A hip hop DVD can take many forms: a mixtape collection, freestyle battles, abdominal workouts, etc. Here, were taking a look at the best movies based on hip hop; from gritty street dramas to stories of making it in the music business, heres the best hip hop DVD releases ever:
Wild Style – A great reflection of hip hop when it was still growing up and a must see for any aspiring rapper. You get to see what freestyles in the park were like and how rappers used to perform (e.g. more call and response, crowd rocking, etc.).
Breakin – This movie did for breakdancing what 8 Mile did for freestyle battles; it really brought dancing into the mainstream, resulting in countless new kids trying to learn breaking, popping and locking.
Beat Street – The best all around hip movie, period. Unlike other DVD releases in this list, Beat Street successfully displayed the four elements: Rappers, DJs, B-Boys and Graffiti. This is the Holy Grail of movies, and one of my favorites.
Boyz In The Hood – OK, so technically this isnt a true hip hop DVD release, but with Ice CUbe as a leading man, it counts. Cuba Gooding Jrs role is dead on, and director John Singleton turned in his best effort with this hard edge, gritty urban drama about getting out of a bad situation with the gifts you were given. While not my favorite on this list, it is perhaps the best film overall, in terms of writing, acting and directing.
8 Mile – Freestyle battles used to draw dozens of people in most places. After this movie came out, those same battles drew hundreds and brought a new level of respect for freestyle MCs. The story of B. Rabbit (Eminem) fighting for his dream of rap success is a lot better than most critics give it credit for. Sure, the final battle scene seemed a bit contrived, but overall, you cannot deny the positive impact this had on hip hop in general.
Juice – Tupacs best acting performance, hands down. His character Bishop was scarier than any guy in Boyz In The Hood (which is saying a lot). Many would argue that Poetic Justice was his best film, but Juice really hit home with me as a solid, well crafted story of growing up in the ghetto.
These hip hop DVD releases are among the best Ive seen for their portrayal of hip hop in its purest form.
Enough With Movies, Can You Rap For Real? Get Your Very Own Free 15 page freestyle rap guide and start improving your raps today! “Yes! teach me how to rap!