It’s an afternoon in July 2023, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams is in his element. Standing at a podium at the foot of the marble staircase in New York’s City Hall, the Mayor is flanked by staffers, supporters, and hip-hop stars including Eric B. (of Eric B. and Rakim fame), rapper and reality TV star Peter Gunz, and “The Blastmaster” Krs-One. The occasion is the announcement of a series of concerts to celebrate hip-hop’s 50th anniversary across New York’s five boroughs. Aiming to look the part of “Hip-Hop Mayor,...
- 1/23/2024
- by Timmhotep Aku and Andre Gee
- Rollingstone.com
Tierra Whack's fate in hip-hop was set the moment she entered the world on Aug. 11, 1995 - the same day the culture was born 22 years prior. The North Philadelphia native turned heads thanks to a YouTube freestyle that went viral when she was just 15 years old and known as Dizzle Dizz. The breakout moment was a culmination of Whack's early years, studying all she could about rap and finding inspiration in iconic albums like Outkast's "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below" and Eminem's "The Marshall Mathers LP." Years later, she'd emerge with her own acclaim as one of the most promising lyricists of her generation.
Whack's 15-minute debut album "Whack World," released in May 2018, skyrocketed her to superstardom, taking the rap sensation to global stages and new heights in hip-hop. And today, she's grateful for how it all blessed her career. In Netflix's "Ladies First: A Story of Women in Hip-Hop" docuseries,...
Whack's 15-minute debut album "Whack World," released in May 2018, skyrocketed her to superstardom, taking the rap sensation to global stages and new heights in hip-hop. And today, she's grateful for how it all blessed her career. In Netflix's "Ladies First: A Story of Women in Hip-Hop" docuseries,...
- 8/14/2023
- by Tierra Whack
- Popsugar.com
Stanley Nelson and Valerie Scoon’s Sound of the Police is an exhaustive exploration of the oppositional dynamics between African Americans and law enforcement, from slavery right up to today. Through a wealth of archival imagery, interviews with academics, authors and assorted deep thinkers of various backgrounds and colors as well as an ear-catching soundtrack, the veteran filmmakers make a compelling case that any relationship built on the […]
The post “We Didn’t Want an Audience Member To Be Able To Say, ‘Oh, That Was Just One Bad Cop’”: Stanley Nelson and Valerie Scoon on Sound of the Police first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “We Didn’t Want an Audience Member To Be Able To Say, ‘Oh, That Was Just One Bad Cop’”: Stanley Nelson and Valerie Scoon on Sound of the Police first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 8/10/2023
- by Lauren Wissot
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Stanley Nelson and Valerie Scoon’s Sound of the Police is an exhaustive exploration of the oppositional dynamics between African Americans and law enforcement, from slavery right up to today. Through a wealth of archival imagery, interviews with academics, authors and assorted deep thinkers of various backgrounds and colors as well as an ear-catching soundtrack, the veteran filmmakers make a compelling case that any relationship built on the […]
The post “We Didn’t Want an Audience Member To Be Able To Say, ‘Oh, That Was Just One Bad Cop’”: Stanley Nelson and Valerie Scoon on Sound of the Police first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “We Didn’t Want an Audience Member To Be Able To Say, ‘Oh, That Was Just One Bad Cop’”: Stanley Nelson and Valerie Scoon on Sound of the Police first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 8/10/2023
- by Lauren Wissot
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
Hip-hop turns 50 on Aug. 11, and it seems that the whole world is celebrating. From concerts organized by Amazon and Mass Appeal to block parties put on by New York City, the festivities are plentiful. There is also a wide range of exhibits and galleries curated by artists of the hip-hop generation. It would be impossible to reference every single event happening for rap’s birthday, but here’s a list of notable Hip-Hop 50-related events happening this August.
Concerts and Events
Amazon Music: 50 & Forever: New York (through Aug. 10)
Rotation,...
Concerts and Events
Amazon Music: 50 & Forever: New York (through Aug. 10)
Rotation,...
- 8/8/2023
- by Andre Gee
- Rollingstone.com
It’s understandable that the turn from July to August on the calendar doesn’t create much excitement for most TV viewers. That’s especially true this year, as Hollywood writers and actors are both on strike, meaning that new episodes of scripted TV shows will be hard to come by this fall unless the work stoppage is resolved very quickly (spoiler alert: it won’t be).
But August will bring some beloved titles back to streaming for new seasons, and some new selections that viewers may fall in love with while they wait for a world in which their old favorites are firing up production once again. Check below to see which shows and movies are making their way to streaming this week!
Monday, July 31 ‘Breeders’ Season 4 Premiere | FX, watch free with a five-day free trial of Directv Stream
It’s been five years since we last caught up with the Worsley family,...
But August will bring some beloved titles back to streaming for new seasons, and some new selections that viewers may fall in love with while they wait for a world in which their old favorites are firing up production once again. Check below to see which shows and movies are making their way to streaming this week!
Monday, July 31 ‘Breeders’ Season 4 Premiere | FX, watch free with a five-day free trial of Directv Stream
It’s been five years since we last caught up with the Worsley family,...
- 7/31/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Kendrick Lamar, Janet Jackson, and Megan Thee Stallion lead this year’s One Musicfest, hitting Atlanta’s Piedmont Park in late October.
Kodak Black, Tems, Brent Raiyaz, Bryson Tiller, Chief Keef, Waka Flocka Flame, Jadakiss, Tink, Coco Jones, and many more also feature on the two-day lineup, as do Atl legends like Killer Mike, Goodie Mob, and The-Dream.
