dance

For decades, hip-hop has been a presence in music that enraptures people everywhere. However, this genre’s rise started in the Bronx, and now, its influence is worldwide. To better understand hip-hop, watching documentaries on its cultural and historical influences offers a great peek. Navigating through the vast collection of documentaries available can be intimidating.

To simplify things, we’ve compiled a list of the most enthralling hip-hop documentaries to keep you glued to your screen. Furthermore, documentaries are essential for conveying this ever-growing culture’s story, thanks to streaming services and an increased appetite for knowledge. From its inception to the modern state of the industry, this selection of films offers an immersive and entertaining journey.

11. Hip-Hop Evolution (2016)

Set in the Bronx, home to the most dynamic parties, Hip-Hop Evolution is among the binge-worthy hip-hop documentaries. Moreover, It dives deep into decades of hip-hop. Showcasing the music of West Coast G-funk and the bounce of New Orleans, it captures the vibrancy of cities that fueled the development of this influential art form. Featuring interviews with artists such as T.I., Mannie Fresh, Dr. Luke, Master P, and Lil Kim, this captivating documentary is filled with wisdom. So, sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in an afternoon of binge-watching this infamously addictive documentary.

10. It Takes a Nation—The First London Invasion Tour 1987 (1987)

Public Enemy‘s 1987 UK tour was an unforgettable experience for hip-hop fans. Norman Rogers, known as Terminator X with his iconic high-top fade, visor sunglasses, African beads, and ankhs, was flanked by Chuck D, Flavor Flav, and Professor Griff during the group’s live performances. Together they created a blend of sound and fury. They made tracks like “Countdown to Armageddon” and “Rebel Without a Pause.” The concert at Hammersmith Odeon left audiences in awe as they witnessed the raw power present on stage. Overall, this event marked a significant milestone in the history of Afro-conscious rap.

9. Just for Kicks (2005)

Sneakers have been an iconic part of hip-hop culture since long before Run-D.M.C.’s “My Adidas.” Hip-hop lovers jazz up their velour tracksuits, baggy jeans, and b-boy looks with flashy footwear such as high-tops, Chuck Taylors, and shelltoes. Lisa Leone and Thibault de Longeville capture this fascination in the intriguing documentary Just for Kicks. A film filled with buoyant energy, it is a testament to the long-lasting success of sneaker brands like Jordans and the profitable nature of the sneaker market.

8. Time is Illmatic (2014)

Documenting the making of one of hip-hop’s most iconic albums, Time is Illmatic succeeds in illustrating how Nas’ upbringing in the Queensbridge Projects influenced his epochal debut. One soon sees that Illmatic—with its artwork featuring Nas and his neighborhood comrades, some now deceased or jailed—is not just a rap album. Instead, it is a historical record that eternally preserves working-class African-American culture. As Nas puts it: “Every hood contains an invisible legacy, the spirit of those who have gone before.”

7. The Freshest Kids: A History of the B-Boy (2002)

Break-dancing is undeniably at the heart of hip-hop. Those who pioneered it—DJs Kool Herc, Shabba-Doo, OG BGirl, and Crazy Legs—impacted hip-hop culture and its associated art forms. The Freshest Kids follows the journey of this ever-evolving dance form as it grows to be something more than just movement by highlighting its entertainment and qualities. It is a must for all lovers of dance and hip-hop. However, one particular appearance from Afrika Bambaataa remains controversial.

6. The Art of Organized Noize (2016)

The Big Apple is often referred to as the Mecca of rap. However, the southern hubs of Florida, Louisiana, and Texas, among others, are also significant in hip-hop culture. Yet, arguably, no place has produced more legendary acts than Atlanta, Georgia. The Art of Organized Noize is a tribute to the South and honors three critical figures in hip-hop: Rico Wade, Ray Murray, and Sleepy Brown. This film, directed by Quincy Jones III, explores how their contribution to music still resonates today through iconic groups such as OutKast, Goodie Mob, and the Dungeon Family. It’s a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of Southern rap.

5. Big Fun in the Big Town (1986)

Sometimes, an outsider’s point of view is the most honest. Marcel Vanthilt, a Belgian television presenter, traveled to New York to fully comprehend rap music. He found that rap brought a much-needed source of creativity for Bronx children that had been void from their curriculum. He even posed a delicate question about misogyny to LL Cool J. His most impressive interview was with Schoolly D. He is a perceptive gangster rapper who predicted the potential ruin of rap if it were “made too pretty.”

4. My Mic Sounds Nice: A Truth About Women And Hip-Hop (2010)

My Mic Sounds Nice: A Truth About Women and Hip-Hop confronts femcees’ challenging circumstances and daily struggles. Embracing hip-hop’s inclination to elevate a mirror to the hardships of our present society, this intriguing documentary assesses the part of women in the aggressive, alpha-controlled planet of rap—and also the world at large. Ava DuVernay, an Oscar nominee, helms the project; her penetrating gaze—present in many of her later works, including the Netflix film 13th—is astute and keen, contributing to an enthralling inquiry into hip-hop’s relationship with women.

3. Style Wars (1983)

Eager for an antiquated experience? Look no further than Style Wars, a documentary that dives deep into the 1980s hip-hop climate of New York City. Specifically, the film offers a glimpse into the graffiti subculture and rivalries among different crews. Graffiti art, rap music, and breakdancing are all featured prominently, offering a dive into the culture’s history. The award-winning documentary championed graffiti as an art form, yet not everybody shared the same opinion. Throughout the film, we witness how institutions like the government and police strove to curb graffiti in New York City. As a manifestation of this resolve, the metropolis allocated sizable resources for anti-graffiti subway ads, depicting it as a criminal act.

2. The Defiant Ones (2017)

The Defiant Ones narrates the connection between music icons Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre. They both have the wisdom to shape modern culture. Director Allen Hughes observed the two men’s journey over three years and documented the surprising success of their collaboration. Son of a Brooklyn dockworker, Iovine, and Compton-born Dre, had different backgrounds, yet joined forces to achieve an unprecedented deal in the industry. A roster of superstars was interviewed, from Bono to Snoop Dogg to Bruce Springsteen. Furthermore, in a rare treat for fans, never-before-seen footage from multiple recording and writing sessions was presented as part of the four-part series.

1. Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop – A Bad Boy Story (2017)

When it comes to Sean “Puffy” Combs and his remarkable work, there is no doubt that his Bad Boy label alumni will be remembered as legends. As seen in Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop two decades later, Combs reunited many of these up-and-coming acts—like 112, Lil Kim, Faith Evans, Mase, Total, and Carl Thomas—in honor of The Notorious B.I.G‘s 44th birthday celebration at Barclays Center. This film allows us a rare look into the illustrious life of Combs. In addition, it showcases never-before-seen connections formed between some of hip-hop’s most prominent figures since the ’90s.