As the globe tuned into a new decade, 2020 was set to be a cinematic surge of rap documentaries spinning on the turntables of culture, history, and art. Movies and documentaries about the rap and hip-hop scene have always been spellbinding to fans and critics alike. As this decade promised to be no different, fans eagerly anticipated the roll-out of these motion pictures, ready to dive into behind-the-scenes stories and profound takeaways from this explosive genre.
2020 Vision: Hip-Hop’s Most Awaited Silver Screen Saga
In the spotlight of 2020, a light was squarely focused on some of the rap world’s most intriguing figures. Leading this lyrical brigade was “Surviving R. Kelly Part II: The Reckoning," a follow-up to the ground-breaking expose released in 2019. This docuseries was poised not only to delve deeper into the disturbing allegations against the pop superstar but also shine a light on the larger, more oppressive issues faced by black women in the music industry.
Not just focusing on those who have tripped up, 2020 was also set to honor legends in the field. The Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men" was a saga not to be missed. This four-part docuseries was a time capsule, transporting viewers back to the good-old-days of hip-hop’s rich history, and serving as a fine homage to one of rap’s most influential groups. The series was heralded for its raw honesty and insightful reflections on the Clan’s journey and impact on the music scene.
From Beats to Biopics: The Rap Docs Set to Rock 2020
Breaking beat barriers and addressing heady concerns, 2020 also had a roster of documentaries set to be absolute game-changers. One of the most hyped was "The Remix: Hip Hop x Fashion." This documentary leapfrogged genres to zoom in on the symbiotic relationship between hip-hop music and the fashion industry. An ode to the trailblazers, it spotlighted the undeniable influence rap had on global fashion, celebrating the genre’s cultural revolution.
In another corner, a documentary was set to trace the rise and reign of one of rap’s most influential figures, Tupac Shakur. Entitled, "Tupac: The Great Escape from UMC," was an anticipated thriller that challenged official records, claiming that the legendary rapper didn’t die in Las Vegas but was smuggled into New Mexico. While its release was delayed, the controversy and conspiracy theories surrounding it marked this documentary as a must-see.
Contrary to the rhythm of 2020 that was thrown off balance by the global pandemic, the anticipated rap documentaries were set to deliver masterful performances that celebrated, critiqued, and caressed the contours of hip-hop, keeping fans on their toes. Even amidst the world’s chaos, these films and docuseries offered a lyrical escape, shedding light on the depth of the genre, its pioneers, and its profound impact on culture worldwide. With the reel still rolling and beats still dropping, one can only wonder what the next lyrical documentary saga this decade has in store for us.