Watch This Is the Life

This Is the Life is a 2008 documentary film directed by Ava DuVernay that explores the underground hip-hop community in Los Angeles during the 1990s. The film mainly follows the story of a group of young artists and activists who called themselves the "Good Life Cafe Collective" and who created a space where hip-hop could flourish in alternative and non-commercial ways.

The Good Life Cafe was a weekly open-mic night that started in 1989 and became a haven for aspiring rappers, poets, and musicians who wanted to express themselves without the limitations of mainstream culture. The Cafe was located in South Central Los Angeles, an area with a history of poverty, violence, and social injustice, and was a place where people from all walks of life could come together and share their creativity and ideas.

The film is structured around interviews with members of the Good Life Cafe Collective, who reminisce about their experiences and reflect on the impact that the Cafe had on their lives and the wider community. They talk about how they created a supportive and inclusive space that challenged mainstream stereotypes of hip-hop as violent and misogynistic, and how they used their music and spoken-word performances to address issues such as racism, police brutality, and poverty.

The film also features archival footage of performances at the Cafe, which showcase the diverse talent and energy of the artists who performed there. The music ranges from conscious and politically-charged rap to smooth soul and jazz-infused beats, and reflects the eclectic tastes and influences of the performers.

Throughout the film, there is a sense of pride and nostalgia for the Good Life Cafe and the community it created. Despite the challenges they faced, including police harassment and the eventual closure of the Cafe, the members of the collective have fond memories of the friendships, collaborations, and artistic growth that took place there.

The film also touches on the wider social and cultural context of the 1990s, including the Rodney King beating and the subsequent riots, which had a profound impact on South Central Los Angeles and the African American community. The Good Life Cafe is presented as a positive and empowering counterpoint to the negative stereotypes and media portrayals of the area, and as a beacon of hope for those who wanted to create change through artistic expression.

Overall, This Is the Life is a compelling and insightful documentary that sheds light on an important but often overlooked chapter in the history of hip-hop and African American culture. It is a celebration of creativity, community, and resilience, and a testament to the transformative power of art in challenging times.