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Title: CB4 (1993)
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| 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 (as Charles Q. Murphy) | |
| Khandi Alexander | ... | Sissy | |
| Art Evans | ... | Albert Sr. | |
| 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 | |
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... Written by Murray Chapman <muzzle@cs.uq.oz.au>
This is by far one of Chris Rock's best works to date, and it's his first starring role! This movie has tons of talent, a tight plot (okay - you need a good ability to suspend your disbelief), and a palpable message.
It quickly became something of an underground classic as the early 90s launched the careers of many gangster rap artists. This movie does a great job of parodying the rise and fall of a gangster rap group.
It's got a unique urban flavor and is loaded with perhaps more race-driven humor than others may think necessary (many many MANY racial stereotypes are exploited in this movie, such as a local restaurant called "Big Ass Biscuit" where the young rappers frequented). However, it's done in a very tongue-in-cheek manner and the overall effect is hilarious, not heinous.
The addition to the cast of Chris Elliot playing the role of "A. White", the rapumentary's director, is brilliant. Elliot is great at playing a white fanboy who lands the job of working for his new favorite rap group, and he fumbles through the movie as only Chris Elliot can.
Phil Hartman is equally funny as Virgil Robinson, a local politician who tries to use CB4's profanity as his new platform for re-election (meanwhile, his son is addicted to CB4's music and image). The interaction between Virgil and his son in this manner represents how many parents viewed rap music as their children began to listen to it.
This movie is laden with parodies too numerous to list. The soundtrack is also quite good (if you like rap music at all) and includes the song "Sweat of my Balls" - a song featured in the movie (also hysterical, complete with a stage show of large testicles being dropped from the ceiling onto the crowd).
If you aren't easily offended, this movie is VERY entertaining. If you are able to look beyond the veneer of racial overtones and profanity, it also has a few points to make about the origins of "fake" gangster rap groups and their image.
Look for underrated performances by Tyrone Granderson Jones as "40 Dog", Richard Gant as "Baa Baa Ack" and Charles Q. Murphy as "Gusto".
I CAN'T WAIT for this to be released on DVD - if it ever will be...