Hip-Hop On Screen

There’s been a supreme plethora of hip-hop-related cinema recently and the majority of it has been excellent.

We’ve seen Straight Outta Compton, which looked at the origins of rap super-group N.W.A. and the political and social standing they held back in the 80s. It’s a great piece of filmography that gives the group the rightful importance in both the beginnings of hip-hop and the significance of the American political context.

Recently, Netflix has released a 4-part series entitled Hip Hop Evolution, which looks at where hip-hop actually came from. Interviewing the likes of Grandmaster Flash and DJ Kool Herc, the documentary-style show looks at how the genre came about, why and who the main influencers were back in the day. It gets into the nitty gritty of the social climate of the time and is expertly narrated by Canadian rapper Shad who greets the founders of the music style like old friends. What many don’t realise is the political significance of this type of music, often rightly credited for transforming a generation. To put it unpoetically and bluntly, it’s an epic series; check out the trailer here.

Now, more hip-hop excitement for 2017. Series masters HBO have announced they will also be producing a 4-part series called The Defiant Ones early next year looking at the life stories of Dr Dre and Jimmy Lovine. There’s no trailer yet but given what we know about the phenomenal careers of these two artists and producers it’s bound to be a belter. Keep your ears glued to the floor for this one.

So, great news for all rap fans, more exciting content on the way. And, just like the hip-hop genre, Netflix just keeps on giving and it isn’t stopping anytime soon.