39 Essential Hip-Hop Documentaries

Hosted by Idris Elba (The Wire, Luther), and featuring Snoop Dogg, Mark Ronson, Nas, Debbie Harry, Jessie J, and many more, *How Hip Hop Changed the World* explores the key moments in hip hop's history. Starting in 1970s New York,…

This is the first documentary to explore the art of "diggin' in the crates," the practice of finding rare music for hip hop beats. The film follows leading producers and DJs worldwide as they share their experiences with this unique…

Ava DuVernay explores the history of women in hip hop music in this short documentary, featuring interviews with Missy Elliott, Salt-N-Pepa, Eve, Jean Grae, Roxanne Shante, Trina, The Lady of Rage, and many other artists.

This film offers a close look at today's Australian hip hop scene, featuring honest and personal insights into the lives of some of the country's most influential and captivating musicians.

Founded in 1993 by former bodyguard Suge Knight, Death Row Records has been a defining force in American hip-hop ever since. The label released landmark rap albums by artists like Dr. Dre, Snoop Doggy Dogg, and Tupac Shakur. WELCOME TO…

Director Mark Ford examines the 1992 Los Angeles riots, focusing on the role of rap music in the unfolding events.

Tony Silver and Henry Chalfant's PBS documentary explores the rise and fall of subway graffiti in New York City during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The film reveals the energy and artistry of this underground movement, a significant part…

The film uses home movies, photographs, and poetry readings to explore the life of Tupac Shakur, a highly admired, influential, and often turbulent figure in hip-hop music.

This film offers an unvarnished look behind the scenes of one of the biggest rap concert tours ever. It provides an intimate view of life on tour – from performances on stage to the realities of life in hotels and…

This film examines the emergence of crack cocaine in American cities during the 1980s and its impact on popular culture, particularly within hip-hop music.

This documentary explores the culture of hip-hop. By interviewing prominent figures in the genre, the filmmakers seek to understand the reasons behind its widespread popularity.

Organized Noize created a unique sound that defined Hip Hop music, working from a makeshift studio. They discovered and guided the careers of artists like Outkast, CeeLo Green, Goodie Mob, and the entire Dungeon Family collective. This film explores the…

"Freestyle: the Art of Rhyme" follows the vibrant world of improvisational hip-hop, from local gatherings to major competitions. The film documents this unique art form – where rhymes are created spontaneously – showcasing its energy and history as a modern…

*Tupac: Assassination* is a documentary film examining the unsolved murder of rapper Tupac Shakur. The film is produced by Frank Alexander, Tupac's bodyguard who was the sole security detail present during the shooting, and directed by RJ Bond.

This film offers an intimate portrait of hip-hop artist Jay-Z, exploring his journey from early life to his rise to fame and the making of his final album. It chronicles his historic 2003 concert at Madison Square Garden, where he…

A comedian and actor tells the story of the underground Hip Hop scene. A man from a small town in Ohio relocates to Brooklyn, New York, to organize a unique block party.

This documentary explores the political influences, musical artistry, and personal journey of Tupac Shakur.

This documentary explores the art of hip-hop DJing, known as turntablism. Tracing its evolution from the South Bronx in the 1970s to contemporary San Francisco, the film features leading scratchers, beat-diggers, party hosts, and producers discussing music, competitions, and the…

Wu-Tang Saga, narrated by Cappadonna, tells the story of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan. Through footage from over nine concerts, a journey to Shaolin (Staten Island), photoshoots, and explorations of the 5 Percent philosophies, the film offers an inside look at…

This film explores the world of hip-hop through interviews, examining its enduring popularity and potential future trajectory.

Deep Crates 2 explores the history of finding and using samples to create music. This second DVD delves into the origins of sampling, featuring some of the culture's earliest innovators. The film showcases worldwide record digging locations, from the U.S.…

Clarence Reid was a musician who wrote and produced romantic and spiritual songs for many of the most important Southern soul and R&B artists of the 1960s and '70s. He is also Blowfly, his outrageous alter ego and the first…

Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats & Rhymes offers a compelling look at how hip-hop culture explores issues of masculinity, sexism, and homophobia.

Freestyling sounds easy, but it's actually a demanding art form requiring skill, dedication, and quick thinking – and lots of practice. For the first time, the world's top MCs reveal how to master it, sharing advice on everything from holding…

The greatest rapper of all time, known for his smooth delivery and unmatched lyrical skill, influenced artists like Jay-Z and Tupac. This is the story of Notorious B.I.G., revealed.

The murders of Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls, two of America's most infamous unsolved crimes, have fueled endless investigation, speculation, and conspiracy theories. "Murder Rap: Inside the Biggie and Tupac Murders" reveals the definitive story behind these sensational cases. Drawing…

For twenty years, A Tribe Called Quest, a highly influential hip hop group from Queens, New York, has captivated fans with their innovative music. Even after their widely reported breakup in 1998, a new generation eagerly awaits their return. Michael…

The night of March 9, 1997: the night Notorious B.I.G., a leading figure in rap music, was fatally shot. Many questions remain about the events leading up to the shooting and the connection to the East Coast/West Coast hip-hop rivalry,…

In the summer of 1993, the Wu-Tang Clan burst onto the hip-hop scene from Staten Island, New York, and quickly dominated the music world. Over the next decade, they sold over 20 million albums, achieving legendary status through their talent…

TUPAC: ASSASSINATION II - RECKONING examines the reasons behind Tupac Shakur's murder, continuing the story from the acclaimed film "Tupac: Assassination - Conspiracy or Revenge." RECKONING offers an unprecedented look at Tupac's life and death. The film explores the grief…

"Rhythm And Poetry" is a documentary film documenting the evolution of the Australian hip hop scene over three years, from its beginnings in small, underground venues to its growing mainstream recognition.

Tupac: Aftermath follows the events immediately after the death of the rap artist. Cover-ups, deception, and rumors spread throughout Las Vegas and Los Angeles, creating one of the most significant unsolved murder cases and the most extensive lies surrounding it…

"The Beat Kings" is the first documentary to explore the pioneers who created hip hop's sound: the producers. For over thirty years, these music makers have shaped the core of hip hop, crafting the beats that accompany the rhymes. In…

G-Funk tells the story of three friends growing up in East Long Beach who played a key role in popularizing hip hop. They created a distinctive sound by blending hard-edged rap with smooth elements of Motown, funk, and R&B.

SOMETHING FROM NOTHING: THE ART OF RAP is a performance documentary following the rise of Rap music. Director and interviewer Ice-T guides viewers on a personal exploration of how this music from the streets became a global force. He connects…

"Time Is Illmatic" is a documentary film that explores the creation of Nas' groundbreaking 1994 album, *Illmatic*, and the environment that shaped it.

Kool Keith, the unpredictable and often shocking hip hop artist, has consistently challenged listeners throughout his career. Known for his numerous alter egos like Dr. Octagon, creator of the groundbreaking 1996 album *Dr. Octagonecologyst*, Keith has consistently pushed boundaries with…

In 1997, the deaths of rap icons Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. Fueled speculation about a bitter rivalry between East Coast and West Coast hip-hop artists. Nick Broomfield's documentary focuses on Russell Poole, a former police officer who claims…

Robert Hunter, a Perth musician, was a trailblazer, a young father, and a skilled digital communicator. He also battled addiction and lived a restless life, ultimately facing a terminal cancer diagnosis at 35. Facing a potentially premature end, Hunter used…