Since the beginning of hip-hop on wax back in 1979, this art form that was initially thought to be a fad, has grown in stature on a global level and with that kind of success, Hollywood is sure to come calling. As we prepare for the release of F. Gary Gray’s N.W.A. biopic, Straight Outta Compton, we take a look back at some of the best films of this genre.
Many of the movies on the list hold a sentimental attachment that still lingers to this day. While the industry is global these days, some of these stories helped build not only the foundation of the culture but served as the introduction for a generation of filmmakers. There was plenty of heated debate about what constitutes a rap / hip-hop film. Our team decided that there would be no documentaries on this list and we would just concentrate on feature films. In addition, they had to be about the culture, influential to the development of the art form or help birth the genre.
As there are contrasting styles of hip-hop culture and rappers of all ethnicities, the same hold true for stories about and starring rappers. We didn’t take a scattershot approach to this list, instead of concentrating not just on quantity but on the quality. We had several very detailed discussion over the worthiness of several films, but we decided that we would waive the release date in order to compile the strongest list of films available now. There were several films that were notable that didn’t make the cut including Notorious, Breakin, Tougher Than Leather and Who’s the Man. In addition, there were films that didn’t qualify as “hip-hop” films, among them were Friday, Boyz ‘N the Hood, Menace II Society, ATL, and Do the Right Thing.
SEE ALSO: Reel Shorts | Straight Outta Compton
Just as we can debate styles, rhymes, tracks and historical importance of some these films, there is no denying the continued staying power of the art form and its vital role in cinema. Something tells me that watching the “World’s Most Dangerous Group” stomping the streets of Compton will only build on this impressive legacy.
A special shout out to my esteemed panel of judges: Julian Lytle, host of Ignorance Bliss, freelance hip-hop blogger and podcaster, Maurice James, and noted hip-hop head music executive, Danielle Lott who assisted on this endeavor that was not easy by any stretch of the imagination.
Without further ado, here is our list of the Top Fifteen Hip-Hop Movies – feel free to discuss it among yourselves:
15. Dope (2015)
The opposite end of Brown Sugar for this generation, this film is for the children of that era that didn’t experience the 1990s. While it has many of the elements of earlier rap films, it is updated and includes a look of what is rap music today, with the help of their band (a take-off of producer Pharell Williams and Chad Hugo’s group, N.E.R.D.). The film features a solid performance from A.S.A.P. Rocky as well as the throwback sexiness of Zoe Kravitz, channeling her mother Lisa Bonet. A wonderful debut performance from Shameik Moore and nice turns from Tony Revolori (The Grand Budapest Hotel) and Kiersey Clemons. The film ushers in a new era of hip-hop, as well as a fresh updated cinematic take of West Coast rap.
14. Fear of a Black Hat (1994)
Circulated for several years before its release among Hollywood executives, Fear of A Black Hat was the first successful hip-hop satire. Written, produced and directed and starring Rusty Cundieff, this uproarious hip-hop This is Spinal Tap, got its title from the Public Enemy album, “Fear of a Black Planet.” The film is a comedic mockumentary depicting the perspective of a filmmaker (Kasi Lemmons) as she trails a hardcore gangsta rap group called N.W.H. (“Niggaz With Hats”), a play on the name of the popular group N.W.A. The film also included an album of faux hip-hop tracks that spoofed the music of Snoop Dogg, Public Enemy, Run-DMC and others.
13. CB4 (1993)
Life-long hip-hop fans Chris Rock and Nelson George penned this hilarious spoof of and “NWA-type” rap group in this film that has developed into a cult classic since its release back in 1993. The film follows a fictional rap group named CB4, named after the prison block in which the group was allegedly formed (Cell Block 4). The movie primarily parodies the rap group N.W.A. among other gangsta rap aspects, and contains short segments featuring celebrities and musicians such as Halle Berry, Eazy-E, the Butthole Surfers, Ice-T, Ice Cube, Flavor Flav, and Shaquille O’Neal. Both this film, as well as Fear of a Black Hat were financial misses at the box office showing that both were too far ahead of their respective times for young rap audiences.
12. Get Rich or Die Tryin’ (2005)
One of two films on this list that heavily borrow from Prince’s Purple Rain-template is this biopic of Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. This story, which captures the mythological rise of “Fiddy,” encapsulates where he was at the time, smartly showing his character on the come-up. The film is notable for the fact that Samuel L. Jackson turned down the role to star opposite of Jackson, citing his inexperience and not wanting to lend credibility to his performance. Also, one of two films on this list featuring Terrence Howard.
11. Wild Style (1983)
Widely regarded as the first hip-hop motion picture, this snapshot film perfectly captures the feel, atmosphere and attitude of the dawn of New York hip-hop in the early 1980s. The film highlighted the foundation of hip-hop culture, expertly introducing the four elements: MCing, DJing, Breaking, and Graffiti. Early pioneers and seminal figures from that period, including Fab Five Freddy, Lee Quiñones, Lady Pink, the Rock Steady Crew, The Cold Crush Brothers, Queen Lisa Lee of Zulu Nation, Grandmaster Flash and Zephyr, as well as noted New York graffiti artist “Lee” George Quiñones, were featured in this landmark film.
