Customer Review

I was a little bit reluctant to get this DVD - the theme, and the list of artists on the case looked awesome, but I had no knowledge of it and hadn't heard or read anything about it. However, my reluctancy was completely unnecessary as I found it very enjoyable and engaging, and therefore I urge you to check it out too, if you're at all interested in easy-going hip-hop culture.

The first awesome thing about this DVD is the collection of rare footage implemented. The film-makers clearly spent a long time tracking down the right footage to do justice to the subjects, and so you get to witness some truly stellar freestyle rapping, such as a 17 year old Notorious BIG absolutely tearing apart a bespectacled opponent on the streets of New York, Craig G managing to out-rap Supernatural and get a whole venue chanting his name (and Supernatural later showing up at a Lyricist Lounge club night and provoking Round Two), the beyond-incredible Juice showing off his freestyle skills, and much much much more besides.

The second thing that makes this worth a watch is the sheer range of artists included. Some artists pop up and say a word or two (like Chali 2na from Jurassic 5), whereas others such as Supernatural are featured more regularly, but anyone with a wide knowledge of Hip-Hop (the real old school kind, not 50 Cent and the modern drivel) will constantly be engaged in this film due to just how many different respected faces are included.

The third reason i recommend this film is the general feel of it. It effortlessly captures the bouncy, upbeat, cheerful feel of all the best rap songs and of Hip Hop culture as a whole, so it's not just engaging but also a good feel-good film. Whether it's watching some truly incredible freestyle MCs get into what they call the "zone" and going completely off on one, or just watching Mos Def and Talib Kweli standing at the side of stage enthusing about Pharoahe Monche whilst you can hear him performing in the background, there's something very pure, free and happy that you feel watching this, which is pretty much the point of freestyle rap to begin with. The enthusiasm of everyone involved and the pure attitude towards free-spirited, flawless music for the sake of music instead of music for the sake of money really make this a joy to watch.

And if you genuinely need any more convincing after reading all of that, then this probably actually isn't for you after all..