Hip Hop Movie Club

You heard our short take on Entergalactic—here's the extended bonus cut. We get deeper into Kid Cudi's world-building, the film's NYC authenticity, the design influence of the late, great Virgil Abloh, music references, and why Meadow's ending sparked a real gripe.Also check out:➡️ "Analysing the Art of Entergalactic" by Daniel Ang➡️ "The Making of: Entergalactic" by NetflixCredits

Did Jabari get off "Scott"-free? Is the ending more problematic than you remember?In any case, this visually stunning rom-com/musical from the mind of Kid Cudi and directed by Fletcher Moules is NOT to be missed!Topics discussed:

More than meets the eye meets the golden age of hip hop! You may not think Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is a hip hop film, but this 2023 installment in the series really is one IN DISGUISE!Topics discussed:

You Got Served had phenomenal dance scenes, but don't sleep on the soundtrack! It's a veritable who's who from hip hop in the 2000s, led by B2K. These tracks still hit hard and we tell you our favorites here. Topics discussed:

In the Heights isn't just a fun musical — it's about DACA, racism, and rent. We talk about the serious side of this Lin-Manuel Miranda film, which gives weight underneath the light and bright production.Topics discussed:

Here are highlights of our original 2024 episode on Hustle and Flow, the 2005 classic starring Terrence Howard, Taryn Manning, Anthony Anderson, and Taraji P. Henson.Topics discussed:

Content warning: brief mention of SA around 3:38 We discuss Affion Crockett's 2024 parody film A Hip Hop Story. Topics discussed:

We review Kneecap, the 2024 comedy/drama biopic of the controversial Irish language rap group. Topics discussed:

We review Kendrick Lamar and Kahlil Joseph's short film "good kid, m.A.A.d. city" Topics discussed:

What do you think? Should hip hop be any part of stepping? Topics discussed:

Quizmaster JB puts BooGie and DynoWright to the test with 20 questions about this Spike Lee classic.Play along with our Do the Right Thing trivia episode! How many questions did you get right? Tell us at hiphopmovieclub@gmail.comCreditsHip Hop Movie Club is produced by your HHMCs JB, BooGie, and DynoWright. Theme music by BooGie.Check us out:On June 10th, we will be screening this film in 4K at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas at SteelStacks in Bethlehem PA. Get your free tickets, thanks to ArtsQuest!Check out our live event schedule and more at our Linktree.Hip Hop Movie Club on:TikTokFacebookInstagramThreadsBlueskySubstack (newsletter)Website

The audience for our Louder than a Bomb screening at ArtsQuest got a special treat: a live spoken word performance by Tribes & Vibes' own Baby the Poet. Listen for two terrific poems and a quick interview with DynoWright and BooGie of the Hip Hop Movie Club.Also check out:Baby the Poet: InstagramTribes & Vibes: Instagram | FacebookCreditsHip Hop Movie Club is produced by your HHMCs JB, BooGie, and DynoWright. Theme music by BooGie.Check us out:Our next live event is DO THE RIGHT THING at SteelStacks, June 10, 2026!Free ticketsCheck out our live event schedule and more at our Linktree.Hip Hop Movie Club on:TikTokFacebookInstagramThreadsBlueskySubstack (newsletter)Website

Four Chicago-area high school poetry teams battle to qualify and show out at the world's largest slam poetry competition, Louder Than A Bomb. Topics discussed:

Here's a little story about Silibil N' Brains, two Scottish rappers that faked it but still didn't make it. Topics discussed:

We set the wayback machine to August 6, 1988 to review and react to the pilot episode of Yo! MTV Raps. This show was a huge part of our upbringing in hip hop!Topics discussed:

Special episode: Lehigh Valley rapper and nonprofit founder Maverick Makaveli sounds off on Set It Off, plus a live performance of her track "R.B.G.", all before our 30th anniversary screening of the 1996 heist classic at ArtsQuest. Also check out:Maverick Makaveli on SoundCloud and InstagramUmoja Is UnityCreditsHip Hop Movie Club is produced by your HHMCs JB, BooGie, and DynoWright. Theme music by BooGie.Check us out:Our next live event is LOUDER THAN A BOMB with a special performance by Baby the Poet of Tribes and Vibes! Join us on April 22 at SteelStacks in Bethlehem PA. Free tickets!Check out our live event schedule and more at our Linktree.Hip Hop Movie Club on:TikTokFacebookInstagramThreadsBlueskySubstack (newsletter)Website

