1. African Underground: Democracy in Dakar
African Underground: Democracy in Dakar is a groundbreaking documentary film about hip-hop youth and politics in Dakar Senegal. The film follows rappers, DJs, journalists, professors and people on the street at the time before, during and after the controversial 2007 presidential election in Senegal and examines hip-hop’s role on the political process. Originally shot as a seven part documentary mini-series released via the internet – the documentary bridges the gap between hip-hop activism, video journalism and documentary film and explores the role of youth and musical activism on the political process.
2. Welcome to Death Row
The record label Death Row Records has, since its creation in 1993, been synonymous with the American hip-hop climate. Formed by ex-bodyguard Suge Knight, the label has released seminal rap albums from luminaries including Dr. Dre, Snoop Doggy Dogg, and the famous hip-hop martyr Tupac Shakur. WELCOME TO DEATH ROW is a fascinating, well-researched documentary which explores the history of this intriguing and incredibly significant company.
It has an average vote of 7.389 on TMDB.
3. Viagens - 20 Years
A behind-the-scenes look at "Viagens", one of the greatest portuguese records of the 1990s, in the year of its 20th anniversary.
4. J. Cole: 4 Your Eyez Only
This documentary follows rapper J. Cole's 2016 HBO concert film feature on the making of his fourth studio album 4 Your Eyez Only. The film Includes musical performances from Cole, as well as stories from low-income residents in cities around the country, such as Baton Rouge, Atlanta, and Cole's hometown of Fayetteville, North Carolina.
It has an average vote of 9 on TMDB.
5. Makiza: Hijos de la rosa de los vientos (Makiza: Hijos de la rosa de los vientos)
Amid fond memories of the 1990s and the beginning of their respective professional careers, Ana Tijoux, Seo2, Cenzi and DJ Squat tell the story of Makiza, a fundamental band in the history of hip-hop made in Chile. They do not avoid any issue: neither the freedom of their creation, nor the harshness of Chile's democratic transition nor the tensions that led to the end of the group.
6. BAD HOP LAST ALBUM IN ATLANTA (BAD HOP LAST ALBUM IN ATLANTA)
(BAD HOP LAST ALBUM IN ATLANTA)
7. Definitive Jux Presents The Revenge of the Robots
Since its inception in 2000, Definitive Jux has been synonymous with progressive, creative, intelligent, and downright thrilling hip hop. Now, The Revenge of the Robots DVD captures label mainstays El-P, Mr. Lif, RJD2 and others during their acclaimed, sold-out "Revenge of the Robots" 2002 tour - a fascinating view for longtime fans and new converts alike.
8. Straight Outta L.A.
In 1982, the Raiders and owner Al Davis captivated black and Latino fans with swagger and charisma that matched the rapidly changing city.
It has an average vote of 6.1 on TMDB.
9. The Beat
In a split narrative, a young man follows two paths: his father's dream of him becoming a cop, and his own dream of becoming a rapper
10. One Night in Vegas
On the evening of Sept. 7, 1996, Mike Tyson, the WBC heavyweight champion, attempted to take Bruce Seldon’s WBA title at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. At this point in his career, Tyson’s fights had become somewhat of a cultural phenomenon, where the ever present hype of the professional boxing scene would come face to face with the worlds of big business, Hollywood, and hip hop. Sitting ringside was controversial rapper Tupac Shakur. Shakur and Tyson were friends, a feeling of kinship linked them as each rose to stardom from poverty only to be thrown in prison. Following Tyson’s victory, Shakur and “Iron Mike” were to celebrate at an after party, but the rap star never arrived. Shakur was brutally gunned down later that night, and the scene in Las Vegas quickly turned from would-be celebratory revelry to ill fated and inopportune tragedy.
It has an average vote of 6.3 on TMDB.
11. Rhymecology: Write Better Rhymes
The world of hip-hop lyrics has changed, simple rhyme schemes just don't cut it. Rhymes are put under a microscope, and there is no lyrical leeway for emerging artists. This gripping documentary tells the story of Jeff Walker.
It has an average vote of 7 on TMDB.
