Hip Hop Movie Club

byHip Hop Movie Club

MusicCommentaryTVFilmReviews

Upcoming Hip Hop Movie Club events: 🎞️ Fall 2026 Hip Hop Movie Club Film Series at ArtsQuest: September 16: Dope October 14: Bones (starring Snoop Dogg) November 5: Beastie Boys: Awesome! I... Shot That! All shows at 7:30 pm with throwback DJ set prior to the show 🎬 Screenings are at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas, SteelStacks, Bethlehem PA. Admission is FREE thanks to ArtsQuest! 🎟️ GET TICKETS: https://www.artsquest.org/performing-arts/cinema/hip-hop-movie-club/ More events to be announced! HHMC is brought to you by a trio of longtime hip hop fans: JB, an 80s and 90s nostalgia junkie, BooGie, a veteran DJ and graffiti artist, and DynoWright...

Episodes(40 episodes)

Set It Off: 30 Years Later, Nothing Has Changed

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...

Published: Mar 25, 2026Duration: 7m 1s

Set It Off could be made today (and that's a problem)

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:👑 Queen Latifah rules👩🏾 The Sisterhood of Cleo, Stoney, Frankie, and Tisean 🏳️‍🌈 Early LGBT representation in film 🎤 Hip Hop's importance in this film 😵 Systemic oppression then and nowCreditsHip Hop Movie Club is produced by your HHMCs JB, BooGie, and DynoWright. Theme music by BooGie.And remember:Don't hate...create!Check us out:<...

Published: Mar 17, 2026Duration: 9m 45s

Look Mom I Can Fly is marketing

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 break down his relationship with his fans,🤕 the dark underside of this relationship that foreshadows tragedy to come,😵 DynoWright takes this film to task for being a 90 minute commercialCreditsHip Hop Movie Club is produced by your HHMCs JB, BooGie, and DynoWright. Theme music by BooGie.And remember:Don't hate...ra...

Published: Mar 14, 2026Duration: 10m 7s

Why Rappin' hoodwinked us

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:📦 We unpack the good and mostly bad in this film🌟 We get a glimpse of some stars before they were stars🧠 BooGie unlocks some core memories!CreditsHip Hop Movie Club is produced by your HHMCs JB, BooGie, and DynoWright. Theme music by BooGie.And remember:Don't hat...

Published: Mar 7, 2026Duration: 10m 10s

The next great rapper turned actor? | Mr. Happy review

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💐 Flowers for the director Colin Tilley📃 A connection to a seemingly unrelated hip hop classic Also check out:Watch Mr. Happy on YouTube Read Vice inter...

Published: Feb 25, 2026Duration: 5m 45s

The Documentary That Disappeared for 25 Years: Big Fun in the Big Town

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:🔮 Predictions about Hip Hop that came true!👊🏾 Less acknowledged pioneers of rap get respect🚪 A special guest none of us saw comingAlso check out:"The Making of Big Fun in the Big Town" by Bram van SplunterenCreditsHip Hop Movie Club is produced by your HHMCs JB, BooGie, and DynoWright. Theme music by BooGie.And re...

Published: Feb 18, 2026Duration: 7m 55s

Wiz Khalifa's Still Rolling Papers: More Promo Than Documentary?

This Wiz Khalifa documentary "Still Rolling Papers" is a 10th anniversary celebration of his multi-platinum Rolling Papers album.Topics discussed:📄 Paper thin storytelling🏴‍☠️ Wiz's Pittsburgh pride👟 His signature style🚬 A kindred connection with Snoop DoggCreditsHip Hop Movie Club is produced by your HHMCs JB, BooGie, and DynoWright. Theme music by BooGie.And remember:Don't hate...hallucinate!Check us out:Our next live event is SET IT OFF (30th anniversary!) on March 18, 2026 at SteelStacks in Bethlehem. Free tickets!<...

Published: Feb 11, 2026Duration: 7m 9s

Hip Hop fans, this is a must-see: Ice-T's "The Art of Rap"

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:✍🏾 the craft of writing rhymes and rapping ⭕️ two mind-blowing full-circle moments for us 🎤 the sheer number of rappers Ice-T included in this film and... 🤔 ...the fascinating insights he gets from them Also check out:CreditsHip Hop Movie Club is produced by your HHMCs JB, BooGie, and DynoWright. Theme music by BooGie.And remember:Don't hate...