As this year marks the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, the One Musicfest will also feature a special stage dedicated to the genre’s half-centennial, featuring artists like Nelly, Krs-One, Big Daddy Kane,...
Kodak Black, Tems, Brent Raiyaz, Bryson Tiller, Chief Keef, Waka Flocka Flame, Jadakiss, Tink, Coco Jones, and many more also feature on the two-day lineup, as do Atl legends like Killer Mike, Goodie Mob, and The-Dream.
As this year marks the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, the One Musicfest will also feature a special stage dedicated to the genre’s half-centennial, featuring artists like Nelly, Krs-One, Big Daddy Kane,...
- 7/12/2023
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
On Sunday March 12, 2023, a bold statement was made between Justice For Women International/Children Uniting Nations and The Hip Hop Alliance to eradicate the verbal and physical abuse against women and children at their Inaugural Oscars viewing event.
This star-studded red-carpet event was at full capacity with support from the community, sponsors, and guests that were motivated to participate in saving lives.
Led by Daphna Edwards Ziman, Co-Founder and President of Cinémoi, and Founder of Justice For Women International/Children Uniting Nations, this partnership is a true testament that two entities can unite to deliver a unified message and impact our culture. The Hip Hop Alliance, represented by Co-Founders Chuck D, Kurtis Blow, and Krs-One, are taking a bold stance to be in alignment with Justice For Women International by making a commitment to unite the Hip Hop community to help fight the battle of human trafficking that we can no longer ignore.
This star-studded red-carpet event was at full capacity with support from the community, sponsors, and guests that were motivated to participate in saving lives.
Led by Daphna Edwards Ziman, Co-Founder and President of Cinémoi, and Founder of Justice For Women International/Children Uniting Nations, this partnership is a true testament that two entities can unite to deliver a unified message and impact our culture. The Hip Hop Alliance, represented by Co-Founders Chuck D, Kurtis Blow, and Krs-One, are taking a bold stance to be in alignment with Justice For Women International by making a commitment to unite the Hip Hop community to help fight the battle of human trafficking that we can no longer ignore.
- 3/27/2023
- Look to the Stars
David Jude Jolicoeur, who passed away on Sunday, Feb. 12 at the age of 54, helped revolutionize hip-hop and change the course of popular music. It’s why he’s being mourned so widely in the rap community today, and far beyond it as well. As one-third of De La Soul, alongside Kelvin “Posdnous” Mercer and DJ Vincent “Maseo” Mason, the Haitian American musician and producer who adopted names like “Jude,” “Trugoy the Dove,” “Plug 2,” and, finally, just “Dave” expanded the art form in ways not seen before or since. Many fans...
- 2/13/2023
- by Mosi Reeves
- Rollingstone.com
Chuck D is humble about his contributions to Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed the World — the expansive, four-part PBS and BBC series where he joins other hip-hop icons from Melle Mel to Eminem, as well as executives, journalists, and academics, in unspooling rap’s history as a social movement. “My work is as an initiator and giving the platform,” says the Public Enemy Mc, who executive produced the project. “I know how to cut, edit, and design audio, but when it comes to film and TV…”
Still, his...
Still, his...
- 1/30/2023
- by Mankaprr Conteh
- Rollingstone.com
“Hip-hop is ancestor worship,” Greg Tate wrote in The Village Voice in the fall of 1988. He always chronicled music with that fiercely worshipful spirit of sacred ritual. Reading Tate was a revelation, then or now, because he was a writer who celebrated all kinds of music, from every era — an Afrofuturist rebel without a pause. That’s why the news of his death hits so hard today. To sum up his voice, you have to go back to the words he wrote about Chaka Khan back in 1992: “She is...
- 12/7/2021
- by Rob Sheffield
- Rollingstone.com
When the late Notorious B.I.G. was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in November, he, like the other living or dead inductees, was celebrated in the HBO special that served as a virtual ceremony with a biographical short film — one that was just well done enough to make a lot of viewers wonder: Why has Christopher Wallace’s story never been made into a theatrical feature? It had, but that’s just how forgettable the 2009 biopic “Notorious” was; 13 years later, it’s as if that film never existed, leaving the life of the man many still regard as hip-hop’s greatest star ripe for re-mythologizing.
Some of the producers behind that earlier effort, including Sean “Puffy” Combs and Biggie’s mother, Voletta Wallace, have joined with new collaborators for another, much better try at burnishing the hip-hop titan’s legacy with Netflix’s “Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell.
Some of the producers behind that earlier effort, including Sean “Puffy” Combs and Biggie’s mother, Voletta Wallace, have joined with new collaborators for another, much better try at burnishing the hip-hop titan’s legacy with Netflix’s “Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell.
- 2/24/2021
- by Chris Willman
- Variety Film + TV
Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon was among the hundreds of artists, writers, and industry insiders who took part in the vote that determined Rolling Stone’s all-new 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list. Here, the rapper discusses the top 10 albums on his ballot, and how they informed his life and music — featuring classic LPs from his fellow Wu-Tang warriors, the Notorious B.I.G., Keith Sweat, Mary J. Blige, and more. (Go here to read the complete list of 500 Greatest Albums voters and learn more about how the current ranking was assembled.
- 10/29/2020
- by Simon Vozick-Levinson
- Rollingstone.com
Kanye West is honoring his late mother Donda West and what would have been her 71st birthday. The rapper took to Twitter on Sunday, June 12 to share a new song and video simply titled "Donda." In the clip, fans can hear Donda reciting lyrics from rapper Krs-One's "Sound of Da Police" over a gospel choir in the background for over a minute before her song comes in to finish the song. "The devil is using you, confusing you/Our job is to understand who is who," Kim Kardashian's husband raps. "Righteous indignation in this nation/We 'gon start a revolution in this basement." "Mama I need you to tuck me in/I done made some mistakes and they...