Here's a throwback AND remix of our previous episode on Set It Off, ahead of our 30th anniversary screening at SteelStacks in Bethlehem PA. Get free tix! Topics discussed:

Take a ride with us on Travis Scott: Look Mom I Can Fly, the documentary-style film on Netflix that led up to the release of his critically acclaimed Astroworld album.Topics discussed:

We move within the Breakin' / Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo Cinematic Universe to Pittsburgh with a whole new cast of characters in this 1985 installment. The cheese factor is set to high in this early hip hop musical.Topics discussed:

If you are in need of help related to a mental health crisis or suicide, in the United States please dial 988 for 24/7 help.Mr. Happy ain't a Pharrell banger! This "misguided search for true happiness" is a Vice short film from 2015 starring Chance the Rapper and Marie Oldenbourg. Topics discussed:3️⃣ Chance the Rapper crackles in a powerful film debut

We crack open an incredible time capsule of early Hip Hop in New York City! BEDANKT to Dutch filmmaker Bram van Splunteren for this gem. Topics discussed:

This Wiz Khalifa documentary "Still Rolling Papers" is a 10th anniversary celebration of his multi-platinum Rolling Papers album.Topics discussed:

The O.G. himself assembles 47 of the greatest rappers that ever lived to talk about how they make the rhymes that move the crowds. Topics discussed:✍

Trugoy the Dove may have passed, but De La Soul is not dead! We'll explain why, having watched the 2016 documentary from Mass Appeal. It's a must-watch for any De La Soul fan.Topics discussed:

Juice WRLD: Into the Abyss (2021) is a glimpse into his final months. Both his prodigious talent and troubling substance dependency were on display. The sixth and final part of the HBO Max documentary series Music Box. Topics discussed:

In 2023, we reviewed the 2020 film version of the Broadway production of Hamilton. Lin-Manuel Miranda's revolutionary approach to edutainment delivered - for Gen X old heads and young folks alike! Topics discussed:

Idlewild (2006) is a story about friendship, dreams, and survival —all set to an OutKast soundtrack in a glittering, dangerous Jazz Age world. But most people missed out on it!Topics discussed:

CONTENT WARNING: SA, self-harmWe weigh in on the hot Netflix documentary SEAN COMBS: THE RECKONING, executive produced by 50 Cent. Is this hip hop's #MeToo moment? Can hip hop hold its icons to the standards it holds the world around it? Listen and find out! Puffy is Poison by Maronzio Vance: https://youtu.be/2Z3bLRPOlrw?si=qUE1UT3wqeBX1IPD Credits Hip Hop Movie Club is produced by your HHMCs JB, BooGie, and DynoWright. Theme music by BooGie. And remember: Don't hate...debate! Next live event: SET IT OFF at SteelStacks, March 18, 2026. Save the date! Hip Hop Movie Club on: Facebook: https://facebook.com/hiphopmovieclub Instagram: https://instagram.com/hiphopmovieclub Threads: https://www.threads.net/@hiphopmovieclub Bluesky: https://hiphopmovieclub.bsky.social Substack: https://hiphopmovieclub.substack.com/ Website: https://hiphopmovieclub.com/

It's the holiday season, so we are unwrapping what makes the music video and the song "Christmas in Hollis" by Run-DMC so great!Topics discussed:"Back Door Santa" by Clarence Carter - the beat behind the songHow "Christmas in Hollis" made it on the A Very Special Christmas albumBreaking down the song and the videoVideo director Michael Holman's under-appreciated contributions to hip hop"Christmas in Hollis" in the movies and TVAlso check out:Our episode on the Run-DMC documentary Kings from Queens. More on Christmas in Hollis at Defector, AV Club, Vice, and BET.CreditsHip Hop Movie Club is produced by your HHMCs JB, BooGie, and DynoWright. Theme music by BooGie.And remember:Don't hate...ice skate!Check us out:Save the date: March 18, 2026 for SET IT OFF at SteelStacks!Check out our live event schedule and more at our Linktree.Hip Hop Movie Club on:FacebookInstagramThreadsBlueskySubstack (newsletter)Website

