Rhyme and Punishment (2011)

The gritty elements of urban crime and violence have always had an influence on hip hop culture and rap music. More and more, the trappings of street life have landed popular rap artists ... See full summary »

Director:

Peter Spirer

Writers:

Baz Dreisinger, Joel Rutkowski,

Stars:

KRS-One, Beanie Sigel, Prodigy

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
KRS-One	...	Narrator
Beanie Sigel	...	Himself
Prodigy	...	Himself
Cassidy	...	Himself
Slick Rick	...	Himself
Immortal Technique	...	Himself
Project Pat	...	Himself
40 Glocc	...	Himself
C. Bo	...	Himself
J. Swift	...	Himself
Ras Kass	...	Himself
J-Diggs	...	Himself
Shorty	...	Himself
Big Lurch	...	Himself
RBX	...	Himself

Storyline

The gritty elements of urban crime and violence have always had an influence on hip hop culture and rap music. More and more, the trappings of street life have landed popular rap artists behind bars - and not just for a music video shoot. What happens when a rapper who has everything suddenly has his freedom stripped away and is forced to deal with the harsh realities of prison? "Rhyme and Punishment" takes an in-depth look at the role of prison in hip hop culture, and reveals the side of the story that is not being covered by the news and popular media. The true and personal stories of hip hop artists who are, have been, or are soon to be incarcerated, in their own words. Featuring intimate and compelling interviews with convicted rappers Beanie Sigel, Prodigy, Cassidy, Project Pat, Immortal Technique, Slick Rick and many more. These artists who were at the top of their game when they got locked up explain the details of the crimes that led to their arrests, and document their ...

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Plot Keywords:

rap | prison | reality | jail | court | 

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Genres:

Documentary | Crime | Music

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 March 2011 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Rugged Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

"They'll Miss Me When I'm Gone"
Written and Performed by Jesse Butcher
Recorded at Louisiana State Penitentiary, Angola.
Courtesy of Essential Music Group

User Reviews

An interesting look at hip-hop and jail time

Hip-hop has always had a connection with the street and criminal activity more generally. This movie explores that connection, but through the lives of several rappers who have been at some point incarcerated. The interviews are insightful and sufficient to say, I am scared straight. The acts described rang from drug use to actual cannibalism. If you ever thought going to prison would be a good way to earn cred for your rap career then this movie may steer you away from that.

The stories are so shocking that little is need from the filmmakers to keep this an engaging piece. Not to say they don't do a great job, but the material is just so rich.

I recommend this one highly, REPRESENT.