12. Mac Dre: Legend of the Bay
Bay Area rapper Mac Dre began his career at 18 and quickly became an influential force in early west coast hip-hop. In 1992 he was convicted of conspiracy to commit bank robbery when his lyrics were used against him in court. He left prison with a new lease on life, founded an independent record company, and then was murdered just when he began to emerge as a star. For the first time ever, his mother Wanda reveals the true experiences of a hip-hop legend.
It has an average vote of 6 on TMDB.
13. El último escalón (El último escalón)
A documentary that shows us three years later never-before-seen images of the last date of the mythical freestyle competition "El Quinto Escalon".
14. Check It Out, Yo! (チェケラッチョ!!)
Tomboy Yui brings her 3 male friends along with her to see a live performance of local Okinawan rap group, “Workaholic”. Upon witnessing the crowd reaction, the boys decide to start a rap group of their own to impress chicks—while Toru has the added motivation of impressing his older, more sophisticated love interest Nagisa . With only 2 weeks to learn how to play instruments and prepare for their first show, the performance is predictably humiliating. In order to save pride they decide to give it another shot, but this time they ditch the instruments for a sampler and stay truer to themselves. Will Toru be able to capture Nagisa’s heart? Will Yui ever confess her love to Toru or will she just keep practicing her advanced pro wrestling techniques on him instead?
It has an average vote of 5.2 on TMDB.
15. Thizz Nation Presents - The Block Report
Thizz Nation takes you on a journey with some of Thizz & the San Francisco Bay Area's hottest rap stars. Take a visit to the real streets of The Crest, Fillmore, Pittsburg, East Palo Alto, Lakeview, North Richmond, Mission District, Sacramento, Thizz South, Millersville and Hunter's Point. Featuring PSD, Mac Mall, Rydah J. Klyde, San Quin, Cellski, Bavgate, J. Diggs, Little Bruce, Mistah F.A.B., Goldtoes and many more.
16. Cypress Hill: Insane in the Brain
A smoke-filled journey across the lives and the careers of the groundbreaking, genre-defying Hip Hop group, Cypress Hill. Their unique sound, influenced by their Latin roots and West Coast upbringing, was built on a movement rooted in true authenticity: from cultivating the flower, to smoking it, to rapping about it, their influence is forever burned into the musical landscape of Hip Hop as they continue to stay relevant after 30 years.
It has an average vote of 6.65 on TMDB.
17. Ol' Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys
The untold story of the man and the musician who made an immense cultural impact across just a few short years. Having gained exclusive rights to a never-before-seen personal archive shot by his wife alongside access to his closest friends and family, the doc is described by the filmmakers as a culture-defining special that humanizes ODB as a man, a father and a husband like never before. It explores how Russell Tyrone Jones created Ol' Dirty Bastard, a Hip Hop alter ego superhero that would ultimately consume him.
18. Respect (Respeto)
Hendrix dreams of hip-hop greatness, but he’s spiraling down a rabbit-hole of crime and poverty until he meets Doc, an old poet still haunted by his martial law past. Can they turn each other’s lives around before they’re swallowed by their circumstance?
It has an average vote of 6.7 on TMDB.
19. Big Pun Live
BIG PUN LIVE chronicles the life and times of the multi-talented rapper/actor Christopher "Big Pun" Rios. His short but substantial career is studied through live performance clips, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with friends and family.
20. Brasilintime: Batucada com Discos
Brasilintime is a filmic map that connects the world of Rio de Janeiro of the late teens to the South Bronx of the early 70s. The roads from Samba through Bossa Nova to Hip Hop are a complex web of musical whispers and echoes. Brasilintime is a 2-hour documentary that traverses this journey. In November of 2002, drummers and DJs traveled to Sao Paulo Brazil to expand the multi-generational conversation to include their counterparts from the world of Samba, Bossa Nova and Samba Rock, as well as the best new talent from Brazilian Hip Hop. This show was recorded and became the basis for this DVD. Brasilintime speaks the language of the music it addresses.
It has an average vote of 5.7 on TMDB.