Devon (Nick Cannon) has raw talent, New York City swag, and a scholarship, but can this drumming prodigy make it in the prestigious Atlanta A&T Panthers Marching Band?Stick around for our review of Drumline (2002) and see just how impactful this film was. Topics discussed:

Here is a rebroadcast of our original episode on Last Holiday, starring Queen Latifah and LL Cool J. Enjoy this feel-good story about living boldly and savoring every moment! Topics discussed:

Prof. Andrew "DJ ARM 18" McIntosh drops some serious knowledge about N.W.A., West Coast Hip Hop, and more before our 10th anniversary screening of "Straight Outta Compton" at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas at SteelStacks. CreditsHip Hop Movie Club is produced by your HHMCs JB, BooGie, and DynoWright. Theme music by BooGie. Check us out:Next live event: SET IT OFF, March 18, 2026 at SteelStacks. Save the date! Tickets will be available at artsquest.org. Check out our live event schedule and more at our Linktree.Hip Hop Movie Club on:FacebookInstagram ThreadsBlueskySubstack (newsletter)Website

We discuss "Straight Outta L.A.', the 2010 ESPN 30 For 30 documentary directed by Ice Cube, which explores the tight bond between the NFL's Raiders and gangster rap, especially by N.W.A.Also check out: "No Mas Presents: Dock Ellis and The LSD No-No" by James BlagdenCreditsHip Hop Movie Club is produced by your HHMCs JB, BooGie, and DynoWright. Theme music by BooGie. And remember: Don't hate...on the Golden State!Check us out:Our next live event is SET IT OFF on March 18, 2026 at SteelStacks in Bethlehem PA. Save the date!Check out our live event schedule and more at our Linktree.Hip Hop Movie Club on:FacebookInstagram ThreadsBlueskySubstack (newsletter)Website

Can hip hop tell stories about everyday Black life — not just struggle, but community, responsibility, growth and maturity — and still stay authentic?Ice Cube's Barbershop (2002) film sets out to do this. Did it work? HHMC takes a cut at it!Topics discussed:

Ahead of our 10th anniversary screening of Straight Outta Compton, we examine The World's Most Dangerous Group's family tree, perhaps the most powerful one in hip hop, going from Snoop Dogg all the way to Kendrick Lamar. Topics discussed:

Does Idlewild got that swing, or ain't got that swing?Set in Prohibition-era Georgia, 1930s, Idlewild portrays the story of two childhood friends going in completely different directions. Percival—played by André 3000—is a quiet, introverted church pianist who dreams of playing bigger stages, and then there's Rooster, Big Boi's character, running the hottest speakeasy in town, the Idlewild club, dealing with gangsters and all the chaos that comes with it. It's a story about friendship, dreams, and survival —all set to an OutKast soundtrack in a glittering, dangerous Jazz Age world. Topics discussed:

We have spoken about our Mount Rushmore of rappers turned actors: Will Smith, Queen Latifah, Tupac Shakur, and Ice Cube. Who is in the next tier? Listen and find out!CreditsHip Hop Movie Club is produced by your HHMCs JB, BooGie, and DynoWright. Theme music by BooGie. And remember: Don't hate...marinate!Check us out:Our next live event is STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON on Thursday Nov. 13 at SteelStacks in Bethlehem. Buy ticketsCheck out our live event schedule and more at our Linktree.Hip Hop Movie Club on:FacebookInstagram ThreadsBlueskySubstack (newsletter)Website

Warren Beatty's 1998 political satire Bulworth gave us an audacious experiment: a white politician who ditches his teleprompter for freestyle flows and brutal honesty about America's political machine. Topics discussed:

A documentary film crew ventures into the Amazon rainforest and gets hoodwinked into helping a mysterious snake hunter. A deadly encounter with The Predator ensues, with a Death Certificate waiting for AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted and Jenny from the Block. Topics discussed:

