5 Hip Hop and Soul Documentaries You Probably Haven’t Seen (But Absolutely Should)
For every generation, there are genres of popular music that help define its political climate and mindset. And few such genres have been as scrutinized and celebrated as hip hop and soul.
These are art forms that express brutal truths about injustice, poverty, racial inequality, addiction, and violence. They celebrate ambition, cultural roots and personal pride in the face of adversity.
The five music documentaries below shed light on some of these genres most influential figures, the meaning behind their lyrics, and some of the most memorable aspects of their multifaceted lives.
1. Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap
In this documentary, Ice-T travels coast-to-coast tracing the evolution of rap and its rise from an urban to universal art form.
The biggest takeaways from this documentary for musicians and producers are found in the intimate one-on-one conversations with some of the most influential artists who have propelled the genre forward.
Through these conversations, The Art of Rap explores hip hop from the old school to the new, delving deep into how rhymes are structured, and how the techniques of hip hop evolved.
In addition to interviews with groundbreaking artists from Afrika Bambaataa to Xzibit and everyone in between, the “art of rap” itself is demonstrated through powerful original freestyles from well-known artists like KRS, Kanye, and Eminem.
This music documentary serves as a fundamental tutorial on the craft of hip hop, and a humbling history lesson for musicians and producers like.
2. Stretch and Bobbito: Radio That Changed Lives
In the 1990s, Stretch and Bobbito became unlikely legends of hip hop radio. With an unique blend of offbeat humor and fresh music, their late-night program introduced the world to now-iconic artists like Wu-Tang Clan, Nas and Eminem.
Exploring the social impact of what Source Magazine in 1998 voted to be “The Best Hip Hop Radio Show Of All Time,” this film covers a vital influence to the genre that’s often forgotten.
One of the most memorable aspects of this documentary is the “before they were famous” feel to the film. Diehard rap fans will enjoy the behind-the-scenes video footage of their favorite artists before the bright lights and glamour.
For many musicians and producers, “The Struggle” is real—and this documentary features some of today’s music idols mid-struggle.
3. Biggie: The Life of Notorious B.I.G.
Biggie: The Life of Notorious B.I.G. uses archival footage, audio recordings and new interviews to tell the life story of the influential rapper. This documentary encompasses everything from his rise to fame to his shocking murder in Los Angeles in 1997.
The first authorized biography of B.I.G.—aka Christopher Wallace—Biggie allows Wallace himself to narrate his own life story.
Previously unknown audio helps tell the tale, along with interviews from those who knew him the best. The archival footage here is also a gem, especially for those who love the feel and vibe of vintage video production.
In just about two hours, Biggie offers an enlightening look at one-time Catholic schoolboy Christopher Wallace’s transformation from a hustler named “Fat Chris” to a rap phenomenon bigger than life itself.
4. Our Vinyl Weighs a Ton: This Is Stones Throw Records
Our Vinyl Weighs a Ton: This Is Stones Throw Records is a feature-length documentary about the avant garde, Los Angeles-based record label Stones Throw Records. This one should be of special interest to independent musicians and producers.
After the death of his best friend and fellow group member, Charizma (aka Charles Hicks), label founder Peanut Butter Wolf (aka Chris Manak), started what would become an eclectic and unforgettable hip hop label. From this tragic loss, he would birth a movement that has established a home for dozens of artists who blur the boundaries of genre.
From hip hop and soul to eccentric psych rock, their record label stands out for succeeding at a small scale in a field where bigger is so often seen as better.
5. Living on Soul
Living on Soul, filmed during a three-night, sold-out residency at the historic Apollo Theater, is a hybrid docu-concert film that features the late, great Sharon Jones, Charles Bradley, and the rest of the GRAMMY-nominated Daptone Records family.
This documentary shows just how much individual musicians, producers, and record labels can accomplish starting from a grass roots level by focusing on musicianship, authenticity, and hard work.
The Dap-Kings and the rest of the performers at Daptone play in a style that helped define our modern culture and shape the musical heritage of America. The biggest takeaway from this film for musicians and producers is the fact that Daptone Records was built from the ground up by a close-knit “family” of artists and business people, looking out for one another’s interests, and prioritizing their relationships and craft as much as their financial success.
Theirs is a musical family that has established an truly unique record label. For independent musicians and producers, their success exemplifies what can be achieved when creative individuals work together in the music business, from the ground up.
Have your own favorites we missed? Tell us about them in the comments below.
Ryan Merriweather is an audio engineer, tech enthusiast, and writer.
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