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| Documentary traces rap's past |
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by PJ Thomas
Whether you are a fan of hip-hop or are merely curious about it, the "rap-umentary" Rhyme and Reason has something to offer you. This feature-length documentary about rap's past, present and future engages and actually has some kind of structure to it -- unlike its predecessor, the poorly done The Show . Rhyme and Reason depicts how rap and hip-hop culture developed from break-dancing to the sounds of break-beats on back corners to the $3 billion-a-year industry it is today. Along the way, it reveals some interesting hip-hop trivia. For instance , contrary to popular belief, Salt 'n Pepa were not the first female rappers recorded "on wax." The documentary also deals with some of the major issues in rap today, such as the role of women in rap. The documentary also discusses the increasing role of violence in hip-hop, as well as the distinction between hip-hop as a culture and rap as a type of music. On the whole, I found this a fairly entertaining film. There are plenty of interviews with key players in the hip-hop industry, including appearances by members of the Wu-Tang Clan, KRS-One, Tupac, Redman, Biggie Smalls, Lost Boyz, Ras Kass and many others. There are also humorous spots in the interviews when the artists freestyle (making up a rap as they go). It was amazing how talented some of the artists in the film are in doing this. Wherever there is rap, there seems to be controversy, such as the advocacy of violence against police and Tupac Shakur's murder. My only real complaint with this documentary is that no major rap artists from the South were covered, except for Master P. My view has always been that documentaries are not really "movies," so why pay to see them? However, this is a very well-done documentary and at the least should be a "must rent." It is OK in movie theaters. However, the soundtrack will probably be better than the movie.
This item appeared in the Arts & Entertainment section of the March 14, 1997 issue. |
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