Watch I Want My Name Back

I Want My Name Back is a 2011 documentary film that follows the story of two rap pioneers, Master Gee and Wonder Mike, of the iconic hip-hop group, The Sugarhill Gang, and their battle for the rights to their own band name. The film starts by portraying the early days of hip-hop, where street parties, DJ battles and breakdancing were the norm. Then we see the rise of The Sugarhill Gang, the first rap group to produce a commercial hit single, "Rapper's Delight." The song became a sensation and put hip-hop on the global map. But behind the scenes, the group faced conflicts and manipulation from their manager, Sylvia Robinson, who owned the rights to their name and music.

The film then delves deeper into the conflicted history of the Sugarhill Gang, Master Gee, and Wonder Mike. We see the legal battles the duo had to fight against their former manager and even one another to reclaim control of their music and their name. The story of their conflict is shown through interviews with the band members, their lawyers, and music industry insiders, all revealing a complex tale of greed, betrayal, and loyalty.

As the film unfolds, we get a glimpse into the struggles that these artists faced in getting their music heard amidst a rapidly changing industry. Due to the exploitative business practices of the Robinsons, Gee and Mike were robbed of the royalties and credit that they deserved for their groundbreaking work. They recount their experiences with a mix of anger, sadness and disbelief, as they look back at the way their identities were reshaped by an industry that never fully understood them.

The documentary also gives us a look into the personal lives of the two rappers, their drug addictions and brushes with the law, as we follow their journey towards redemption and a renewed sense of self-discovery. Their story is an inspiring example of the resilience, interdependence and perseverance of those who succeed despite the obstacles.

The film does an excellent job of blending archival footage, present-day interviews, and animation to create a captivating and engaging story that may not be familiar to many people. The archival footage shows us the very beginning of hip-hop, before it gained mainstream acceptance, while the present-day interviews explore the ongoing issues of ownership and credit that continue to plague the music industry today.

The animation used in the film is also noteworthy as it vividly portrays the conflicts between the Sugarhill Gang members and the music industry they were trying to navigate. The animation brings the story to life and accentuates the complexities of the situation faced by the pioneers of rap music.

Overall, I Want My Name Back is a must-watch for anyone interested in the early days of hip-hop and the struggles of artists who fought for their rights amidst the exploitative music industry. The film offers a detailed, poignant and insightful glimpse into the lives of Master Gee and Wonder Mike, and the impact their music continues to have on generations of listeners. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of artistic freedom, creative ownership, and artistic legitimacy, which is often ignored in a world that frequently puts commerce ahead of art.

I Want My Name Back is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.