Dr. Dre Movies
One of the founding fathers of gangsta rap, the G-funk style, Death Row Records, and Aftermath, Dr. Dre has been bringing innovation and slick production to the world of rap since the early days of N.W.A. in the late '80s. As with many restless souls in the music industry, it was only a matter of time before Dre decided to expand his role in the entertainment industry to feature films.Born Andre Young in February of 1965, Dre's early work with N.W.A. garnered the tough rapper a reputation for fearless abandon. With their gritty tales of violent life on the streets the group encountered more than a little controversy, though their then-unique approach to rap inspired countless imitators along with their vehement detractors. Later helping to launch the careers of Snoop Doggy Dogg and stepbrother Warren G. as a producer, Dre proved that he wasn't going anywhere anytime soon and remained one of the most innovative fixtures in the hip-hop universe. Some of Dre's early work in the film industry involved orchestrating the soundtracks for such films as Above the Rim and Murder Was the Case in 1994. Taking the director's chair for 1993's Hour of Chaos and Murder Was the Case the following year, Dre also turned up in front of the camera for Set It Off (1996), Whiteboyz (1999), and Training Day (2001). Despite his reputation for being so "hard," Dre's first major film role would come surprisingly in the comedy The Wash (2001) alongside longtime friend and fellow G-Funk cohort Snoop Doggy Dogg. With former collaborator Ice Cube having already taken his act to the screen for laughs in 1995's Friday, it appeared as if the ever-serious former N.W.A. killaz had finally lightened up a bit and taken on a more easygoing celluloid existence as opposed to their more dangerous vinyl incarnation. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
Tha Block, Vol. 1 represents the inaugural edition of a video magazine devoted to hip-hop music. This release features stories on Jayo Felony, Rass Kass, and Stat Quo. There are music videos and live performances by a variety of acts including Psycho Realm and Kemo the Blaxican. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- 2005
- Add Hip Hop Time Capsule: The Best of RETV 1993 to QueueAdd Hip Hop Time Capsule: The Best of RETV 1993 to top of Queue
Viewers are offered a retrospective look at the world of hip-hop circa 1993 in this program from Music Video Distributors. Along with interviews with the likes of The Pharcyde and Live Squad, Hip Hop Time Capsule 1993 includes live performances by Onyx and MC Lyte, and a video for Apache's "Gangsta Bitch." ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
Hip-hop star 50 Cent makes his movie debut in this hard-edged urban drama inspired by the rapper's own life. Marcus (Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, aka 50 Cent) grew up in a tough New York neighborhood and was left to fend for himself after the death of his mother when he was a kid. Marcus fell in with a powerful crime boss (Bill Duke) who gave him an opportunity to make a good living -- by selling drugs. While Marcus has misgivings about his life of crime and has an interest in expressing himself as a rap artist, his success as a dealer makes it hard for him to get away from the life. However, when a heist goes wrong and Marcus is shot several times, he has a change of heart and decides to leave his old life behind. He begins pursuing his dream of making it in music, and with the support of his girlfriend (Joy Bryant) he begins recording a demo tape. Marcus' new songs are inspired by the gritty realities of his old life on the street, but just as it looks like he might be able to land a record deal, he discovers that some of his old business associates aren't too happy about Marcus telling folks about their actions. Get Rich or Die Tryin' was directed by Jim Sheridan, best known for his tough but atmospheric stories of life in Ireland (In The Name of the Father, My Left Foot). ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson
- 2004
Before he even released his first solo effort, G-Unit posse member The Game was being hailed by music-industry icon Rolling Stone as one of the most influential trendsetters to arrive on the hip-hop scene since Eazy-E. A former drug dealer-turned-hardcore gangsta rapper, The Game raised eyebrows not only for his bold and unapologetic skills on the mike, but also for being one of the sole West Coast rappers to embrace the talents of his East Coast counterparts. Following a brush with death in which The Game was shot five times, he opted to turn to music as a means to escape the harsh realities of street life. With his second release, The Documentary, The Game's arrival on the rap scene was complete. Now fans who want to take a closer look at The Game's rise to fame can check out this documentary that takes viewers behind the scenes to check out one of the rap world's hottest acts. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
He was born Andre Young, but most know him as Dr. Dre. From his days as a member of the gangsta rap group N.W.A through his solo outings and on to his career as the discoverer/producer of such artists as Snoop Dogg and Eminem, Dr. Dre has remained one of the most successful figures in hip-hop. In the documentary Dr. Dre: The Attitude Surgeon, fans get to see interviews and rare footage for an intimate and unauthorized look at the life of the musician. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
