Pulsing with the heart of Memphis streets - a must see!

Rating: 9/10 (20 March 2006)

An outstandingly realistic portrayal of the struggles of DJay, a Memphis pimp, to break out of his dirty job on the streets and transform his life as a rapper of note. Inspired by the gospel recording done by his schoolmate Key, DJay gathers together a small team comprising himself, Key, Shug (one of his ladies living with him) and Shelby (a sound mixer) and lays down a couple of peppy rap tracks. He is helped along the way by Nola, another of his ladies, who pays for his equipment with her services. A much-awaited meeting with Skinny Black, a leading rapper of the time, ends up going all wrong and DJay lands in jail. The language is real, off the streets of Memphis. Terrence Howards' portrayal of the passion is touching. Definitely worth a watch. In my opinion, this movie is far superior to "Crash" which won the best movie Oscar!