1. Songs for Cassavetes
In this documentary from director Justin Mitchell, the world of the U.S. indie-music scene of the 1980s and '90s is explored, specifically with regard to how it transcended clichés about where music was heading in that era. Taking its title from renowned independent cinema pioneer John Cassavetes, the black-and-white film takes a peek at several fringe bands of the period, including Sleater-Kinney, the Make-up, and the Hi-Fives, and their various attitudes toward the ever-changing business.
It has an average vote of 8 on TMDB.
2. Here We Come
The story of hip hip behind the iron curtain.
It has an average vote of 9 on TMDB.
3. Kanga
Early 90s London gets a vibrant dose of African culture in this mini odyssey fusing dance, music and fashion.
4. Rize
A documentary film that highlights two street derived dance styles, Clowning and Krumping, that came out of the low income neighborhoods of L.A.. Director David LaChapelle interviews each dance crew about how their unique dances evolved. A new and positive activity away from the drugs, guns, and gangs that ruled their neighborhood. A raw film about a growing sub-culture movements in America.
It has an average vote of 6.6 on TMDB.
5. Love Eats Up Life (Die Liebe frisst das Leben)
A documentary about the underground singer-songwriter Tobias Gruben, his upbringing and his musical career, featuring past live perfomances by himself and cover versions of his songs by contemporary artists.
6. Dave Chappelle's Block Party
The American comedian/actor delivers a story about the alternative Hip Hop scene. A small town Ohio mans moves to Brooklyn, New York, to throw an unprecedented block party.
It has an average vote of 6.759 on TMDB.
7. ONEFOUR: Against All Odds
A group of Sydney-based, Pacific Islander kids start recording drill raps to avoid a life of crime. Two years into their meteoric rise, a police task force shuts down their sold-out national tour due to concerns that the group's music will incite violence.
It has an average vote of 6.786 on TMDB.
8. Masta Ace - Disposable Arts (Album Documentary)
Originally released in 2001, Disposable Arts is a thematic/concept album by Masta Ace. The concept follows that Masta Ace is being released from prison, his return to home and joining ‘The Institute of Disposable Arts’. The album is one complete story with the skits and songs together. The album contain many guest artists like Masta Ace’s own group eMC , Apocalypse, Greg Nice, Rah Digga, J-Ro, King T, Jean Grae and more. Also a bunch of different producers, this album is seen as a classic album by most Hip Hop heads. This reissue by Below System, contains almost a 2 hour making of DVD where you will see most of the contributors to the Disposable Arts album. Interviews, stories behind the tracks and more content about the making of Disposable Arts.
It has an average vote of 7 on TMDB.
9. Athens, GA Inside/Out
Led by the success of the B-52's and R.E.M., Athens, Georgia was the most happening music scene in the country by the mid 80's. Following several different bands from different genres, this film paints Athens as a magical artistic environment where bands are not in competition, but co-exist in harmony and share the ideals of the land. Live performances of R.E.M.'s "Swan Swan H" and "Dream " at the Lucy Cobb Institute chapel are included. Also featured are performances and interviews frm the B-52's, Pylon, B-B-Que Killers, Time Toy, Jim Herbert, Flat Duo Jets, Love Tractor, Kilkenny Cats, Squalls and more
It has an average vote of 8 on TMDB.
10. Prinzessinnenbad
A film about three teenagers - Klara, Mina and Tanutscha - from the Berlin district of Kreuzberg. The trio have known each other since Kindergarten and have plenty in common. The three 15-year-olds are the best of friends; they are spending the summer at Prinzenbad, a large open-air swimming pool at the heart of the district where they live. They're feeling pretty grown up, and are convinced they've now left their childhood behind.
It has an average vote of 5.8 on TMDB.
11. Method Sampling: How to Build the Future Together
Method Sampling is explored through the works of a hip-hop orchestra, a disabled choreographer, a self-taught Black mycologist, a tiny house builder and a critical theorist.
12. Numero Zero: The Roots of Italian Rap (Numero Zero - Alle origini del rap italiano)
In the eighties comes from overseas powerful, unstoppable, the wave of hip hop. Few years later the rap music begins to take roots in Italy with the firts album in 1990. Thus began a golden age that from the undergrowth of the counterculture reaches a diverse audience, passing through the masterpiece of Sangue Misto, the evergreen Kaos and Colle Der Fomento, until the commercial success of Neffa, Frankie Hi-Nrg, Sottotono, Articolo 31 and the debut of a young Fabri Fibra. Then, suddenly, the dark at the dawn of the new millenium. Why? An epic, unique season of musical creativity narrated by its big players and accompanied by the voice of a talented and renowed freestyler grown up with those great musicians: Ensi. - Written by Bisi, Enrico
It has an average vote of 7.7 on TMDB.
13. Là où le fleuve se rétrécit, le métal grandit (Là où le fleuve se rétrécit, le métal grandit)
An examination of the metal music in Quebec City.
14. Les Clippeurs (Les Clippeurs)
(Les Clippeurs)
15. Letter to the President
Feature documentary that showcases the close-knit ties between the Hip Hop Music community and America's social and political policy in the last 30 years.
It has an average vote of 2 on TMDB.
16. Le Rock expérimental des Instants Chavirés (ou comment en finir avec le jazz) (Le Rock expérimental des Instants Chavirés (ou comment en finir avec le jazz))
(Le Rock expérimental des Instants Chavirés (ou comment en finir avec le jazz))
17. Echo in the Canyon
A look at the roots of the historic music scene in L.A.'s Laurel Canyon featuring the music of iconic music groups such as The Byrds, The Beach Boys, Buffalo Springfield, and The Mamas and the Papas.
It has an average vote of 6.732 on TMDB.
18. Los demenciales chicos acelerados. Pt 2: Barcelona y alrededores (Los demenciales chicos acelerados. Pt 2: Barcelona y alrededores)
(Los demenciales chicos acelerados. Pt 2: Barcelona y alrededores)
19. The Rise and fall of Coo Coo Cal
Documentary about the rise and fall of Milwaukee musician Coo Coo Cal. Famous for his single 'My Projects'
20. The Crossover: 50 Years of Hip Hop and Sports
Fifty years ago in the Bronx, a new genre of music was born, the product of a people searching for their voice and the opportunity to be heard. For decades, the community was bound by the words of leaders like Martin Luther King and Malcolm X before their assassinations attempted to thwart the messaging. While their lives ended, the impact of their words never would, instead paving the way for others. Soon, athletes and entertainers would step to the microphone and boldly become the sound of a new generation and an inspiration to their people. When the world looked to silence them, the culture found a way to speak louder than ever before. From Muhammad Ali to Public Enemy, Jay-Z to Lebron James and beyond, the impact on sports has been indelible.