Biggie Smalls Movies
- 2009
This documentary aims to give viewers a look inside the life of the late rap superstar Biggie Smalls. The filmmakers intersperse concert footage with recollections by many of the people who were around the man on a regular basis. Among the people who appear during the course of the documentary are Snoop Dogg, Lil' Kim, and Jadakiss. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- 2004
- Add Chronicles of Junior M.A.F.I.A. to QueueAdd Chronicles of Junior M.A.F.I.A. to top of Queue
What really happened on the fateful night of March 9, 1997 -- the night one of the rap world's most promising stars came plummeting down to earth in a hail of lead and gunsmoke? To this day, there remains many unanswered questions regarding what events unfolded in the hours that led up to the violent shooting, and what role the "Junior M.A.F.I.A." and the East Coast/West Coast rivalry played in both this tragic event and the much-publicized death of rap legend Tupac Shakur. Now viewers can find out exactly how the M.A.F.I.A. is carrying on the legacy of its fallen star through interviews with those who new Biggie Smalls best. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
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, All Movie Guide
The pioneers and current purveyors of the vibrant art of freestyle hip-hop mingle in this hour-long documentary about the origins and future of the style. Shot in New York City, L.A., and San Francisco, Freestyle alternates between informed commentary -- by rap stalwarts such as The Last Poets, Mos Def, Supernatural, and Cut Chemist -- and impromptu vocal performances. Throughout, the filmmakers trace the social consciousness of the genre and suggest that it may be making a comeback. Director Kevin Fitzgerald previously made his name as a deejay on L.A. radio station KPFK. ~ Michael Hastings, All Movie Guide
Frankie and Annette, move over -- this is a different kind of beach party. Star football player Day-run Southboy (Daron Fordham) and his best buddy, aspiring rapper Kenny Fly (Kenny Fly) decide they need some time off from the pressures of college life, so they head to the beach for the annual Black Spring Break, where students from African-American universities get together for sun in the sun. A pack of sports agents follow Day-run wherever he goes, hoping to get him to sign on the dotted line, but with beautiful women in bikinis left, right and center, who has time to think about pro ball? The soundtrack features Tru (featuring Master P), Trapp (featuring The Notorious B.I.G. and 2Pac), 2 Live Crew and 69 Boyz, as well as some old school rap from Whodini and even older school soul from The Jackson Five. ~ 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)
Filmed on location in South Central Los Angeles and featuring a largely non-professional cast comprised of real gang members, this fact-based urban drama offers a moving, unforgettable account of the effect a drive-by shooting has upon the community, from the families, to the friends and neighbors of the victims, and the perpetrators. This direct-to-video effort features live concert footage of the late rappers Tupac Shakur and Notorious Big (Christopher Wallace) near the end of the story. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
