The hip-hop genre has been around for over 50 years. This fact notwithstanding, the genre’s history may easily be bypassed if not told properly.
The best way to get a story across to a large number of people nowadays is through films, documentaries, and other motion picture avenues.
Some of these nuanced stories give you a better understanding of the sounds and the individuals behind the genre.
There are a few old and new documentaries about hip-hop and rappers that teach something new about some of our favorite artistes.
A few days ago, Megan Thee Stallion announced her very own documentary, “In Her Word.”
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It is therefore well fitting that we put together a list of six documentaries you should add to your watchlist as we wait for all upcoming documentaries.
Nas: Time Is Illmatic
Time Is Illmatic is about the creation of one of the greatest albums ever made The impact of Time is Illmatic was an interesting dive into Nas’ emotional inspiration.
The documentary did mythologize Nas’s story.
Tupac: Resurrection
Lauren Lazin directed Tupac: Resurrection in 2003 before Allen Hughes created the documentary, “Dear Mama.”
The documentary explored poetically the impoverished origins and perilous rise of the late rapper.
The Oscar-nominated doc was posthumously narrated by Tupac through archival interview footage, with standout scenes being from his time at Baltimore School for the Arts and one of his last MTV News appearances before his untimely 1996 murder.
Lil Wayne: The Carter
This documentary gave rap fans a peek into Lil Wayne’s life one week leading up to, and then one week after, the release of the Tha Carter III album.
The Adam Bhala Lough-directed documentary gave a fascinating insight into the man without him ever speaking to the camera.
Biggie & Tupac
This 2001 investigative documentary takes a look into the deaths of Tupac and Biggie
The film directed by Nick Broomfield is said to have carried some of that true crime sleaze with it.
Nick didn’t mind putting cameras in people’s faces, making it seem as though he lacked appreciation for the culture he was covering.
He, however, ended up producing a film that presented the events of Biggie and Tupac’s lives in a more compelling way than either biopic.
Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words
TIME Studios, Roc Nation, and Amazon MGM Studios are onboard collectively to produce the documentary surrounding Grammy Award winner, Megan Thee Stallion.
In Her Words” will offer fans “unprecedented” behind-the-scenes access into the “woman behind the persona,” according to the press release.
It is also set to delve into Meg’s most vulnerable moments as she navigates life as a superstar rapper.
Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest
In 2011, five years before the death of A.T.C.Q. member Phife Dawg, Michael Rapaport directed a documentary, “Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest.
The documentary treks into the generation-defining hip-hop universe of the legendary rap group and their comeback on the 2008 Rock the Bells Tour.