- 7/13/2020
- E! Online
Kanye West paid tribute to his late mother Donda with a short, new song named after her, which he released Sunday evening to mark what would’ve been her 71st birthday.
“Donda” features the former teacher reciting Krs-One’s “Sound of Da Police” over swirling gospel vocals. After a minute-and-a-half of the West matriarch, her son jumps in with a new verse, speaking directly to his mom: “Mama I need you to tuck me in/I done made some mistakes and they rubbed it in/I know you and grandma...
“Donda” features the former teacher reciting Krs-One’s “Sound of Da Police” over swirling gospel vocals. After a minute-and-a-half of the West matriarch, her son jumps in with a new verse, speaking directly to his mom: “Mama I need you to tuck me in/I done made some mistakes and they rubbed it in/I know you and grandma...
- 7/13/2020
- by Brittany Spanos
- Rollingstone.com
Like many of his peers, veteran DJ, rapper, photographer, and producer D-Nice had been living life on the road until the coronavirus pandemic forced everyone to stay home.
“Life was great,” he tells Rolling Stone of his touring career, calling from his Los Angeles home. “For it to abruptly end because of the lockdown, that was different. I don’t think any of us were expecting that, but my situation isn’t unique.”
The NYC native got his start in the late Eighties as a member of legendary hip-hop group Boogie Down Productions alongside Krs-One,...
“Life was great,” he tells Rolling Stone of his touring career, calling from his Los Angeles home. “For it to abruptly end because of the lockdown, that was different. I don’t think any of us were expecting that, but my situation isn’t unique.”
The NYC native got his start in the late Eighties as a member of legendary hip-hop group Boogie Down Productions alongside Krs-One,...
- 4/1/2020
- by Brittany Spanos
- Rollingstone.com
The O’My’s have been a band for more than a decade, shuffling through many members and releasing a fair amount of music in the process. But the experimental Chicago soul duo would prefer you view Tomorrow, their spacey and sensual new album, as their true starting point. “I finally feel comfortable giving this to somebody and saying, ‘This is what we do,'” says singer-guitarist Maceo Haymes, 29, who founded the group in 2008 with keyboardist Nick Hennessey, 28. “If you can’t get it now, then you’re probably never going to.
- 10/12/2018
- by Dan Hyman
- Rollingstone.com
Harlem’s Paradise is the place to be come June.
In “Luke Cage” Season 2, artists including Krs-One, Ghostface Killah, Faith Evans, Jadakiss, Stephen Marley, Gary Clark Jr., Esperanza Spalding, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Joi and DJ D-Nice will all appear in the superhero drama to perform at Mariah Dillard’s nightclub. Rakim will perform as well, contributing an original song to the series.
Composers Adrian Younge (Black Dynamite) and Ali Shaheed Muhammad of A Tribe Called Quest return to “Luke Cage” for its second season with a new score, and the performances will act as the backdrop for many of this season’s most intense scenes.
Also Read: Watch 'Luke Cage' Go Viral in New Season 2 Trailer (Video)
Season 2 will find Luke struggling with a new level of fame and facing off against new villain Bushmaster. You can watch the Season 2 trailer right over here.
The street-hero series is...
In “Luke Cage” Season 2, artists including Krs-One, Ghostface Killah, Faith Evans, Jadakiss, Stephen Marley, Gary Clark Jr., Esperanza Spalding, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Joi and DJ D-Nice will all appear in the superhero drama to perform at Mariah Dillard’s nightclub. Rakim will perform as well, contributing an original song to the series.
Composers Adrian Younge (Black Dynamite) and Ali Shaheed Muhammad of A Tribe Called Quest return to “Luke Cage” for its second season with a new score, and the performances will act as the backdrop for many of this season’s most intense scenes.
Also Read: Watch 'Luke Cage' Go Viral in New Season 2 Trailer (Video)
Season 2 will find Luke struggling with a new level of fame and facing off against new villain Bushmaster. You can watch the Season 2 trailer right over here.
The street-hero series is...
- 5/18/2018
- by Ashley Boucher
- The Wrap
Global recording artists and music hit machine, Black Eyed Peas will be participating in 2018 Sundance Film Festival with their entry, “Masters of the Sun-Virtual Reality Experience”, an official selection of the New Frontier Competition.
The multi-platform entertainment property is based on their first graphic novel, “Masters of the Sun – The Zombie Chronicles” (Marvel Comics). The band members will be participating in multiple activities, including attending the world premiere of “Masters of the Sun-Virtual Reality Experience” on January 19, 2018.
The graphic novel comes to life through Vr, featuring an all-star voice cast comprised of some of Hollywood and hip hop’s most authentic artists including Rakim, Queen Latifah, Jamie Foxx, Jason Isaacs, Slick Rick, and Krs-One. Stan Lee, 95 year old comic industry legend narrates, and the original score was co-produced by both Black Eyed Peas’ will.i.am and Academy Award-winning composer, Hans Zimmer (Dark Knight Trilogy, The Lion King).
As part of the planned events,...
The multi-platform entertainment property is based on their first graphic novel, “Masters of the Sun – The Zombie Chronicles” (Marvel Comics). The band members will be participating in multiple activities, including attending the world premiere of “Masters of the Sun-Virtual Reality Experience” on January 19, 2018.
The graphic novel comes to life through Vr, featuring an all-star voice cast comprised of some of Hollywood and hip hop’s most authentic artists including Rakim, Queen Latifah, Jamie Foxx, Jason Isaacs, Slick Rick, and Krs-One. Stan Lee, 95 year old comic industry legend narrates, and the original score was co-produced by both Black Eyed Peas’ will.i.am and Academy Award-winning composer, Hans Zimmer (Dark Knight Trilogy, The Lion King).
As part of the planned events,...
- 1/18/2018
- Look to the Stars
To most people, the name Charlie Ahearn doesn’t ring a bell. A relatively unsung filmmaker born and bred in New York City, Ahearn has only four directing credits to his name, spread out over a nearly 40 year career as director. However, few directors are as important to popular culture and particularly the spread of hip-hop culture as this bewilderingly influential filmmaker and cultural artist.
With the groundbreaking Wild Style, Ahearn would make what has become known as cinema’s first true hip-hop film. With names like Fab Five Freddy, Rock Steady crew and Grandmaster Flash as part of the cast, the film would mainly focus on a graffiti artist named Zoro, as he makes his way through the urban landscape that sparked the early moments of hip-hop culture. With that culture now becoming arguably the driving force in mainstream popular culture, Ahearn is a truly influential force. And thankfully,...
With the groundbreaking Wild Style, Ahearn would make what has become known as cinema’s first true hip-hop film. With names like Fab Five Freddy, Rock Steady crew and Grandmaster Flash as part of the cast, the film would mainly focus on a graffiti artist named Zoro, as he makes his way through the urban landscape that sparked the early moments of hip-hop culture. With that culture now becoming arguably the driving force in mainstream popular culture, Ahearn is a truly influential force. And thankfully,...
- 11/2/2015
- by Joshua Brunsting
- CriterionCast
Street-style photography seems almost pedestrian now, with blogs like The Sartorialist, Humans of New York or (my favorite) What Ali Wore popping up every day, but this wasn't the case when photographer Jamel Shabazz started snapping pics in the '70s. A friend of the artist says he was "capturing life in its purest form."
Shabazz depicted the history of his NYC borough, documenting the early days of hip-hop culture, the fashion and lifestyle he saw day-to-day in the subway or walking the streets of Brooklyn.
Jamel Shabazz Street Photographer (2013) delves into the photographer's influential work and follows some of his current-day activities. Director Charlie Ahearn's previous work includes 1983's Wild Style, a hip hop docudrama. In this film, Ahearn includes interviews with cultural figures such as Fab 5 Freddy and Krs-One among others.
Austin Film Society will show the Shabazz documentary this Sunday, Jan. 12 at 4pm [tickets] at Afs at the Marchesa.
Shabazz depicted the history of his NYC borough, documenting the early days of hip-hop culture, the fashion and lifestyle he saw day-to-day in the subway or walking the streets of Brooklyn.
Jamel Shabazz Street Photographer (2013) delves into the photographer's influential work and follows some of his current-day activities. Director Charlie Ahearn's previous work includes 1983's Wild Style, a hip hop docudrama. In this film, Ahearn includes interviews with cultural figures such as Fab 5 Freddy and Krs-One among others.
Austin Film Society will show the Shabazz documentary this Sunday, Jan. 12 at 4pm [tickets] at Afs at the Marchesa.
- 1/7/2014
- by Elizabeth Stoddard
- Slackerwood
So yes, you read that headline correctly. As if the apocalypse comedy "This Is The End" couldn't get more meta -- it's Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Jonah Hill, James Franco, Danny McBridge and Craig Robinson playing Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Jonah Hill, James Franco, Danny McBridge and Craig Robinson -- Franco is also on the soundtrack. Because, obviously. He's part of a band called Daddy, who get a track on here, but there's much more. With the movie now laughing in the face of the end times in theaters near you, we figured it's good time to get those soundtrack details out there because there is a good dose of tuneage in this movie. Mostly, it's hip hop flavored with Krs-One, Snoop Dogg, Cypress Hill and J-Kwon featured. But the cut many might be looking for is the song featured in the trailers, and it's "Watchu Want" by Belief & Karniege.
- 6/13/2013
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
Something awesome happened to TMZ on a random street corner in Hollywood last night ... and no, it didn't involve crack or hookers ... but rather hip hop legend Krs-One. The rap pioneer was coolin' off outside of Av club, where he had just performed a set ... when he decided to bless the TMZ camera with a Freestyle session ... right on the street!!! It's pretty cool -- check out the clip. Read more...
- 12/4/2012
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Hammersmith Apollo, London
Ice-t was always among the most charismatic of hip-hop's early stars, but who knew he was also such an assiduous historian? The former gangster rapper has interviewed almost 50 of his peers to chronicle the history of the genre in a tremendous new film, Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap, which received its European premiere here before some distinctly old-school live performances.
The movie focuses on the creative process behind hip-hop's most dextrous rhymes, with rappers from Krs-One to Eminem analysing their inspirations. In a sparky post-showing Q & A session, Ice-t claimed rap had paved the way for Barack Obama, and was effusive on his motivation for making the documentary: "It's simple – it's a love letter to hip-hop."
Firmly into middle age and all packing a paunch, four of rap's venerable icons then revisited their greatest moments in a section that came perilously close to being a...
Ice-t was always among the most charismatic of hip-hop's early stars, but who knew he was also such an assiduous historian? The former gangster rapper has interviewed almost 50 of his peers to chronicle the history of the genre in a tremendous new film, Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap, which received its European premiere here before some distinctly old-school live performances.
The movie focuses on the creative process behind hip-hop's most dextrous rhymes, with rappers from Krs-One to Eminem analysing their inspirations. In a sparky post-showing Q & A session, Ice-t claimed rap had paved the way for Barack Obama, and was effusive on his motivation for making the documentary: "It's simple – it's a love letter to hip-hop."
Firmly into middle age and all packing a paunch, four of rap's venerable icons then revisited their greatest moments in a section that came perilously close to being a...
- 7/20/2012
- by Ian Gittins
- The Guardian - Film News
Eminem's explanation like 'a scientist,' Ice-t tells 'RapFix Live' about his new documentary, 'Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap.'
By Nadeska Alexis, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Dr. Dre and Eminem
Photo:
Ice-t dug deep into his rolodex to bring out all-stars while filming his new documentary, "Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap." The film, which opened in theaters Friday, includes appearances from legends like Krs-One and Melle Mel, to current powerhouses like Dr. Dre and his protégé Eminem.During his recent visit to "RapFix Live," Ice-t discussed the process of putting the film together, explaining that Dr. Dre and Eminem both made important contributions to the finished product. Ice caught up with Dr. Dre at his California home for an important chat about hip-hop's past and present, during which he broke down the difference between writing regular rhymes and being able to craft a song,...
By Nadeska Alexis, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Dr. Dre and Eminem
Photo:
Ice-t dug deep into his rolodex to bring out all-stars while filming his new documentary, "Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap." The film, which opened in theaters Friday, includes appearances from legends like Krs-One and Melle Mel, to current powerhouses like Dr. Dre and his protégé Eminem.During his recent visit to "RapFix Live," Ice-t discussed the process of putting the film together, explaining that Dr. Dre and Eminem both made important contributions to the finished product. Ice caught up with Dr. Dre at his California home for an important chat about hip-hop's past and present, during which he broke down the difference between writing regular rhymes and being able to craft a song,...
- 6/18/2012
- MTV Music News
Music fans, rest assured. Tom Cruise, a bunch of garish costumes and set design, and the hair metal tunes from "Rock Of Ages" won't be your only option this weekend at the movies. For those looking for a more satisfying musical outing, head to your local arthouse for "Something From Nothing: The Art Of Rap," a documentary that explores the birth of hip hop and how it has turned into a global phenomenon.
Premiering earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival, the film is co-directed by Ice-t and Andy Baybutt ("The Band Aid Story") and takes an in-depth look at the craft of rhyming, with interviews from some of the biggest stars in rap, including Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Caz, Nas, Mos Def, Eminem, Chuck D, Krs-One, Run-dmc, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube and Snoop Dogg. And not only that, it's a great soundtrack to boot. Boastings artists like Nas, Wu-Tang Clan,...
Premiering earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival, the film is co-directed by Ice-t and Andy Baybutt ("The Band Aid Story") and takes an in-depth look at the craft of rhyming, with interviews from some of the biggest stars in rap, including Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Caz, Nas, Mos Def, Eminem, Chuck D, Krs-One, Run-dmc, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube and Snoop Dogg. And not only that, it's a great soundtrack to boot. Boastings artists like Nas, Wu-Tang Clan,...
- 6/11/2012
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
Check out this new featurette from the documentary Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap which Indomina Releasing sends to theatres on June 15th. Pic is helmed by Ice-t and co-directed by Andy Baybutt. Visually luscious and drenched with the big beats of classic cuts and freestyle rhyming by some of the masters of the music, Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap is a performance documentary about the runaway juggernaut that is Hip-Hop. At the wheel of this unstoppable beast is Ice-t, who takes us on a personal journey into the asphalt roots of the music that saved his life. This film is not about stardom, bling, or beef; it’s about craft and skill—what goes on inside the minds and erupts from the lips of rap legends. Ice-t travels from coast to coast, engaging intimately with the likes of Afrika Bambaataa, Eminem, Nas, Mos Def, Kanye West,...
- 5/30/2012
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Check out this new featurette from the documentary Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap which Indomina Releasing sends to theatres on June 15th. Pic is helmed by Ice-t and co-directed by Andy Baybutt. Visually luscious and drenched with the big beats of classic cuts and freestyle rhyming by some of the masters of the music, Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap is a performance documentary about the runaway juggernaut that is Hip-Hop. At the wheel of this unstoppable beast is Ice-t, who takes us on a personal journey into the asphalt roots of the music that saved his life. This film is not about stardom, bling, or beef; it’s about craft and skill—what goes on inside the minds and erupts from the lips of rap legends. Ice-t travels from coast to coast, engaging intimately with the likes of Afrika Bambaataa, Eminem, Nas, Mos Def, Kanye West,...
- 5/30/2012
- Upcoming-Movies.com
For fans of hip-hop it looks like the one documentary to rule them all is arriving this summer. Ice-t premiered Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap at Sundance this year to solid reviews and now the first trailer has arrived today. It looks to be a comprehensive look at not only the history of the genre, but its personal connection with today’s (and yesterday’s) greatest artists. The doc features (drumroll, please) Afrika Bambaataa, Big Daddy Kane, B-Real, Bun B, Chino Xl, Common, DJ Premier, Dmc, Doug E. Fresh, Dr. Dre, Eminem, Grandmaster Caz, Ice Cube, Immortal Technique, Joe Budden, Kanye West, Kool Keith, Krs-One, Lord Finesse, Lord Jamar, Marley Marl, Mc Lyte, Melle Mel, Nas, Puerto Rico, Q-Tip, Raekwon, Rakim and Ras Kass. Check it out below via Apple.
Synopsis:
Ice-t takes us on an intimate journey into the heart and soul of hip-hop with the legends of rap music.
Synopsis:
Ice-t takes us on an intimate journey into the heart and soul of hip-hop with the legends of rap music.
- 4/13/2012
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
Watch clips form the Something form Nothing: The Art of Rap documentary. Visually luscious and drenched with the big beats of classic cuts and freestyle rhyming by some of the masters of the music, Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap is a performance documentary about the runaway juggernaut that is Hip-Hop. At the wheel of this unstoppable beast is Ice-t, who takes us on a personal journey into the asphalt roots of the music that saved his life. This film is not about stardom, bling, or beef; it’s about craft and skill—what goes on inside the minds and erupts from the lips of rap legends. Ice-t travels from coast to coast, engaging intimately with the likes of Afrika Bambaataa, Eminem, Nas, Mos Def, Kanye West, Chuck D, Krs-One, Snoop Dogg, Run-dmc, and Ice Cube...
- 4/8/2012
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Watch clips form the Something form Nothing: The Art of Rap documentary. Visually luscious and drenched with the big beats of classic cuts and freestyle rhyming by some of the masters of the music, Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap is a performance documentary about the runaway juggernaut that is Hip-Hop. At the wheel of this unstoppable beast is Ice-t, who takes us on a personal journey into the asphalt roots of the music that saved his life. This film is not about stardom, bling, or beef; it’s about craft and skill—what goes on inside the minds and erupts from the lips of rap legends. Ice-t travels from coast to coast, engaging intimately with the likes of Afrika Bambaataa, Eminem, Nas, Mos Def, Kanye West, Chuck D, Krs-One, Snoop Dogg, Run-dmc, and Ice Cube...
- 4/8/2012
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Watch clips form the Something form Nothing: The Art of Rap documentary. Visually luscious and drenched with the big beats of classic cuts and freestyle rhyming by some of the masters of the music, Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap is a performance documentary about the runaway juggernaut that is Hip-Hop. At the wheel of this unstoppable beast is Ice-t, who takes us on a personal journey into the asphalt roots of the music that saved his life. This film is not about stardom, bling, or beef; it’s about craft and skill—what goes on inside the minds and erupts from the lips of rap legends. Ice-t travels from coast to coast, engaging intimately with the likes of Afrika Bambaataa, Eminem, Nas, Mos Def, Kanye West, Chuck D, Krs-One, Snoop Dogg, Run-dmc, and Ice Cube...
- 4/8/2012
- Upcoming-Movies.com
2 images from Ice-t's Something from Nothing: The Art of Wrap documentary. Indomina Releasing's music documentary helmed by Ice-t, and co-directed by Andy Baybutt, includes names like Afrika Bambaataa, Eminem, Nas, Mos Def, Kanye West, Chuck D, Krs-One, Snoop Dogg, Run-dmc, and Ice Cube among others. Visually luscious and drenched with the big beats of classic cuts and freestyle rhyming by some of the masters of the music, Something From Nothing: The Art Of Rap is a performance documentary about the runaway juggernaut that is Hip-Hop. At the wheel of this unstoppable beast is Ice-t, who takes us on a personal journey into the asphalt roots of the music that saved his life. This film is not about stardom, bling, or beef; it’s about craft and skill—what goes on inside the minds and erupts from the lips of rap legends...
- 3/28/2012
- Upcoming-Movies.com
2 images from Ice-t's Something from Nothing: The Art of Wrap documentary. Indomina Releasing's music documentary helmed by Ice-t, and co-directed by Andy Baybutt, includes names like Afrika Bambaataa, Eminem, Nas, Mos Def, Kanye West, Chuck D, Krs-One, Snoop Dogg, Run-dmc, and Ice Cube among others. Visually luscious and drenched with the big beats of classic cuts and freestyle rhyming by some of the masters of the music, Something From Nothing: The Art Of Rap is a performance documentary about the runaway juggernaut that is Hip-Hop. At the wheel of this unstoppable beast is Ice-t, who takes us on a personal journey into the asphalt roots of the music that saved his life. This film is not about stardom, bling, or beef; it’s about craft and skill—what goes on inside the minds and erupts from the lips of rap legends...
- 3/28/2012
- Upcoming-Movies.com
2 images from Ice-t's Something from Nothing: The Art of Wrap documentary. Indomina Releasing's music documentary helmed by Ice-t, and co-directed by Andy Baybutt, includes names like Afrika Bambaataa, Eminem, Nas, Mos Def, Kanye West, Chuck D, Krs-One, Snoop Dogg, Run-dmc, and Ice Cube among others. Visually luscious and drenched with the big beats of classic cuts and freestyle rhyming by some of the masters of the music, Something From Nothing: The Art Of Rap is a performance documentary about the runaway juggernaut that is Hip-Hop. At the wheel of this unstoppable beast is Ice-t, who takes us on a personal journey into the asphalt roots of the music that saved his life. This film is not about stardom, bling, or beef; it’s about craft and skill—what goes on inside the minds and erupts from the lips of rap legends...
- 3/28/2012
- Upcoming-Movies.com
The Indomina Group has acquired worldwide rights to Ice-t’s documentary “Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap,” the company said Sunday. The sales price was not disclosed. In the performance movie, Ice-t travels across the country, working with Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Caz, Nas, Mos Def, Eminem, Chuck D, Krs-One, Run-dmc, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube and Snoop Dogg. The movie, which Ice-t directed with Andy Baybutt, is a personal story of the music that saved Ice-t’s life. “Something From Nothing” shows the craft and skill of rap and explores what goes on inside the minds...
- 1/30/2012
- by Joshua L. Weinstein
- The Wrap
Park City, Utah — Hip-hop is making itself heard – and seen – at the Sundance Film Festival.
Along with a slew of performances by rappers and DJs around town, this year's festival includes documentary and narrative films about hip-hop culture.
"It's a beautiful thing to see," said Luther Campbell of 2 Live Crew fame, who stars in a short film playing at the festival called "The Life and Freaky Times of Uncle Luke." "When you look at the success of Ice Cube and Will Smith, these are traditional hip-hop guys that are very successful in the movie business, so it's a great thing and I'm happy for all the other guys who are here."
Rapper-actor Ice-t made his directorial debut at Sundance with the documentary "Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap," which features interviews with hip-hop artists such as Grandmaster Flash, Eminem, Mos Def, Run-dmc, Krs-One, Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube.
Ice-t...
Along with a slew of performances by rappers and DJs around town, this year's festival includes documentary and narrative films about hip-hop culture.
"It's a beautiful thing to see," said Luther Campbell of 2 Live Crew fame, who stars in a short film playing at the festival called "The Life and Freaky Times of Uncle Luke." "When you look at the success of Ice Cube and Will Smith, these are traditional hip-hop guys that are very successful in the movie business, so it's a great thing and I'm happy for all the other guys who are here."
Rapper-actor Ice-t made his directorial debut at Sundance with the documentary "Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap," which features interviews with hip-hop artists such as Grandmaster Flash, Eminem, Mos Def, Run-dmc, Krs-One, Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube.
Ice-t...
- 1/26/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Trailblazing the way for more rap documentaries just as A Tribe Called Quest did for its genre’s musical potential, Beats Rhymes & Life is a passion project by first-time director Michael Rapaport that goes deep into how important the quartet was during the ’90s. As heard in both underground and mainstream rap acts today, the influence of the group (who included members Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, and Jarobi White) is still prominent.
I sat down with first-time director Rapaport and Atcq member Phife Dawg to discuss the group’s influence on modern culture, the small existence of rap documentaries, the excitement of rap music in the ’80s, and more.
Beats Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest opens in Chicago on July 15.
There’s a lot of talk in this documentary about respect and influence. Is that an important component to musical history? Are financial numbers equal,...
I sat down with first-time director Rapaport and Atcq member Phife Dawg to discuss the group’s influence on modern culture, the small existence of rap documentaries, the excitement of rap music in the ’80s, and more.
Beats Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest opens in Chicago on July 15.
There’s a lot of talk in this documentary about respect and influence. Is that an important component to musical history? Are financial numbers equal,...
- 7/14/2011
- by Nick Allen
- The Scorecard Review
Chris Rock is a highly entertaining anchor man for this engaging documentary about African-Americans and the hair industry
Perhaps the most pleasant surprise of the week is this wildly entertaining documentary fronted by comedian Chris Rock, an exploration of African-American identity through the medium of hair.
Rock marvels open-mouthed at the excesses of the (mostly white-owned) $9bn black hair industry, visiting barbershops, Atlanta hair shows, salons and celebrities. At a factory, he stirs a huge vat of hair relaxer, which takes the curl out of afro hair, asking how much the chemical goo is worth. "So, this would last Prince about a month?" he laughs.
For America's black women, he discovers, relaxer is "creamy crack", an addictive chemical habit which practically burns out their very identity as African-Americans. "Good hair," he learns, "is straight hair." Oddly, this straightening is referred to as a "perm". When I was growing up, the son of a hairdresser,...
Perhaps the most pleasant surprise of the week is this wildly entertaining documentary fronted by comedian Chris Rock, an exploration of African-American identity through the medium of hair.
Rock marvels open-mouthed at the excesses of the (mostly white-owned) $9bn black hair industry, visiting barbershops, Atlanta hair shows, salons and celebrities. At a factory, he stirs a huge vat of hair relaxer, which takes the curl out of afro hair, asking how much the chemical goo is worth. "So, this would last Prince about a month?" he laughs.
For America's black women, he discovers, relaxer is "creamy crack", an addictive chemical habit which practically burns out their very identity as African-Americans. "Good hair," he learns, "is straight hair." Oddly, this straightening is referred to as a "perm". When I was growing up, the son of a hairdresser,...
- 6/26/2010
- by Jason Solomons
- The Guardian - Film News
"Good Hair" is currently available on DVD.
The humorous documentary by legendary standup comedian Chris Rock was released on home format on February 16 through Lions Gate Films. The exploration of follicle-based cultural differences comes complete with special features.
Rock was inspired to make a movie by one question: "How come I don't have good hair?" The question came from his young daughter, Lola, and this youthful inquiry prompted the comic to take it seriously by setting out on a cross-country trip to figure out what America thinks about the difference in hair quality between African-Americans and that of women of other races. Visiting locales ranging from upscale beauty parlors to science labs to Indian temples, Rock pushes the boundaries on commentary of women of his own culture, touching upon such issues as financial limitations and self-esteem in his journey.
Directed by Rock's friend and fellow standup comic Jeff Stilson, the...
The humorous documentary by legendary standup comedian Chris Rock was released on home format on February 16 through Lions Gate Films. The exploration of follicle-based cultural differences comes complete with special features.
Rock was inspired to make a movie by one question: "How come I don't have good hair?" The question came from his young daughter, Lola, and this youthful inquiry prompted the comic to take it seriously by setting out on a cross-country trip to figure out what America thinks about the difference in hair quality between African-Americans and that of women of other races. Visiting locales ranging from upscale beauty parlors to science labs to Indian temples, Rock pushes the boundaries on commentary of women of his own culture, touching upon such issues as financial limitations and self-esteem in his journey.
Directed by Rock's friend and fellow standup comic Jeff Stilson, the...
- 2/17/2010
- icelebz.com
Law Abiding Citizen: "Law Abiding Citizen is a terrible movie, but it didn't have to be. I suppose you could say that about a lot of films, but this one in particular dabbled in a few ideas that were above its pay grade, so to speak. It hinted at being a film about our judicial system, about exposing its flaws, about breaking them open and revealing the sometimes ethically and morally insidious nature of the law, and the way efficiency often trumps justice. But it never digs into those ideas, instead devolving into a clunky and ham-fisted action-thriller that eschews logic in favor of hollow sentiment and a body count." - Dustin Rowles
Good Hair: "If there has to be a voice for black culture, you could do worse than Chris Rock. In answering an innocent inquiry from his four-year-old daughter about her hair, Rock finds answers that are beautiful,...
Good Hair: "If there has to be a voice for black culture, you could do worse than Chris Rock. In answering an innocent inquiry from his four-year-old daughter about her hair, Rock finds answers that are beautiful,...
- 2/16/2010
- by Intern Rusty
No sleep 'til Brooklyn. During rush hour, it takes about 90 minutes to get from Manhattan to Bk, but horrendous traffic couldn't deter stars current and past from the Def Jam label from traveling to the world's most popular borough for VH1's sixth annual "Hip-Hop Honors." Right in the heart of Crooklyn at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the red carpet for the event was filled with heat (literally — it felt like it was about 120 degrees) and love.
Krs-One must have hugged former Def Jam franchise player Dmx on the carpet. The Blastmaster said a definitive "Him!" and pointed to X when asked who was one of the artists that defined the label over the years.
Meanwhile, there's clearly no more bad blood between Ashanti and Ja Rule, as she smiled brightly when talking about performing with her former Murder Inc. labelmate.
Ludacris arrived with Player's Circle and Titi Boy...
Krs-One must have hugged former Def Jam franchise player Dmx on the carpet. The Blastmaster said a definitive "Him!" and pointed to X when asked who was one of the artists that defined the label over the years.
Meanwhile, there's clearly no more bad blood between Ashanti and Ja Rule, as she smiled brightly when talking about performing with her former Murder Inc. labelmate.
Ludacris arrived with Player's Circle and Titi Boy...
- 9/24/2009
- by Shaheem Reid
- MTV Newsroom
LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Beastie Boys, other label greats are honored at annual event, which airs on VH1 October 13.
By Shaheem Reid
Eminem on stage at the 2009 VH1 Hip Hop Honors
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage
Brooklyn, New York — For five years, VH1's "Hip Hop Honors" has paid homage to legendary hip-hop figures, from Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur to Big Daddy Kane. For their sixth show, which taped Wednesday night at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (and airs on VH1 on October 13), the event's organizers dedicated the entire program to a record label, the trailblazing house for hip-hop and R&B, Def Jam.
It's only right that the first Def Jam artist to be honored was the label's foundation and face for so many years, LL Cool J.
The Roots started it off with "Rock the Bells." Black Thought ripped the first verse of the record, then gave...
By Shaheem Reid
Eminem on stage at the 2009 VH1 Hip Hop Honors
Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage
Brooklyn, New York — For five years, VH1's "Hip Hop Honors" has paid homage to legendary hip-hop figures, from Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur to Big Daddy Kane. For their sixth show, which taped Wednesday night at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (and airs on VH1 on October 13), the event's organizers dedicated the entire program to a record label, the trailblazing house for hip-hop and R&B, Def Jam.
It's only right that the first Def Jam artist to be honored was the label's foundation and face for so many years, LL Cool J.
The Roots started it off with "Rock the Bells." Black Thought ripped the first verse of the record, then gave...
- 9/24/2009
- MTV Music News
Plus: Killer Mike says nobody's bringing hardcore back because he's been keeping it street all along, in Mixtape Daily.
By Shaheem Reid, with additional reporting by Jayson Rodriguez
The Game
Photo: MTV News
The Overdose: A Mixtape Daily Exclusive
Your boys are back at it. Hiatus is done. Today we had to put Firestarter on the back burner to bring you this testimonial from none other than the Game. Big Hurricane sat down with us in the lab where he's recording his R.E.D. Album. And, in addition to speaking about the project, he wanted to tell us and the entire world that there's no more 50 Cent beef. He's said it before, no doubt, but this time the Compton rhyme beast says he's dead serious — unless he changes his mind. Game compared his beef with Fif and the G-Unit to an airplane. (Is that private or commercial? Just kidding.
By Shaheem Reid, with additional reporting by Jayson Rodriguez
The Game
Photo: MTV News
The Overdose: A Mixtape Daily Exclusive
Your boys are back at it. Hiatus is done. Today we had to put Firestarter on the back burner to bring you this testimonial from none other than the Game. Big Hurricane sat down with us in the lab where he's recording his R.E.D. Album. And, in addition to speaking about the project, he wanted to tell us and the entire world that there's no more 50 Cent beef. He's said it before, no doubt, but this time the Compton rhyme beast says he's dead serious — unless he changes his mind. Game compared his beef with Fif and the G-Unit to an airplane. (Is that private or commercial? Just kidding.
- 7/2/2009
- MTV Music News
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