Hip-hop mogul Damon Dash (Paper Soldiers) directs this semi-autobiographical film based on his life as the proprietor of Roc-a-Fella Records. Ebon Moss-Bachrach stars as David Katz, a reporter who, upon interviewing rap producer Damon (Capone), finds himself drawn deeper and deeper into the high-class world of hip-hop. Before he knows it, Katz ignites a war within the label that could bring down the operation for good. A bevy of celebrities from all walks of life make appearances, including Riddick Bowe, Lorraine Bracco, Mariah Carey, Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, Carson Daly, Jay-Z, Chloe Sevigny, James Toback, and countless others. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Devon Aoki, (more)
Stars Martin Lawrence and Will Smith return along with director Michael Bay and producer Jerry Bruckheimer for this sequel to the 1995 sleeper hit Bad Boys, the film that sparked the careers of both actors, as well as Bay. Once again, Lawrence and Smith play hotshot, wisecracking Miami narcotics officers Marcus Burnett and Mike Lowrey. This time around, Burnett and Lowrey have been assigned to head up a task force to investigate the illegal trafficking of ecstasy into the city. They discover that an underground gang war has been instigated by drug kingpin Johnny Tapia (Jordi Molla). In order to cut off the flow of the designer drug, they have to take down Tapia. Unfortunately, there's a wrench thrown into the gears in the form of Burnett's sister Syd, whom Lowrey takes a liking to and begins a relationship with. Tensions rise between the partners, threatening both their friendship and the investigation and putting Syd in harm's way. Also returning from the first film are Joe Pantoliano as Captain Howard, Theresa Randle as Burnett's wife Theresa, and former-NBA star John Salley as 'Hacker' Fletcher. Among the supporting players new to this entry in the series are Peter Stormare and musician, spoken-word artist, and sometimes-actor Henry Rollins. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Martin Lawrence, Will Smith, (more)
A cop teams up with the former head of a drug cartel to avenge the death of the woman he loved in this action-drama. Sean Vetter (Vin Diesel) and Demetrius Hicks (Larenz Tate) are a pair of DEA agents who think they've made the bust of a lifetime when they capture 'Memo' Lucero (Geno Silva), a multi-millionaire drug lord who controlled most of the narcotics traffic along the border of Mexico and the United States. However, with Lucero behind bars, a new and decidedly more dangerous underworld kingpin rises to take his place, and Diablo (Timothy Olyphant), also known as Hollywood Jack Slayton, soon proves to be even more dangerous than Lucero when he orders his gunmen to assassinate Vetter. While Vetter escapes unharmed, his wife is killed, and Vetter is thrown deep into despair. Now Vetter is obsessed with bringing Diablo to justice, and he's willing to do anything to bring him down -- even if it means teaming up with Lucero. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Vin Diesel, Larenz Tate, (more)
Hip-Hop VIPs contains performances and interviews with 19 hip-hop artists. Filmed entirely in New York City, this video includes interviews with Dr. Dre, Ja Rule, Method Man, and a little-seen segment with Aaliyah. Others featured include Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, and Eve. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
The Fast and the Furious (2001) screenwriter David Ayer follows up that fast-paced action hit with this gritty cop drama from director Antoine Fuqua. Ethan Hawke stars as Jake Hoyt, a fresh-faced Los Angeles Police Department rookie anxious to join the elite narcotics squad headed up by 13-year veteran Detective Sergeant Alonzo Harris (Denzel Washington). Harris has agreed to give Hoyt a shot at joining his team with a one-day ride-along during which Hoyt must prove his mettle. As the day wears on, however, it becomes increasingly clear to the greenhorn that his experienced mentor has blurred the line between right and wrong to an alarming degree, enforcing his own morally compromised code of ethics and street justice. As he struggles with his conscience, an increasingly alarmed Hoyt begins to suspect that he's not really being given an audition at all; he's being set up as the fall guy in an elaborate scheme. Training Day co-stars Tom Berenger, Scott Glenn, and recording artists Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and Macy Gray. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke, (more)
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, All Movie Guide
This throwback to the frolicsome comedies of the 1970s is from writer/director D.J. Pooh, creator of Friday (1995) and 3 Strikes (2000). Dr. Dre stars as Sean, who's financially strapped and on the verge of losing his home and his car until his roommate Dee Loc Snoop Dogg suggests he join him as an employee at the local car wash. Tensions mount between the pals when the establishment's eccentric owner Mr. Washington (George Wallace) promotes the more mature and responsible Sean over Dee Loc, and Sean is subsequently forced to crack down on his scamming buddy's side hustles and locker room assignations with female co-workers. When their boss is kidnapped, however, Sean and Dee Loc must work together to save their employer, their jobs, and their friendship. Angell Conwell and Tom "Tiny" Lister Jr. co-star in this urban farce flavored with a hip-hop soundtrack. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, (more)
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, All Movie Guide
