Kurtis Blow Movies
This reunion concert, taped at Webster Hall in New York, provides a trip down memory lane for hip hop fans. Hearkening back to its roots in the rap scene on the tough streets of the South Bronx, the program celebrates the founding fathers of the genre who channeled their anger and energy into a new form of self-expression that eventually transformed itself into today's burgeoning hip hop industry. Twenty years later, these kings of hip hop reunited to celebrate a genre they can call their own. Performers include Kurtis Blow, Cash Crew, Afrika Bambaataa, and Soul Sonic Force. Other portions of the concert are featured in Kings of Hip Hop: Classic Material. ~ Sarah Block, All Movie Guide
- 1998
- Add Breaking Out: The Alcatraz Concert to QueueAdd Breaking Out: The Alcatraz Concert to top of Queue
This concert film documents a show staged at Alcatraz and given by a handful of R&B and Hip-Hop artists. Among the performers are the legendary Run-DMC, Too Short, K-CI & JoJo, Missy Elliot, and Da Brat. There are also appearances by sports stars Shaquille O'Neal, Luc Robitaille, and Robert Horry. The historic setting adds a great deal of production value to this otherwise straightforward concert film. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
Documentary filmmaker Peter Spirer interviewed over 80 significant artists in rap and hip-hop music for this documentary that explores the history of hip-hop culture, how rap evolved to become a major cultural voice (and a multi-billion dollar industry), and what the artists have to say about the music's often controversial images and reputation. Interview subjects range from veteran old-school rappers, such as Kurtis Blow, KRS-ONE and Chuck D., to gangsta rap icons Ice-T, Dr. Dre and MC Eiht, to several current rap hitmakers, including Wu-Tang Clan, The Fugees and Sean "Puffy" Combs. Also includes footage of a memorial service for the late Tupac Shakur, as well as one of the last interviews with The Notorious B.I.G.. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
This documentary offers viewers an in depth look at the world of hip-hop and rap music as it chronicles a diverse group of performers preparing to give a major concert at Philadelphia's Armory. Interspersed amongst the preparations are interviews with rappers past and present, looks at their personal lives, commentary on their significance and upon the music, and plenty of concert footage. Featured acts and performers include, Slick Rick, who has been imprisoned for second-degree murder; Snoop Doggy Dog and Tha Dogg Pound, Russell Simmons, Dr. Dre, B.I.G; Melle Mel, LL Cool J, Run-DMC, Da 5 Footaz, YNN and more. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Craig Mack, Dr. Dre, (more)
In-between rappin' numbers by groups like Run-DMC and The Fat Boys, an almost unnoticeable plot unfolds as manager Russell (Blair Underwood) desperately looks for funding to press more records for Run-DMC's first hit. This gets him into deep water when he borrows from the wrong man and then is left behind after his performers hit the charts and are off on a better life. But all is not lost, after more rap and rock by everyone, the clan returns with salvation at hand. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Blair Underwood, Joseph Simmons, (more)
- 1985
- R
In a weak mix of too many ingredients -- a dash of West Side Story, a pinch of Breakin', and sprinkles of references to other teen gang films -- this saga of one gang at odds with another is more like warmed-up leftovers than an original creation. Troy, Mookie, and Joey (Leon Isaac Kennedy, John Mengati, and Nicholas Campbell) belong to a gang at war with the nasty punks of the Mechanix. Troy and Mookie are into rapping and rock music and after some failed attempts to break into recording, they take dance lessons and win a coveted talent contest that puts them ahead for a change. Meanwhile, the Mechanix are not interested in what these guys won and are preparing for their long-awaited showdown with the would-be entertainers. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Leon Isaac Kennedy, John Mengatti, (more)
