THE BEST HIP-HOP MOVIES OF ALL TIME

“KRUSH GROOVE” 1985
One of the reasons anyone is writing about hip-hop these days is, without question, Def Jam Recordings. Nowadays home to Rihanna, Kanye West, Big Sean, and Young Jeezy, among others, Def Jam was responsible for introducing seminal acts Public Enemy, Run-DMC, the Beastie Boys, and LL Cool J. “Krush Groove” fixes the lens on the early days of the legendary label. Though it’s a fictionalized account, it provides an excellent look at the first true majorly successful hip-hop label, the house that Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin built.

“SOMETHING FROM NOTHING: THE ART OF RAP” 2012
The newest entry on this list, “Something from Nothing,” is best described by Ice-T’s opening line: “I really felt I had to do this movie because rap music saved my life. When I first heard rap, it just blew my mind.” As director, Ice-T eschewed the academic approach and took viewers on a personal journey through not just his eyes, but also that of several-dozen emcees. Ranging from older acts like Afrika Bambaataa to modern-day superstar Kanye West, “Something from Nothing” has something for everyone.

“BEAT STREET”1984
Long before the flash of “You Got Served,” the movie “Beat Street” was introducing the world to the visual appeal of hip-hop like breakdancing and graffiti. The movie is famous for featuring a battle between the New York City Breakers and Rock Steady Crew, both of which now carry legendary status. Like so many films on this list, this movie is about the come-up. The characters are all trying to find their role in the world as DJs, graffiti artists, dancers, or emcees. Choc-full of great cameos from Doug E. Fresh, DJ Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, “Beat Street” is an essential take on street life in the hip-hop generation.

“HUSTLE & FLOW” 2005
In 2005, southern hip-hop had completely taken over airwaves, and finally established a national presence that had eluded it for over 20 years. “Hustle & Flow” perhaps capitalized on this trend, but make no mistake: the movie is a gem. “Hustle & Flow” follows the path of DJay, an aspiring rapper played outstandingly by Terrence Howard, who got an Oscar nod for his performance. Surrounded by seemingly insurmountable odds and a collective of naysayers, DJay forces his way into the hip-hop game with the help of a handful of allies and a makeshift studio. It’s an archetypal chase-your-dreams flick, but the message is convincingly delivered.

“DAVE CHAPPELLE’S BLOCK PARTY” 2006
Anyone who has watched Dave Chappelle’s immensely popular “Chappelle’s Show” knows that the comedian is a tremendous hip-hop fan, and “Block Party” is simply about that. It’s basically a documentary about what would happen if a hip-hop fan was given wealth and fame, and could use those tools to throw the best hip-hop show possible. In Chappelle’s case, this included The Roots, Kanye West and a reunion by legendary hip-hop trio the Fugees. The movie is a pure joy with possibly the best moment occurring when Chappelle brings the Central State University Marching Band with him to perform at the event.

“BOYZ N THE HOOD” 1991
There are a number of movies that contend for the role of the best hip-hop crime epic: “New Jack City,” “Menace II Society,” “Juice,” “Above the Rim,” and “Belly.” However, when the Library of Congress selects a movie for preservation in the National Film Registry and deems it “culturally significant,” that means something. “Boyz n the Hood” is noted for rapper/actor Ice Cube’s first role, and helped prove that emcees could succeed on the silver screen. The gritty drama puts on full display the rough life in South Central Los Angeles, and has become as name-checked as any film in rappers’ rhymes.

“FRIDAY”1995
Another Ice Cube film, “Friday,” is significant because the West Coast emcee was not only the star, but also the film’s co-writer along with DJ Pooh. Aside from being a groundbreaking movie in this respect, “Friday” created a bevy of memorable characters that rappers love to reference, perhaps none more than the menacing Deebo, which was portrayed immaculately by Tiny “Zeus” Lister, Jr. While the movie won’t teach anyone about hip-hop culture, it has paved the way for more emcees to try their hands at other industries, and has become a beloved part of hip-hop canon.

“WILD STYLE” 1983
Created by director Charlie Ahearn and Fab 5 Freddy, “Wild Style” features a who’s who of prominent hip-hop figures in the ‘80s: Rock Steady Crew, The Cold Crush, Grandmaster Flash, and a number of others. The premise of the movie chronicles the story of a young graffiti artist, but touches on the other core elements of hip-hop culture such as emceeing, turntablism and B-boying. It doesn’t have the high production value of movies like “8 Mile” or “Hustle & Flow,” but that’s what makes “Wild Style” special; it is authentic and gritty from the jump, just like the culture it displays.

“ 8MILE ” 2002

Any fan of hip-hop, and certainly any fan of Eminem, has sought out this semi-autobiographical film that’s part fiction and partly chronicles the struggle of a rising rapper in a relatively unknown hip-hop scene in Detroit. Set in 1995, the film has all the man-versus-self conflict and imperfect romance that movie critics love, but hip-hop heads know that “8 Mile” is a period piece, going back to a time when a cypher was just as likely to break out at work as it was at the party spot. With endless shout-outs to the Detroit hip-hop scene that prove it was a labor of love, “8 Mile” reaches casual viewers and core fans alike.

STYLE WARS .1983

Recently revived via a successful Kickstarter campaign, “Style Wars” is a full-on documentary about hip-hop culture. Its primary emphasis is on graffiti, but emceeing and B-boying are covered as well. Perhaps it is the result of a film like “Style Wars” that artists like Banksy can get international acclaim, and graffiti art is displayed prominently in many museums and as major tourist attractions. “Style Wars” is about the struggle for self-expression in a medium that’s not necessarily understood, which is what hip-hop, at its essence, is all about.