Published: Feb 4, 2026Duration: 6m 45s

De La Soul Is Not Dead: Innovation, Influence, and Integrity

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:🥇 How De La Soul stayed relevant their entire career through innovation and integrity✊🏾 The surprising support they received early on🎤 Their outsized influence on the careers of many rappers💔 The rest of the story since this documentary came outAlso check out:Our episode on the "Don't Press Play" episode of Teen Titans Go...

Published: Jan 28, 2026Duration: 8m 57s

Juice WRLD: Into the Abyss – A Flawed, Heartbreaking Cautionary Tale

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:💔 why this documentary was a flawed but a deeply poignant cautionary tale📈 how big of a star Juice WRLD was 😢 how he was the inspirational voice who helped a generation, but tragically couldn't help himself Also check out:If you need free crisis counseling, you can text LF999 to 741741 to reach...

Published: Jan 21, 2026Duration: 8m 7s

Hamilton: The Power of Teaching History through Hip Hop

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:🎭 Why we wish all history classes were done like this🤕 Why Hamilton was not without its flaws🎤 The many hip hop references weaved into the lyrics (and why it was a perfect Gen X soundtrack)🏆 Who our MVP was in this show🏅 Why it met our expectations, after all these yearsCreditsHip Hop Movie C...

Published: Jan 14, 2026Duration: 6m 53s

Stop sleeping on the OutKast film Idlewild!

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:🤔 Why you should reconsider this bold film experiment🎤 Where Idlewild fits in the hip hop canon💔 Why it signaled the end of this legendary rap group🤷🏻‍♂️ A contrary opinion about the film CreditsHip Hop Movie Club is produced by your HHMCs JB, BooGie, and DynoWright. Theme music by BooGie.And remember:Don't hate...idea...

Published: Jan 7, 2026Duration: 8m 28s

Is this hip hop's #MeToo moment? Sean Combs: The Reckoning

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...

Published: Jan 2, 2026Duration: 42m 30s

The Greatness of Run-DMC's Christmas in Hollis

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...

Published: Dec 21, 2025Duration: 21m 3s

Was Drumline way more hip hop than we thought?

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:📸 A quick snapshot of this Nick Cannon tour-de-force🎤 Where this fits in the hip hop canon🎞️ Fun facts about this cult classic💥 The impact this film had on both HBCUs and marching bands😱 Fan reaction then and nowAlso check out...

Published: Dec 12, 2025Duration: 28m 18s

Two Hip Hop Legends Walk Into a Rom-Com: A Deep Dive Into Last Holiday

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:👑 All hail the Queen, again🙌🏾 Live your best life💡 Know what you want🐶 Underdog energy1️⃣ A real one, on screenAlso check out: Our episodes on🏀 Just Wright 💵 Set It Off 🚔 In Too Deep🦘 The film and TV career of LL Cool JCreditsHip Hop Movie...

Published: Dec 5, 2025Duration: 38m 16s

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Legacy of N.W.A

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....

Published: Nov 22, 2025Duration: 21m 1s

The Greatest Link Between Hip Hop and Sports: Straight Outta L.A.

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 OF...

Published: Nov 14, 2025Duration: 23m 5s

The one hip hop question Barbershop answered

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:📸 A quick snapshot of this pivotal shift for Ice Cube 🎤 Where this fits in the hip hop canon🎞️ Fun facts about this Chicago classic💥 The impact this film had on both Ice Cube and Eve's careers😱 Fan reaction then and nowCreditsHip Ho...

Published: Nov 6, 2025Duration: 26m 10s

N.W.A.'s Impact on the Game: From Snoop to Eminem to 50 to Kendrick

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:🌳 N.W.A.'s family tree😱 N.W.A.'s controversies📽️ Their biopic, Straight Outta ComptonAlso check out: Our episode on Straight Outta Compton and our deep dive on Ice CubeCreditsHip Hop Movie Club is produced by your HHMCs JB, BooGie, and DynoWri...

Published: Oct 29, 2025Duration: 23m 54s