The final film in this year’s US Documentary Competition, and the third music-oriented one, Michael Rapaport’s BEATS, RHYMES & LIFE: THE TRAVELS OF A TRIBE CALLED QUEST, is the definitive portrait of the groundbreaking hip-hop group.
Sundance Program Description:
Having forged a 20-year run as one of the most innovative and influential hip-hop bands of all time, A Tribe Called Quest has kept a generation hungry for more of its groundbreaking music since the group’s much-publicized breakup in 1998. The band shaped a unique sound by wedding jazz-infused musicscapes to Afrocentric rhymes espousing unity and community. Its music became the anthem for cool and broke down barriers for people who had never before connected with hip-hop. In spite of unparalleled artistic success, however, the group encountered pitfalls that eventually caused its tumultuous breakup.
BEATS, RHYMES & LIFE, the feature directorial debut of acclaimed actor Michael Rapaport, documents the inner workings and behind-the-scenes drama that follow the band even today and explores what’s next for a group many claim are the pioneers of alternative rap. Rapaport’s passion for his subjects allows them to open up to the camera, resulting in a remarkably honest, emotional portrait that does justice to this seminal band.
Some Background:
Well-known film and TV character actor (and life-long hip-hop fan) Rapaport returns to Park City, where his starring turn in the 1992 Sundance award-winning ZEBRAHEAD helped launch his career, to present his documentary feature debut. His most recent films to screen at Sundance include BIG FAN (2009), ASSASSINATION OF A HIGH SCHOOL PRESIDENT (2008), and SPECIAL (2006). Two of his BEATS, RHYMES & LIFE producers, Edward Parks and Frank Mele, produced the latter film, while his producer (and noted hip-hop star) Nas served as a co-producer on the 2009 Sundance documentary TYSON.
Why You Should Watch:
As I’ve said before on this blog, to truly have an impact, a music doc can’t just speak to fans – it has to be able to convey to a complete neophyte what’s notable or exceptional about the music and the musicians featured, and tell an interesting story that goes beyond the music. Whether A Tribe Called Quest is in your iPod or not, Rapaport’s film promises to impress.
Screening Info:
For screening dates and times at Sundance, click the link in the first paragraph above.
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