Excellent History of Rap Music

Rating: 8/10 (20 December 2015)

My husband and I watched this last night on DVD and although we aren't fans of rap music, we both found this movie an excellent history of the genre. It tells the story of Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Easy-E, MC Ren and D.J. Yella, all well played by Corey Hawkins, O'Shea Jackson, Jr., Jason Mitchell, Neil Brown, Jr., and Aldis Hodge respectively. The story begins when Dr. Dre leaves the home of his mother as she wants him to get a regular job to support his girlfriend and newborn son. He is frustrated by his need for self expression and his dream of creating something new that will speak to the young people struggling with unending police harassment and discrimination. He meets up with Jerry Heller (Paul Giamatti), a music manager who offers to manage Dr. Dre and his like minded friends, N.W.A. Dre is the producer and Easy-E and Ice Cube write and rap. They produce their first hit with Straight Outta Compton. As the police continue their harassment of them they express their feelings of anger and frustration through the lyrics and rhymes. This resonates with young people around the country and they are soon stars. The usual problems come up and they move away from each other and Jerry, some making better decisions that the others. Although they part ways, the bond remains a deep one that will eventually bring them back together after a tragedy.
This movie was well acted by all and even though we have never really liked rap, this was truly eye-opening. We understand and appreciate where it began now and can respect the genre in a way we never expected. This movie engaged us throughout and I can recommend it for any one that can get past the language and violence. It was needed for authenticity. Really good movie!