We all enjoy the music that our favorite artists produce. But as fans, we are often more intrigued by the things that these talented artists don’t tell us. And that is why documentaries have become just as important as the music itself. Here is a look at four documentaries that are a must-see for every hip-hop fan.
Videos by According2HipHop
Fade to Black
Jay-Z has not dropped an album since 2017 when he released 4:44. So it is safe to say when he has officially retired from the rap game. But his initial retirement came in November 2003. Hov’s rollout of The Black Album was hip-hop’s version of Kobe Bryant’s retirement tour. Jay-Z’s Fade to Black chronicles the creation of Hov’s eighth studio album. As well as the celebration of its release at Madison Square Garden. The documentary is directed by Patrick Paulson and Michael John Warren. And has a star-studded list of appearances including Mary J. Blige, Foxy Brown, Damon Dash, Missy Elliott, Beyoncé, Usher, and more.
The Carter
Lil Wayne has always been one of the best rappers on the planet. But after the releases of The Carter and The Carter II, he had solidified as the best rapper in the game by the mid-2000s. In 2008 Weezy was set to complete the trilogy of his Carter series with the highly-anticipated Carter III project. The documentary, directed and produced by the legendary Quincy Jones, followed the creative process behind the project. Not only that. It also chronicled the key moments in Weezy’s life leading up to the Carter II. From shooting himself as an adolescent to growing up around the Hot Boyz in New Orleans to the legal troubles that landed him in prison shortly after the album was released.
Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told
Freaknik has long been regarded as the greatest party on earth. The Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told, chronicles how the event went from a small gathering between Metro Atlanta college students on spring break to a cultural phenomenon that spread throughout the United States and ultimately became a staple in the hip-hop community. The documentary, produced by Jermaine Dupri, Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell, and 21 Savage features commentary from Rashida Frost, Killer Mike, and Joe Budden Podcast host, Marc Lamont Hill.
Jeen-Yuhs
It is no secret that Kanye has done a complete heel turn compared to what he used to mean to the music community. And although some of his actions have been inexcusable, his documentary Jeen-Yuhs (genius), gives a little insight into why he is the way that he is. The three-part Netflix documentary produced by filmmaker duo Coodie Simmons and Chike Ozah follows Kanye’s rise to the top. From being raised by a single mother in an underserved Chicago community to becoming a Grammy-winning producer and artist.
