Comin' Up Short

The record label Death Row Records has, since its creation in 1993, been synonymous with the American hip-hop climate. Formed by ex-bodyguard Suge Knight, the label has released seminal rap albums from luminaries including Dr. Dre, Snoop Doggy Dogg, and the famous hip-hop martyr Tupac Shakur. WELCOME TO DEATH ROW is a fascinating, well-researched documentary which explores the history of this intriguing and incredibly significant company.

This documentary explores the lesser known people of the UK skate scene - not pros, not celebs, just skaters. Shining a light on the skate community and the relationship that comes with skating, this film has one goal in mind - to inspire people to SEND IT!

Copyright Criminals examines the creative and commercial value of musical sampling, including the related debates over artistic expression, copyright law, and (of course) money. This documentary traces the rise of hip-hop from the urban streets of New York to its current status as a multibillion-dollar industry. For more than thirty years, innovative hip-hop performers and producers have been re-using portions of previously recorded music in new, otherwise original compositions. When lawyers and record companies got involved, what was once referred to as a “borrowed melody” became a “copyright infringement.” The film showcases many of hip-hop music’s founding figures like Public Enemy, De La Soul, and Digital Underground—while also featuring emerging hip-hop artists from record labels Definitive Jux, Rhymesayers, Ninja Tune, and more.

Feature documentary that showcases the close-knit ties between the Hip Hop Music community and America's social and political policy in the last 30 years.

The greatest rapper to ever pick up a mic - with his velvety flow and unparalleled rhyme style he captivated everyone from Jay Z to Tupac. Now Notorious B.I.G. is revealed.

A documentary at the heart of French rap: its beginnings, its history, its influences. Featuring exclusive interviews, freestyles, and live performances from the French rap scene.

In 1982, the Raiders and owner Al Davis captivated black and Latino fans with swagger and charisma that matched the rapidly changing city.

On the evening of Sept. 7, 1996, Mike Tyson, the WBC heavyweight champion, attempted to take Bruce Seldon’s WBA title at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. At this point in his career, Tyson’s fights had become somewhat of a cultural phenomenon, where the ever present hype of the professional boxing scene would come face to face with the worlds of big business, Hollywood, and hip hop. Sitting ringside was controversial rapper Tupac Shakur. Shakur and Tyson were friends, a feeling of kinship linked them as each rose to stardom from poverty only to be thrown in prison. Following Tyson’s victory, Shakur and “Iron Mike” were to celebrate at an after party, but the rap star never arrived. Shakur was brutally gunned down later that night, and the scene in Las Vegas quickly turned from would-be celebratory revelry to ill fated and inopportune tragedy.

This ambitious documentary turns up the volume on long-silent voices lurking beneath the surface of the Latin hip-hop underground, revealing the origins of a genre that still has to fight to be heard. Highlights include a behind-the-scenes look at the artists' creative process, plus candid interviews with stars who share stories about making it in the business -- from Mellow Man Ace and Capone to Delinquent Habits and Psycho Realm.

A musical documentary accompaniment to the 1994 benefit compilation album concerning AIDS in the African-American community.

DEADBUG meets with VIolent J (Joe Bruce) of Insane Clown Posse (ICP) and discusses his career and life.

"The MC: Why We Do It" takes a look inside the world of Hip Hop and MCs to explore the issues and concerns that define todays most popular music form. The MC started out as a mere introducer of musical acts, but when DJs began spinning tracks at block parties in the Bronx in the late 1970s, the MC began to rap along to the beats, emerging as the focal point of a new music form. The film not only explores the origins of MC'ing, but the environmental, spiritual and moral aspects to this art form. As Hip Hop turns 25 years old, MC's consider the past, present and future of their music, giving a unique insight into what drives these artists to continue spitting rhymes. Written by Iain Kennedy

A documentary about the culture of hip-hop. Through interviews with some of hip-hops biggest names, the film makers attempt to find out why it has become so popular.

Mauro Mateus dos Santos was known by another name: Sabotage. Growing up amidst poverty in São Paulo, the musician, who became a legend after his death, is one of the most important names in national rap.

Straight From The Streets is a unique mosaic of inner city culture and politics that goes where no other film has dared!

Since its inception in 2000, Definitive Jux has been synonymous with progressive, creative, intelligent, and downright thrilling hip hop. Now, The Revenge of the Robots DVD captures label mainstays El-P, Mr. Lif, RJD2 and others during their acclaimed, sold-out "Revenge of the Robots" 2002 tour - a fascinating view for longtime fans and new converts alike.

Early 90s London gets a vibrant dose of African culture in this mini odyssey fusing dance, music and fashion.

Two decades after the album’s critically acclaimed release, hip-hop artist Nas teamed up with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., to stage a symphonic rendition of “Illmatic,” one of the most revered albums in hip-hop history. Nas: Live From the Kennedy Center captures the energy and nostalgia of this collaborative performance.

How did the disagreement get to this point? So together we will tell the story of Lil' Kim & Nicki Minaj's fight in a timeline detailing the always bubbling dispute between two of Rap's best Ladies.

Join photographer turned public access guru Ricky Powell in this collection of clips from his influential NY TV show, Rappin' With The Rickster.