Diddy’s legal drama only continues to heat up, reaching a peak last month when Homeland Security raided two of the mogul’s mansions as part of a federal sex trafficking investigation. He’s yet to be charged with anything in relation to the probe. He’s already been hit with several damning allegations, however, in a slurry of sexual assault lawsuits spearheaded by his ex Cassie in November. Fans and critics alike are more anxious than ever to learn what the Bad Boy Records founder’s been up to behind closed doors, and continue to air their opinions online.
Fortunately for those eager to get a closer look at the saga, it’s reported that multiple companies are in the process of breaking down Diddy’s legal issues in various documentaries. Industry sources told TMZ earlier this week that production ramped up after the aforementioned raids. The highly publicized search got only more eyes on the debacle.
Cassie, Aubrey O’Day, And More Have Reportedly Been Contacted About Interviews
Sean “Diddy” Combs attends Sean “Diddy” Combs Fulfills $1 Million Pledge To Howard University At Howard Homecoming – Yardfest at Howard University on October 20, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Images for Sean “Diddy” Combs)
The outlet claims that at least five companies have Diddy docs in the works. Reportedly, they’ve been in talks with several individuals who’ve worked with him previously. Former backup dancers, Bad Boy executives, Making the Band producers, security guards, and more have reportedly been contacted. Aubrey O’Day, who’s been a vocal critic of Puff for years, and Cassie have also reportedly gotten calls about interviews.
Sources say that one of the companies working on a film is ABC News Studios for Hulu. The others are said to be UK-based production companies. What do you think of multiple companies reportedly working on documentaries about Diddy’s legal drama? Are you looking forward to seeing them? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
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.
In 2019, JT of the City Girls was released from prison after serving over a year of time for credit card fraud charges. They went back to work immediately, releasing “First Day Out” that day. Here’s how the MGX guys would describe their project, which documented that time:
Gill: Unapologetic creative expression. That project is saying that [even when] in the face of people criticizing and trying to take you [down], when people are unapologetically creative and not contrived, that’s something that truly inspires people. When you’re unapologetically you in doing you and people are uncomfortable—that’s the sh*t moves the needle for a lot of people, in this case, a lot of women, a lot of men too. And I think it’s important.
Image via MGX
Malikyar: One other thing to add to that too would be friendship and loyalty. It was cool to see the relationship between the two of them and how genuinely loyal they were and looked out for each other in the different roles they play in that friendship. Because I would hope everybody has a best friend or that figure in their life. I feel like they’re representative of that relationship for other people in their own way, of course. But that bond is still the same.
On Marshmello’s Projects
Image via Publicist
For the first few years of their career, while still in college, they worked to help further define Marshmello’s brand and tackle the question of ‘why is this silent sensation dominating our culture?’ Here’s how they would define what he illuminates:
Malikyar: I think humanity would be one and connectivity would be the other. And the reason why is the ethos behind the idea of Marshmallo is that we are all Marshmallo. He’s a character. It’s open for interpretation. It’s so global, everybody sees themself in Marshmalloe and you can beat anything. And it’s supposed to shed light on the fact that this character is a little piece of all of us. And it serves as a medium to express that idea. It’s almost like the superhero, the Batman, the whatever, you put on that helmet and you can be whoever you want to be type of thing. I don’t know if you have anything to add to that.
Image via MGX
Gill: His character doesn’t speak yet for some reason it’s cut through in all these different communities around the world, which all that says is that we’re a lot more connected as people than we all think. And I think what our music video series did was the goal of it was to create, and if you get time to watch any of them, one of them is about bullying, one about first love, one about your friends moving, one’s about problems you go through at home. These things that humans—whether you’re in India, the Philippines, Kentucky or Los Angeles—are experiencing. The connected aspect of the brand was really what we tried to do with these music videos. And what we tried to [have] people understand [is] that we’re all connected.
On Takeoff
Image via MGX
On Nov. 1, 2022, Takeoff was killed at the age of 28. The guys process, and reflect on their time with the Migos, then Unc & Phew, member:
Gill: It’s just really heartbreaking from the times that we worked with Takeoff, he was genuinely the nicest, most kind, thoughtful would stay after the shoot for hours to talk. I remember after one of the shoots, he stayed after an hour just to play [Culture II] for Daniel and I. And we were just like, “Wow, what a nice human being.” So through the documentary medium, you get to really connect with some of these artists in a vulnerable kind of human way that you can’t really if you’re shooting their music video or they’re in a commercial per se. We were able to get a lens into these artists’ world, and by no means did we have a 20-year relationship with them, but through these projects, we got to know them in a certain way and I guess the simplest way to put it is it’s just heartbreaking.
Malikyar: One other note, too, just reflecting on it, it just also shines a light on the fragility of everything.
On ‘Untrapped: The Story of Lil Baby’
Image via Publicist
Over the course of 12 months, MGX Creative shadowed Lil Baby and told his story and those of many in his city. They process on what the project brought to light:
Gill: Socioeconomics and growth. Baby’s story illuminates a lot of the larger socioeconomic issues that our country is facing now and has been facing and the communities that exist because of that, that don’t ever get talked about. And people don’t ever take the time to actually understand, not from a baseline level, from a deeper mental, psychological level. The fact that doc about being mentally trapped because of where you’re from, have not seen that presented that way. The socioeconomic trap is not just a physical, monetary, literal trap; it’s also the mental world that America creates for certain communities. That’s the first part.
The second is growth; being able to see the power of growth in an artist in a person of color is so important to highlight because it’s going to allow other people of color and other individuals that may feel trapped to say, well if they can do it. Maybe I can do that. Maybe I won’t be the biggest rapper. Maybe I’ll be able to put myself through college. Or maybe I won’t be the biggest rapper. Maybe I’ll be able to go get a job at an insurance company. Whatever you’re thinking.
Fun Fact On ‘Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry Story’
The artist who turned rappers into Renaissance paintings for the trailer of Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry Story was an 18-year-old in Florence, Italy, with under 200 followers at the time.
