Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap (Review)

Renowned rapper and now film director Ice-T has joined forces with producer Paul Toogood, and co-director Andy Baybutt, along with dozens of Hip-Hop icons to create one of the most thorough and encapsulating documentaries in Hip-Hop history.

The film begins with an establishing narration by Ice-T playing over shots of various shots of New York. (the birth place of Hip-Hop) This introduction very effectively establishes s the theme and purpose of the documentary, which is the unlikely spawning of Rap and bringing to light the effects and Hip-Hop music and culture. It then kick starts the over 2 dozen interviews conducted through the movie, starting with DJ Grandmaster Caz and going through the likes of Run DMC, Kanye West, Raekwon, Common, Nas, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre, among countless others. Since the film focuses on the "art of rap," each artist interview includes an acapella rap performance. The film is framed around the several sub-genres that exist within in Hip-Hop. There is a constant back and fourth between the definitive sounds and culture of New York and Los Angeles. The contrast between these two scenes helps capture the culture in its entirety. Producer and co-director, Ice-T made the decision to insert himself into the production. Rather than use the traditional question answer interview scheme, the film captures Ice-T casually talking and socializing with the interviewees. The whole movie is very casual; which I like. I think that it protrays a friendly, brotherly,and solidarity aspect of Hip-Hop, something that was integral upon the forming of the genre. The film closes with concluding monologue by Ice-T, again over shots and images of New York and this time Los Angeles as well.

Personally, I would recommend the film. I think it very effectively captures the culture and essence of Hip-Hop as well as highlight the artistry of the genre; which is often overlooked. The film focuses on the poetry that exists in rap. I think this is very significant. The filmography, especially in the B-Roll is exquisite. I commend the creators for taking time to focus on that key element. I could have done with a little less Ice-T and it would have been incredible if the verses performed by each artist somehow tied in to the overall theme. I was also disappointed not to see significant artists such as Jay-Z. Other than that, the film was great and I recommend it to anyone who has a genuine interest in Hip-Hop or music in general.

Title: Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap
Length: 111 minutes
Rated: R
Rating: 4 out of 5