Not since the groundbreaking Wild Style has there been a hip-hop film this exciting to watch.
Freestyle: The Art of Rhyme
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Reviews Counted:18
Fresh:16
Rotten:2
Average Rating:6.9/10
Rated: Not Rated
Genre: Musical & Performing Arts
Theatrical Release:Jul 16, 2004 Limited
Synopsis: 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... 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. [More]
Starring: Mos Def, Roots, Last Poets, Jurassic 5
Starring: Mos Def, Roots, Last Poets, Jurassic 5
Studio: Organic Films
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Reviews for Freestyle: The Art of Rhyme
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.
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.'
A thoughtful overview of a major musical movement, from its churchy roots to its urban present, from its aggressive front to its spiritual underpinnings.
Despite cloying narration, Fitzgerald's footage and interviews are fantastic.
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.
Where 2001's Scratch focused on 'turntablism' and the art of the DJ, Kevin Fitzgerald's brief but engaging documentary takes a look at those who do the actual rapping -- the MCs
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.
A solid documentary that examines the art's roots, from ad-libs by black preachers to 'toasts' delivered by Jamaican immigrants over instrumental tracks in the '70s South Bronx.
The only downside of watching the movie? The rhythm gets you, and you’re likely not going to want to sit still in your seat.
Makes for an interesting close-up on an art form whose intricacies could all too easily go unnoticed.
Watching some of the best freestylers riff like Charlie Parkers with thesauruses is often breathtaking.
there’s too little evidence that freestyling in itself deserves even the short 75 minutes allotted for this film
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 36% 36% | Angels & Demons |
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| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 32% 32% | Terminator Salvation |
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