Suge Knight Movies
Forget cheap newsprint stains and those annoying magazine inserts that litter up the floor -- thanks to Yellow Tape, the future of journalism is finally here. With groundbreaking short films, raw interviews, and backstage passes to some of the hottest shows around, Yellow Tape offers viewers the experience that traditional publications can't touch. For viewers who really want to see what life is like on the city streets, and for all the hip-hoppers, players, and hustlers who are tired of not seeing their side of the story in the media, this interactive look at urban arts and entertainment is just what you've been waiting for. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Nick Broomfield, director of Heidi Fleiss: Hollywood Madam and Kurt and Courtney, unleashes another provocation with Biggie and Tupac. Considering Broomfield's track record, that the film is dangerous, sensational, and occasionally very funny is no surprise. What is somewhat shocking, in a very rewarding and commendable way, is how moving Biggie and Tupac is. Using archival footage of the two rap stars and interviews with many of those involved, Broomfield uncovers significant evidence that corrupt LAPD cops were involved in the two deaths, and that the FBI was doing surveillance on Biggie (Christopher Wallace) on the night he was murdered. Broomfield's film also strongly suggests that Death Row Records head Suge Knight orchestrated both murders. Few satisfactory conclusions are drawn, but the film should at least encourage further investigation of these claims. By running the camera constantly, even before the interviews begin, Broomfield frequently catches his subjects off guard. But even if Broomfield had uncovered nothing, Biggie and Tupac would still be an entertaining and valuable telling of the tragic deaths of two talented young men. The filmmaker's interviews with Biggie's friends, and particularly his charming mother, Voletta Wallace, paint a picture of a surprisingly sensitive and goodhearted young man. Broomfield was granted less access to Tupac Shakur's family (Tupac's mother is still involved in business dealings with Knight; she doesn't appear in the film and she refused Broomfield permission to use Tupac's music), but he still manages to expose the controversial rapper's essential humanity. Some will find Broomfield's sarcastic and edgy attitude grating. He doesn't have the puppy-dog charm of a Michael Moore. But with Biggie and Tupac, he's shown a bit more of his sensitive side, and he's taken a step forward as a filmmaker. ~ Josh Ralske, Rovi
From the makers of Thug Immortal comes this "Rapumentary" chronicling the rise and fall of Death Row records. The brain-child of Suge Knight, Death Row blasted onto the music scene, virtually out of nowhere, offering up Compton-based gangsta rap from a stable of artists that included Tupac Shakur, Snoop Doggy Dogg, and Dr. Dre. Using interviews with artists, critics, and Knight himself, Welcome to Death Row attempts to sort out the story behind the controversial company, addressing rumors of violent business tactics, criticism from political groups, and alleged involvement in the drug trade. Released in 2001, the presentation runs 104 minutes. ~ Matthew Tobey, Rovi
- 2001
In this video, rap producer and artist Luther Campbell hosts what can only be called a variety show. Many players in the rap world show up, including Notorious B.I.G. and Suge Knight. Lil' Kim and 2Pac also make appearances. As one might expect, the video is also chock full of impressively built, scantily clad women exposing their assets and demonstrating their talents to an appreciative audience. This video is intended for adult audiences. ~ Rob Ferrier, Rovi
Between 1993 (with the release of Dr. Dre's The Chronic) and 1996 (when 2Pac dropped both All Eyez on Me and The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory), Death Row Records was the most successful label in hip hop, releasing a string of major hits featuring a distinctively laid-back but funky sound that took gangsta rap to the top of the charts. Death Row Uncut collects videos of 28 tunes that Death Row released during their heyday, including "Dre Day" and "Let Me Ride" by Dr. Dre and Snoop Doggy Dogg, "Gin and Juice," "Who Am I (What's My Name)," and "Murder Was the Case" by Snoop Doggy Dogg, "Natural Born Killers" by Dr. Dre and Ice Cube, and "To Live and Die in L.A.," "Hit 'Em Up," and "Dear Mama" by 2Pac. Death Row Uncut features unreleased live performance clips and uncensored versions of some videos that were softened for broadcast; it also includes an interview with label CEO Suge Knight, who has few kind things to say about his former co-workers. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
