Although carefully constructed rap songs have become a staple of the mainstream music scene, most freestyle rhyming remains undocumented, with a variety of talented rappers seeing their words floating off into thin air after they pass through their lips at the speed of a high-powered... [More]

Although carefully constructed rap songs have become a staple of the mainstream music scene, most freestyle rhyming remains undocumented, with a variety of talented rappers seeing their words floating off into thin air after they pass through their lips at the speed of a high-powered locomotive. FREESTYLE: THE ART OF RHYME aims to remedy this state of affairs by highlighting some of the best freestylers out there. Viewers who have seen 8 MILE will be familiar with the freestyle battles that go down, and these are featured here, alongside rhyming and commentary from a number of rap luminaries; Mos Def, The Roots, Jurassic 5, and The Last Poets all feature. As well as the spectacular rhyming skills, the film also offers some prescient comment on how many kids have been saved from a life of crime by discovering their freestlying talents. An informative, educational, and entertaining documentary, this is a great opportunity to witness some breathtaking performances by a group of unheralded artists. [Less]