Watch This Is the Life

This Is the Life is a 2008 documentary film directed by Ava DuVernay that traces the emergence of the Los Angeles alternative hip-hop scene in the early 1990s. The film follows the story of a collective known as The Good Life Cafe, which served as a beacon for local up-and-coming rappers, poets, and spoken word artists during a time when mainstream hip-hop was dominated by gangsta rap.

The film begins by painting a vivid picture of the social, political, and cultural climate that gave rise to The Good Life Cafe. Through interviews with founders and frequent attendees of the cafe, we learn that the early 1990s were a time of profound change in Los Angeles, as tensions between the Black community and law enforcement boiled over in the wake of the Rodney King beating and subsequent riots.

In this context, The Good Life Cafe emerged as a safe haven for young, socially conscious artists seeking a space to hone their craft and express themselves without fear of censorship or violence. The cafe was a model of inclusivity, welcoming performers from all backgrounds and genres, and fostering a sense of community among its patrons that extended well beyond its walls.

Throughout the film, we are introduced to a range of artists whose lives were transformed by The Good Life Cafe, including underground hip-hop legends like Jurassic 5 and Freestyle Fellowship, as well as lesser-known poets and spoken word artists. We see how these artists, many of them struggling to make ends meet in a city plagued by poverty and unemployment, were able to find a sense of purpose and hope in the supportive and creative environment of the cafe.

At the same time, the film does not shy away from the challenges that this community faced. We see how the pressures of poverty, violence, and addiction took a toll on many of the artists who frequented the cafe, and how the collective ultimately fell apart in the late 1990s. Yet even in the face of these hardships, the legacy of The Good Life Cafe endures, as a testament to the enduring power of art and community to transform lives and inspire change.

Overall, This Is the Life is a beautifully crafted and deeply inspiring film that offers a unique and compelling glimpse into a pivotal moment in the history of hip-hop and Black culture in America. Directed with sensitivity and skill by Ava DuVernay, the film leaves a lasting impression on its viewers, inviting us to reflect on the importance of artistic expression, community-building, and social justice in our own lives and in the world around us.