soul and R&B acts of the 1960s and '70s. He is also the gonzo performer Blowfly, Clarence's freaky alter ego and the original X-rated rapper. "The Weird World of Blowfly" explores both sides of this hilarious and controversial artist, providing a rare, inside peek at the infamous linguist's daily life. Now 69-years-old, with a gold-spangled superhero costume and a catalog of the world's raunchiest tunes, Blowfly tours the world, still struggling for success and recognition after 50 years of making music. The film highlights both Clarence's and Blowfly's unique contributions to music history, including Top-10 R&B hits and what might be the world's first rap song, recorded in 1965. Shot over the course of two years, the film follows Clarence at home and around the world, featuring dozens of classic Blowfly songs as well as new hits. A revealing portrait of an unheralded man, "The Weird World of Blowfly" celebrates his musical and cultural significance as a rapper and soul music legend.
- DirectorJoshua ConroStarsAndrew BarberAaron GetsugNicolas GourguechonBrian Wharton better known as Sharkula has been a part of the Chicago landscape since the early 90's. A legendary figure in the city and Sharkula does it all breaking, street art graff and an MC.
- DirectorBanksyStarsBanksyMr. BrainwashSpace InvaderFollowing the style of some of the world's most prolific street artists, an amateur filmmaker makes a foray into the art world.
- DirectorMichael RapaportStarsQ-TipPhife DawgAli Shaheed MuhammadMichael Rapaport documents the inner workings and behind the scenes drama that follows this innovative and influential band to this day.