Don't be scuuuurrrred, the Halloween season is near! We dove into the 1995 horror anthology movie Tales from the Hood.Tales from the Hood is a horror anthology about three young men who visit a mysterious funeral home, where the eccentric mortician tells them four supernatural stories that blend scares with social commentary on issues like police brutality, racism, and domestic violence. Think "The Twilight Zone" meets urban horror, with each tale exploring how supernatural justice comes for those who commit very human evils. Topics discussed:A quick snapshot of this cult classicWhere this fits in the hip hop canonFun facts about this fright festThe impact this film had on Black storytelling Fan reaction then and nowAlso check out: We are screening Tales from the Hood in celebration of its 30th anniversary, in conjunction with the First Saturday Horror Series and the How Could You?! podcast at SteelStacks in Bethlehem on October 4th. Tap in and come through! Get tickets. Director Rusty Cundieff also helmed Fear of a Black Hat, which we reviewed in 2024. Listen now.CreditsHip Hop Movie Club is produced by your HHMCs JB, BooGie, and DynoWright. Theme music by BooGie. And remember: Don't hate...period.Check us out:Our final screening of the year at SteelStacks is Straight Outta Compton. We're celebrating its 10th anniversary on November 13! Buy ticketsCheck out our live event schedule and more at our Linktree.Hip Hop Movie Club on:FacebookInstagram ThreadsBlueskySubstack (newsletter)Website

If you're a big hip hop fan, you might be considering watching Ice Cube's new disaster flick, War of the Worlds. We watched it so you don't have to. Topics discussed:Quick snapshot of this disastrous disaster filmWhere this fits in the hip hop canon (it doesn't really)Fun facts about this tedious movieThe impact this film might haveHilarious roasting by fansAlso check out: National Geographic's series on UFOs is really goodCreditsHip Hop Movie Club is produced by your HHMCs JB, BooGie, and DynoWright. Theme music by BooGie. And remember: Don't hate...postulate!Check us out:Our next live event is TALES FROM THE HOOD on Saturday October 4th with the First Saturday Horror Series and the How Could You?! podcast at SteelStacks. Buy tickets!Check out our live event schedule and more at our Linktree.Hip Hop Movie Club on:FacebookInstagram ThreadsBlueskySubstack (newsletter)Website

Superstar comedian Katt Williams made his film debut in the third installment of the Friday series, 2002's Friday After Next. "Money Mike" stole scenes like Ghetto Santa Claus stole Craig and Day-Day's Christmas presents! Topics discussed:

Today we answer this question about the 1993 action crime thriller Judgment Night: why was the soundtrack so much more important than the film itself? CreditsHip Hop Movie Club is produced by your HHMCs JB, BooGie, and DynoWright. Theme music by BooGie. And remember: Don't hate...ventilate!Check us out:Join us on Saturday, October 4th at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas at SteelStacks in Bethlehem, PA as the Hip Hop Movie Club teams up with the First Saturday Horror Series and hosts of the How Could You?! Podcast for a special screening of "Tales from the Hood." You will not want to miss this spooktacular event. Buy ticketsCheck out our live event schedule and more at our Linktree.Hip Hop Movie Club on:FacebookInstagram ThreadsBlueskySubstack (newsletter)Website

In honor of back to school season being upon us, here is an encore presentation of our original episode on How High starring Redman and Method Man. Will the Ivy League academic career of Silas and Jamal be lit? Or will the experience all go up in smoke? How High on IMDbWhere to Watch: Amazon PrimeGirls Gone Wild (Wikipedia)FUBUHow High soundtrack (Spotify)"Together Again" by Janet Jackson (YouTube)Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 (Grammy.com)How High 2 (IMDB)"I'll Bee Dat!" by Redman (YouTube)Method and Red (IMDB)CreditsHip Hop Movie Club is produced by your HHMCs JB, BooGie, and DynoWright. Theme music by BooGie.And remember:Don't hate...reciprocate!Check us out:Our next live event is TALES FROM THE HOOD (30th Anniversary screening) with the First Saturday Horror film series at SteelStacks! Tap in and come through Saturday, October 4 at 9:45 pm at SteelStacks in Bethlehem PA. Buy ticketsCheck out our live event schedule and more at our Linktree.Hip Hop Movie Club on:FacebookInstagramThreadsBlueskySubstack (newsletter)Website