Eagle Vision presents this concert film, capturing on-stage performances from the controversial and wildly successful Up in Smoke Tour. Hip-hop mega-stars Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, and Eminem perform some of their best-known songs and are captured off-stage in exclusive home videos in this 2000 release. Songs featured in The Up in Smoke Tour include "You Can Do It," "Nigga You Love to Hate," "We Be Clubbin," "Kill U," "Dead Wrong," "Under Influence," "Marshall Mathers," "Criminal," "The Real Slim Shady," "Roll That Shit, Light That Shit, Smoke That Shit," "Da Chronic Spot," "Next Episode," "What's My Name," "G-Thang," "Bitch Please," "What's the Difference," "Forgot About Dre," "Fuck You," "Let Me Ride," and "Still Dre." ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
- 1999
This 1999 episode of Saturday Night Live is hosted by Norm MacDonald and features musical guest Dr. Dre. ~ Skyler Miller, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Norm MacDonald, Dr. Dre, (more)
- 1999
For the absolute best in the world of hip-hop music, why not go straight to The Source? Collecting some of the hottest acts on the scene onto one stage for an unforgettable night of music and awards, the 1999 Hip-Hop Music Awards features such talented performers as Lauryn Hill, Puff Daddy, DMX, and many, many more. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
What do you do if you're a white guy in a white town who happens to love black music? Flip (Danny Hoch) is a middle-class kid from the Iowa corn belt, but he doesn't think of himself as just another guy from farm country. Flip loves hip-hop, and he longs to be respected as a hard-core rapper. But a white guy from Iowa who drops mad rhymes looks weird. While Flip and his buddies Trevor (Mark Webber) and James (Dash Mihok) may have the clothes, the style, and the lingo down pat, to most folks they look like three white boys trying to be black. When Khalid (Eugene Byrd), an African-American from Chicago, transfers into Flip's school, Flip comes to his rescue when other kids give him a hard time, and, while Khalid is as baffled by Flip's affectations as most people, a friendship grows between them, and Khalid grudgingly agrees to take Flip and his crew to Chicago, where they get a look at hip-hop culture in a way they haven't seen before. Director Marc Levin previously explored elements of hip-hop culture in his first dramatic film, Slam; he also made a number of acclaimed documentaries, including Gang War: Bangin' in Little Rock, about middle-class kids who have absorbed the gang lifestyle through popular culture. Whiteboys features appearances by a number of noted hip-hop artists, including Snoop Dogg, Slick Rick, Doug E. Fresh, and Fat Joe. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Danny Hoch, Dash Mihok, (more)
The sophomore film effort from music video director F. Gary Gray, Set It Off is a crime thriller about four women bank robbers from a housing project in L.A. Ever since her parents' death, Stony (Jada Pinkett Smith) has had to act as a parent to her little brother Stevie (Chaz Lamar Shepard). She works in various capacities to make a future for him at U.C.L.A. Cleo (Queen Latifah) is a butch lesbian who wants nothing more than to customize her classic car. Tisean (Kimberly Elise) is a painfully shy single mother to her son Jajuan, struggling to make ends meet. Frankie (Vivica A. Fox) is the stylish bank teller who gets fired in the opening scene and ends up working with the other three at a janitorial service owned by irritating boss Luther (Thomas Jefferson Byrd). With Frankie upset from her unjust firing, Stony angry from the wrongful killing of her brother, and Tisean losing her baby to the child protective services, the four friends are motivated to rob a bank themselves. Looking for thrills, Cleo gets some guns from Black Sam (Dr. Dre in a cameo role), and they pull off their first job without a hitch. Their success starts a trend and they rob other banks in the area, all the while being investigated by Detective Strode (John C. McGinley). In a romantic subplot, Stony finds romance with wealthy Harvard-educated Keith (Blair Underwood) before the violent chase-scene ending. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jada Pinkett Smith, Queen Latifah, (more)
- 1996
This 1996 episode of Saturday Night Live is hosted by Dana Carvey and features musical guest Dr. Dre. ~ Skyler Miller, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dana Carvey, Dr. Dre, (more)
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)
Rapper Dr. Dre is the producer and director of this tribute to the life and talents of fellow rapper Snoop Doggy Dogg. Scenes of life on the mean streets are interspersed with comments from the artist, set to the soundtrack of Dogg's signature tune, "Murder Was the Case." Also featured are three other uncensored selections from Snoop Doggy Dogg, "Gin & Juice," "Who Am I? /What's My Name?," and "Doggy Dogg World," as well as "Natural Born Killer," performed by Dr. Dre and Ice Cube. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide
Coming to America casts comedian Eddie Murphy as pampered African prince Akeem, who rebels against an arranged marriage and heads to America to find a new bride. Murphy's regal father (James Earl Jones) agrees to allow the prince 40 days to roam the U.S., sending the prince's faithful retainer Semmi (Arsenio Hall) along to make sure nothing untoward happens. To avoid fortune hunters, Prince Akeem conceals his true identity and gets a "Joe job" at a fast-food restaurant. Murphy and Hall play multiple roles, and there are innumerable celebrity cameos peppered throughout the proceedings -- including the Duke Brothers (Don Ameche and Ralph Bellamy) from Trading Places. Coming to America made further headlines when humorist Art Buchwald sued the film's producers for plagiarizing one of his works. Buchwald carried the case to trial, where he won a sizeable judgement against the film's producers. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, (more)
