Watch A Genius Leaves the Hood: The Unauthorized Story of Jay Z

A Genius Leaves the Hood: The Unauthorized Story of Jay Z is a 2014 documentary film that takes a deep dive into the life and career of one of the most successful and influential hip-hop artists of all time. The film features interviews with a number of industry insiders, friends and associates of Jay Z, as well as experts on rap music and culture.

The film starts by exploring Jay Z's early life growing up in the Marcy Projects in Brooklyn, NY. We learn about his early struggles with poverty and crime, and how he turned to music as a way to escape his difficult circumstances. We hear from some of his childhood friends and associates, who offer insights into Jay Z's early development as an artist and his early struggles to get his career off the ground.

As the film progresses, we learn more about Jay Z's rise to fame in the 1990s and early 2000s. We hear from industry insiders like record executive Chris Atlas, who discuss the business side of Jay Z's success and the intricacies of the rap music industry. We also hear from music journalists like Bill Adler, who offer critical analysis of Jay Z's lyrics, style and influence.

One of the key themes of the film is Jay Z's role as a cultural icon and trailblazer for other Black artists. We see how he broke down barriers in the music industry and paved the way for other artists to achieve success on their own terms. We also see how he used his platform to speak out on issues like police brutality and economic inequality, and how he challenged mainstream ideas about race and culture.

Overall, A Genius Leaves the Hood is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of one of the most influential artists of our time. The film offers an intimate look into Jay Z's life and career, and provides valuable insights into the cultural and social contexts that shaped his music and his legacy. Whether you're a die-hard fan of Jay Z or simply interested in the history of rap music, A Genius Leaves the Hood is a must-see film.

A Genius Leaves the Hood: The Unauthorized Story of Jay Z is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 58 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.