5 Hip-Hop Based Biopics That You Need To See
Yes, it’s great to read. I would never discourage that. But sometimes, a visual expressway of understanding is the way to go.
When it comes to finding out the backstories of your favorite moguls, rappers, and groups in the history of hip-hop, sometimes the best way to break the concrete is to dive into a biopic. There have been some famous ones that have made major impacts in culture, as well. Check out our list here of the 5 that we think you need to see.
Straight Outta Compton
This film shook the industry down to its core, chronologically showing off N.W.A.’s history. The film received extremely positive reviews, except, of course, from their former manager, and grossed over $150 Million + in sales. (Clip NSFW)
Tupac: Resurrection
Tupac: Resurrection, according to the YouTube link, is the only film that was executive produced by his mother, Afeni Shakur. The documentary was directed by Lauren Lazin, who had done documentaries in the past for MTV and PBS.
Notorious
Following the life of Notorious B.I.G., the biopic is entertaining, but the important part to note is that it’s not completely factual. Rolling Stone shares that some of the factual misrepresentations make the film too distracting. “But it gets too many small details wrong, whether it’s Angela Bassett’s wavering Jamaican accent as Violetta Wallace; or the scenes of Biggie’s “Big Poppa” peaking at Number One on the Billboard charts before the infamous November 30th, 1994, Quad Studios shooting of 2Pac, even though the reverse happened in real life.” Out of the whole list, it’s probably the one that’s the least factual, but as long as you look up the right information afterward, it’s all good in the hood.
CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story
The VH1 film was only made for VH1, but you can pick it up on Amazon Prime for $9.99. It follows TLC through their lives as stars, through Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes’ death. To see more clips of the film, check out VH1’s site.
8 Mile
Though many (including Eminem) will say that the story is not quite factual / a biopic, the story is based on Eminem’s story, and he plays a fictional rapper named Rabbit. At the very least, you can finally figure out where all those screen capped clips about Mom’s Spaghetti came from. (Clip NSFW lyrics)
Amy Cooper is the type of journalist that when asked “What do you bring to the table,” she replies “I am the table.
