From “Style Wars” to “Rock the Bells”, 8 Must See Hip-Hop Documentaries (Full Video) Posted by Danielle Harling on 04/01/10 | Filed under Movies

Ever since Hip Hop first emerged onto the scene in the 70’s a number of documentaries have been created profiling the culture and its various elements. A number of these documentaries barely peaked any interest in fans of the culture while some will remain relevant for years to come. RefinedHype.com highlights eight must see Hip Hop documentaries that reign supreme.

Style Wars

For fans of Hip Hop, it would be a sin not to check out this documentary. Easily one of Hip Hop’s first documentaries Style Wars focuses on the various elements of Hip Hop (graffiti writing, tagging, and, breaking) as they began to evolve in the early 80’s.

Planet B-Boy

Planet B-Boy takes a look at the lives of the modern b-boy as various teams compete at the 2005 Battle Of The Year. The film has remained a gem in the film festival world appearing at the Tribeca Film Festival, Sydney Film Festival, and more.

Rock The Bells

Described by many as one of the best Hip Hop documentaries out, Rock The Bells takes a fascinating look at the festival directors arduous task of reuniting all nine Wu-Tang Clan members on stage.

Rhyme And Reason

Rhyme And Reasons takes a look at the evolution of rap through interviews with a number of rapper’s including The Notorious B.I.G., Method Man, Tupac, Busta Rhymes, Chuck D, and more.

Tupac Resurrection

Since Tupac’s untimely death in the 90’s a number of documentaries have been released chronicling the life of the controversial rapper, but among these documentaries Tupac Resurrection gives the best insight into the rapper’s life.

The Freshest Kids

Hailed as one of the best Hip Hop doc’s on the art of b-boying, The Freshest Kids details the history of the b-boy and features appearances from Mos Def, Crazy Legs, Afrika Bambaataa, and more.

2 Turntables And A Microphone: The Life And Death Of Jam Master Jay

Unfortunately, some of the most intriguing Hip Hop documentaries are centered around the death of a particular Hip Hop icon. In Two Turntables And A Mic, viewers get a first hand account of Jam Master Jay’s life and his death from friends and family.

The Carter

Although most Hip Hop heads might dread watching a documentary on rapper Lil Wayne, The Carter does take an interesting looking at one of Hip Hop’s most talked about artists.

Did we miss any of your favorite flicks? Let us know in the comments below.

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