In honor of our 30th anniversary screening this Friday August 15th of FRIDAY, here is an encore presentation of our original episode on the film and television career of Ice Cube. Get tickets and join us at SteelStacks!Topics discussed:

Welcome to an encore presentation of our original episode on Friday, the 1995 classic starring Ice Cube and Chris Tucker. If you're in the Bethlehem PA area on Friday August 15, you can catch our 30th Anniversary screening of Friday at SteelStacks. Get tickets now and see it on the big screen! Doors at 7:30 with throwback set by the one and only DJ ARM 18!Topics discussed:So many funny bits, set against the backdrop of serious South Central L.A.The chemistry between Ice Cube and Chris TuckerThe comedic genius of John WitherspoonSo many quotable lines that have endured for decadesAn amazing gallery of characters, played by terrific actors Also check out: Our episodes on Next Friday and Friday After NextCreditsHip Hop Movie Club is produced by your HHMCs JB, BooGie, and DynoWright. Theme music by BooGie. And remember: Don't hate...collaborate!Check us out:A Friday screening...on a Friday! August 15 at 8pm at SteelStacks. Part of the Hip Hop Movie Club Film Series!Buy ticketsCheck out our live event schedule and more at our Linktree.Hip Hop Movie Club on:FacebookInstagram ThreadsBlueskySubstack (newsletter)Website

In honor of the new Clipse album coming out, we wanted to kick it back to our original episode on Piece by Piece, a fun and inspirational LEGO® movie about the creativity and career of Pharrell Williams!Topics discussed:

We think Ice Cube's progression from gangsta rapper to family friendly actor is unprecedented, and he cements it as Nick in "Are We There Yet?" CreditsHip Hop Movie Club is produced by your HHMCs JB, BooGie, and DynoWright. Theme music by BooGie. And remember: Don't hate...navigate!Check us out:Our next live event is FRIDAY (30th anniversary!) screening on August 15 - at SteelStacks: Buy ticketsCheck out our live event schedule and more at our Linktree.Hip Hop Movie Club on:FacebookInstagram ThreadsBlueskySubstack (newsletter)Website

Biz Markie was the "Clown Prince of Hip Hop". He paved his own way in the industry and in turn, opened doors for future legends. He was like a big kid and larger than life. Even in death, nobody beats the Biz. (Nobody Beats the Biz!) But what was the late, great Biz Markie really like? Today the four-year anniversary of his passing in 2021, here is a rebroadcast of our episode on "All Up in the Biz"

(Encore presentation) The film adaptation of In The Heights from Lin-Manuel Miranda is a joyous spectacle of singing, dancing, and asserting your dignity in small ways.Topics discussed:There are multiple elements of hip-hop culture present in the film - and the rapping is on point. Several Latin cultures are represented, showing the diversity of Washington Heights. The vocal talent is top notch and the dancing and choreography sizzle. The film weaves in serious elements that give the light and bright storytelling some drama and weight. There are multiple story lines, all tied towards a common theme of realizing dreams. Also check out:Our episode on HamiltonCreditsHip Hop Movie Club is produced by your HHMCs JB, BooGie, and DynoWright. Theme music by BooGie. And remember:Don't hate...radiate!Check us out:Our next live event is FRIDAY (30th anniversary!) on Friday, August 15 at SteelStacks in Bethlehem PA. Buy ticketsCheck out our live event schedule and more at our Linktree.Hip Hop Movie Club on:FacebookInstagram ThreadsBlueskySubstack (newsletter)Website

The Freshest Kids explores the history and evolution of b-boying, also known as breaking, from its roots in the Bronx to its international explosion. Archival footage of key figures in the b-boy scene, and many hip hop luminaries dot this fascinating journey about the enormous impact of breaking on society.Topics discussed: