CB4 (1993)

A guy makes a documentary of the rap band CB4 by following them. CB4 got popular by stealing Gusto's name, background and image. He wants them dead.

Director:

Tamra Davis

Writers:

Chris Rock (story), Nelson George (story)

Stars:

Chris Rock, Allen Payne, Deezer D

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Chris Rock	...	Albert / MC Gusto
Allen Payne	...	Euripides / Dead Mike
Deezer D	...	Otis / Stab Master Arson
Chris Elliott	...	A. White
Phil Hartman	...	Virgil Robinson
Charlie Murphy	...	Gusto
Khandi Alexander	...	Sissy
Art Evans	...	Albert Sr. (as Arthur Evans)
Theresa Randle	...	Eve
Willard E. Pugh	...	Trustus
Ty Granderson Jones	...	40 Dog (as Tyrone Granderson Jones)
Rachel True	...	Daliha
Victor Wilson	...	Lt. Davenport
Richard Gant	...	Baa Baa Ack
J.D. Daniels	...	Ben

Storyline

A "rapumentary", covering the rise to fame of MC Gusto, Stab Master Arson, and Dead Mike: members of the rap group "CB4". We soon learn that these three are not what they seem and don't apear to know as much about rap music as they claim... but a lack of musical ability in an artist never hurts sales, does it? You've just got to play the part of a rap star...

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Plot Keywords:

singing | satirical | parody | rap | rap music | 

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Taglines:

Sex, Rhymes and keepin' it real.

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Genres:

Comedy | Music

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong language, and for sexuality and drug content

Did You Know?

Trivia

Charlie Murphy, who plays Gusto and is Eddie Murphy's older brother, told stories of his misadventures as a part of Eddie's entourage while on the set of this film. Those stories, which featured encounters with Prince and Rick James, would later be featured on Chappelle's Show as Charlie Murphy's True Hollywood Stories. Chris Rock revealed this in an interview years after Chappelle's Show ended and said he wished he had thought of the idea.

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Goofs

Rachel True (Albert's girlfriend) calls him Arthur instead of Albert on the stairs of the scene at his mother's house.

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Quotes

Albert Sr.: You ain't tough. There are real some kids out there that are going to kick your narrow ass. You ain't from the street, I'm from the street. And only somebody who wasn't would think it was something to glorify.

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Crazy Credits

After the credits Chris Rock is shown playing Cheap Pete who asks a newspaper vendor how much a newspaper costs. When he finds out it's too expensive he asks to pay 15 cents and for the vendor to read him the good news.

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Alternate Versions

FX Network TV version includes one additional scene showing the real M.C. Gusto breaking out of jail; in this scene you see M.C. Gusto and a white inmate in a golf course and the white guy says dumb comments and subsequently gets knocked out.

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Connections

Referenced in 4th Annual VH1 Hip-Hop Honors (2007)

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Soundtracks

Wackee Dee is in the House
Written by Daddy-O, Bill Stephney and Nelson George
Performed by Wackee Dee and Catrina Powell
Kool Moe Dee appears courtesy of Jive Records

User Reviews

Fairly on-point parody of the rap industry.....

When CB4 lampoons the rap industry (and its image in white society), this movie really rolls. When it goes back to the 'plot' of the film (involving some jailed gangster and his revenge on CB4), you might have to fight to stay awake. Thankfully, the first hour of the movie is content to be a satire, and takes many well-aimed shots at 'gangsta rap' and the stereotypes it perpetrates. However, as soon as CB4 begin to wonder what they've become, you might want to hit the ol' fast-forward button. (Melodrama and cliched plot are murder for satires.) Chris Rock is funny as always, and the rest of the cast is surprisingly solid.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 March 1993 (USA)

Also Known As:

CB4

Filming Locations:

Panorama City, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$6,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$6,122,450, 14 March 1993

Gross USA:

$17,953,778

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$17,953,778

Company Credits

Production Co:

Imagine Entertainment, Universal Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

89 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1