10. Belly (1998)
Hype Williams’ directorial debut brought a highly stylized “noir-like” visual design and cinematography quality to this story, which featured two of hip-hop’s most highly regarding MCs, Nas and DMX, together on screen. Also in the cast was one of Shaolin’s frontmen, Method Man, who also brought authenticity to his supporting characterization. Much like Purple Rain, Belly feels like a feature-length video that just HAPPENS to be a movie. Each character in the film played an exaggerated caricature of their own personas, including TLC’s Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, dancehall artist Louie Rankin and Taral Hicks.
9. Hustle and Flow (2005)
This ode to Southern hip-hop finds Oscar-nominated actor Terrence Howard’s finest performance on screen. Howard’s character, DJay is a paradox of a stereotype, a struggling pimp with a small stable of women scuffling to get by who has a dream of becoming an MC. Featuring an all-star cast, including Taraji P. Henson, Tara Manning and Paula Jai Parker, Ludacris, Elise Neal, Isaac Hayes and Anthony Anderson who are all solid in the story that feels like the prequel for the highly-successful show, Empire. The second film to feature a Best Original Song Oscar winner, “It’s Hard Out There For a Pimp.”
8. 8 Mile (2002)
The compelling biopic of Detroit-rapper, Eminem finds the talented artist pulling off the feat of effectively playing himself. The battle raps sequences were unprecedented and some of the best caught on film. The film features an equally successful group of supporting performances including, Mekhi Phifer, Anthony Mackie and Brittany Murphy, and Kim Basinger. Eminem’s battle anthem, “Lose Yourself,” became the first rap song to win a Best Original Song Oscar.
7. Krush Groove (1985)
The film focuses on the early days and the rise of Def-Jam Records. While the plot of the film is basic at best, it is memorable for featuring many of the top rap stars of its day, including Run-DMC, as well as the first appearance of LL Cool J, plus the Fat Boys, the Beastie Boys, Blair Underwood, famed producer Rick Rubin and Sheila E. The fact that everyone in the film played themselves except Russell Simmons, is also a strange point of contention. Not a great film but a wonderful look at the foundation of hip-hop.
6. Brown Sugar (2002)
An adult hip-hop tale that chronicles a young rap fan who becomes a noted rap music writer and critic Sid Shaw (Sanaa Lathan) who falls in love with her fellow childhood rap fan, now a music executive, Andre “Dre” Ellis (Taye Diggs). Common’s song, I Used to Love Her sets the stage for much of the music drama, which includes Mos Def, Queen Latifah and solid performances from Nicole Ari Parker, Boris Kodjoe and stars Lathan and Diggs. Plenty of notable cameos of 1980s rap stars (Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, Dana Dane, Big Daddy Kane, Kool J. Rap, Black Thought and others).
5. Paid in Full (2002)
Based on the true story of a group of Harlem friends and drug dealers, Alpo Martinez, Rich Porter and AZ Faison, Charles Stone III’s classic cautionary tale of success, jealousy, greed and retribution is the quintessential hip-hop American capitalistic movie. Ace (Wood Harris), Mitch (Mekhi Phifer) and Rico (Cam’ron) are trying to hold on to their turf fighting off all enemies. Harris transitioned from this role to playing another drug kingpin, Avon Barksdale in The Wire, while Cam’ron earned raves as the treacherous “Killer Cam,” in the most successful Roc-A-Fella film to date.
4. Beat Street (1984)
Taking the essence of Wild Style and polishing it up for general audiences was director Stan Latham and producer Harry Belafonte’s goal that they successfully created for this classic hip-hop story. Set in the South Bronx, the film follows the lives of a pair of brothers and their group of friends, all of whom are devoted to various elements of early hip-hop culture. The film is noted for an early appearance by rappers Sequence (featuring a young Angie Stone), Grandmaster Melle Mel and the Treacherous Three (featuring a young Kool Moe Dee). Early ’80s “it-girl,” Rae Dawn Chong brings the sexy to this funky, romantic tale.
3. Juice (1992)
The movie that seemingly launched Tupac Shakur into music and movie orbit is director Ernest Dickerson’s classic story. The film touches on the lives of four youths growing up in Harlem. It follows the day-to-day activities in the young men’s lives starting out as innocent mischief but growing more serious as time passes by. It also focuses on the struggles that these young men must go through daily as well, such as police harassment, rival neighborhood gangs, and their families. Tupac’s performance of Bishop was so well played that he would be closely associated with this persona for the remainder of his life. The film is anchored by a soundtrack featuring heavyweights such as Eric B. and Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Naughty By Nature, EPMD and others.
2. House Party (1990)
Originally written as a vehicle for Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince, this turned into the best Kid and Play film in their catalog. The story expertly captures the lives of friends, Christopher “Kid” Reid and Christopher “Play” Martin, who are only interested in girls and partying, but Kid must find a way to avoid his stern disciplinarian dad (the late Robin Harris). Notable also for it’s scathing, comedic take on law enforcement that is relevant today. Excellent party scenes and dynamic supporting performances from Robin Harris, Full Force, Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, A.J. Johnson and Chill Mitchell.
1. New Jack City (1991)
The “Black” Scarface that continues to live in hip-hop lore focuses on a group of “New Jack” cops (Ice-T and Judd Nelson) trying to take down a powerful drug lord, Nino Brown (Wesley). The first serious film about the inner-city drug culture, how drugs were sold and marketed. Snipes gives his most memorable performance searing his memorable portrayal into the minds of moviegoers. Still held in high regard by this generation of rappers – witness Lil’ Wayne’s The Carter, Cash Money Records, as well as Murder Inc. (wanted Cash Money Records, but Baby beat them to it), and countless other references.