Freestyle: The Art of Rhyme (2000)
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89% of critics liked it
(18 reviews) -
84% of users liked it
(745 ratings)
The pioneers and current purveyors of the vibrant art of freestyle hip-hop mingle in this hour-long documentary about the origins and future of the style. Shot in New York City, L.A., and San Francisco, Freestyle alternates between informed commentary -- by rap stalwarts such as The Last Poets, Mos… More The pioneers and current purveyors of the vibrant art of freestyle hip-hop mingle in this hour-long documentary about the origins and future of the style. Shot in New York City, L.A., and San Francisco, Freestyle alternates between informed commentary -- by rap stalwarts such as The Last Poets, Mos Def, Supernatural, and Cut Chemist -- and impromptu vocal performances. Throughout, the filmmakers trace the social consciousness of the genre and suggest that it may be making a comeback. Director Kevin Fitzgerald previously made his name as a deejay on L.A. radio station KPFK. ~ Michael Hastings, Rovi
- Directed By
- Kevin Fitzgerald
- Genres
- Documentary, Musical & Performing Arts, Special Interest
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Apr 14, 2000 Wide
- Studio
- Organic Films
Critic Reviews
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Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
The film's conventions have become hip-hop doc clichés.
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A.O. Scott, New York Times
The skills on display in Freestyle are too varied and idiosyncratic for one movie to contain, but this one at least offers a heady, rousing education in an art form that is too often misunderstood.
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Kevin Crust, Los Angeles Times
Even if you have no previous interest in or extensive knowledge of hip-hop, Freestyle will draw you in, accomplishing that rare feat of making the creative process interesting while also telling a story.
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Fred Camper, Chicago Reader
An engaged and knowing look at the underground world of improvised rap, concentrating on artists less interested in commercial success and cutting records than in the 'spontaneous right now' of 'nonconceptual rhyme.'
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Jami Bernard, New York Daily News
Dispels myths about the 'gangsta' aura that clings to rap and shows this poetry of the streets in all its different forms: social protest, entertainment and aggression.
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