Watch The Untold story of Detroit hip hop
- 2018
- 1 hr 45 min
-
7.4 (20)
The Untold story of Detroit hip hop is an inspiring documentary from 2018 that features The Blackman, Chuck D, and Awesome Dre, amongst many others, as they dive into the roots of the iconic Detroit music scene. The film takes us on a journey through the history of hip hop in Detroit, exploring the birth of the genre in the Motor City and showcasing its influence on the rest of the world.
The movie begins with an overview of the city's musical heritage and how it has always had a profound impact on the artists that have called it home. Detroit, being a city of immigrants, has seen a great deal of cultural exchange since its early days, and hip hop is no exception. The Blackman, a lifelong resident of Detroit and a pioneer of the city's rap scene, takes us on a tour of some of the most important landmarks in Detroit's hip hop history. This includes the site of the legendary 1983 New Dance Show, which helped introduce rap to a wider audience.
As we follow the story of Detroit hip hop, we are introduced to some of its most significant players. Chuck D, the frontman of Public Enemy and a hip hop legend in his own right, shares his insights on the genre's early days and the impact that Detroit had on its development. He talks about the creative energy of the city in the 80s and how it was a hub for black culture and music.
Awesome Dre, one of the most influential rappers to emerge from Detroit, also speaks candidly about his journey to becoming a hip hop artist, sharing stories about his upbringing and how the city shaped him as an artist. We learn about the struggles many Detroit rappers faced in trying to break into the music industry, including the difficulties they faced in getting radio airplay and the stigmas they faced as being "too Detroit."
Throughout the film, we are treated to clips of some of the most iconic music that has come out of Detroit hip hop. From the early days of Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five to the modern-day stylings of Eminem, we are given a comprehensive look at the legacy of the city's rap scene.
One of the most powerful themes that emerges from the movie is the resilience of Detroit's artists. Many of the rappers featured in the film faced tremendous obstacles on their journey to success, from institutional racism to run-ins with the law. Despite these setbacks, they were able to find a way to express themselves and create music that resonated with millions of people. The city's rappers continue to inspire and uplift each other, even in the face of adversity.
Overall, The Untold story of Detroit hip hop is a fascinating and moving look at one of America's most significant contributions to culture in the 20th and 21st centuries. The movie is a celebration of the music and the individuals who have made this genre what it is today. It is a must-see for anyone interested in hip hop, Detroit, or the power of music to bring people together.
The Untold story of Detroit hip hop is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.