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Hip-hop has transformed music, and the world at large, since it was conceived 50 years ago. In a relatively short time, it's made a massive impact on every aspect of pop culture - and fortunately, there are a lot of great documentaries that chronicle the unforgettable, twists, turns, and triumphs that made hip-hop what it is today.

Many of these documentaries offer fascinating insights into hip-hop's exponential growth, such as 1995's "The Show" and 2016's "Hip-Hop Evolution," which both examine exactly how the genre became a worldwide, multibillion-dollar industry. Some of them also focus on individual artists, like 2003's "Tupac: Resurrection," a documentary narrated entirely by Tupac Shakur himself. Others focus on specific music scenes, like Ava DuVernay's "This Is the Life," which centers Los Angeles's alternative rap scene in the 1990s, while others delve into the technical aspects of hip-hop and rap, like Ice-t's...

It was more than a little heartening to see Roger Corman paid tribute by Quentin Tarantino at Cannes’ closing night. By now the director-producer-mogul’s imprint on cinema is understood to eclipse, rough estimate, 99.5% of anybody who’s touched the medium, but on a night for celebrating what’s new, trend-following, and manicured it could’ve hardly been more necessary. Thus I’m further heartened seeing the Criterion Channel will host a retrospective of Corman’s Edgar Allan Poe adaptations running eight films and aptly titled “Grindhouse Gothic,” though I might save the selections for October.

Centerpiece, though, is a hip hop series including Bill Duke’s superb Deep Cover, Ghost Dog, and numerous documentaries––among them Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest, making Michael Rapaport a Criterion-approved auteur. Ten films starring Kay Francis and 21 Eurothrillers round out series; streaming premieres include the Dardenne brothers’ Tori and Lokita,...

Online TV platform Pluto TV is feeling festive this April 20 (4/20) -- a counterculture holiday that celebrates all things cannabis.

In addition to piloting a skywriting stunt in Los Angeles today, where a plane wrote a message urging passersby to “Get High” (above), the free Ott service offered up a special block of programming on its very own Thc channel -- located at number 420, naturally -- which celebrates marijuana year-round with cartoons, documentaries, and live music. Today’s marathon features The Greatest Movie Ever Rolled, following comedians and potheads Doug Benson and Graham Elwood on a comedy tour; Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap, where Ice-t travels the country to speak with prominent hip hop artists; and more.

Visit Tubefilter for more great stories.

It’s almost the start of a new month and that means Netflix is about to refresh their content by adding a lot of new titles and removing some as well. Some of the titles we’re losing include Fargo, Stand By Me, and Batman & Robin, oh no! But some of the highlights for November include the first season of Bob Odenkirk and David Cross’s new Netflix show With Bob and David; Marvel’s Jessica Jones, and The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie. Check out the full listings below:

All Title Dates are Subject to Change

Netflix U.S. Release Dates Only

Available 11/1

Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure (2011)

Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce: Season 1

Idris Elba: Mandela, My Dad and Me (2015)

Last Days in Vietnam (2014)

Pasion de Gavilanes (2003)

Robot Overlords (2015)

Seven Deadly Sins: Season 1 — Netflix Original

Smithsonian Channel: The Day Kennedy Died (2013)

The Last Time You Had Fun (2014)

The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie...

Halloween is ending abruptly on Netflix: You only have until midnight on October 31st to stream "Scream" and several "Saw" installments as these horror films are all expiring on November 1.

And if you want to watch "Fargo" (1996), "Rudy" (1993), "Stand by Me," or "The Blues Brothers" (1980), they're also vanishing on November 1.

Here's the complete list of what's leaving Netflix streaming in November 2015.

Leaving November 1

"1492: Conquest of Paradise" (1992)

"America in Primetime" (2011)

"Bali": Season 1 (2006)

"Balto 3: Wings of Change" (2004)

"Batman & Robin" (1997)

"Best Kept Secret" (2013)

"Best Laid Plans" (1999)

"Changing Lanes" (2002)

"Cleopatra" (1963)

"Conspiracy Theory" (1997)

"Death Warrant" (1990)

"Fargo" (1996)

"Fela Kuti: Music Is the Weapon" (1982)

"Funny Games" (1997)

"Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide" (2012)

"Hero and Terror" (1988)

"House of Flying Daggers" (2004)

"Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie" (2002)

"Lunopolis" (2009)

"Move Over, Darling" (1963)

"Norman" (2010)

"Pajanimals": Season 1 (2010)

"Rudy" (1993)

"Saw" (2004)

"Saw II" (2005)

"Saw III" (2006)

"Saw IV" (2007)

"Saw V" (2008)

"Scream" (1996)

"Secrets of Mary Magdalene" (2006)

"Soul Plane" (2004)

"Stand by Me...

No modern American music genre reflects its environment better than hip hop, which is why documentaries about its history have proliferated over the years. In some cases, a well-honed treatment of the scene actually has the ability to open up the insulated community to a broader range of listeners, like Ice-t's "Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap," which magnifies the creative process behind various hip hop performers. But others merely stick to their base with less thrilling results for anyone already onboard. It's this category where "Time Is Illmatic," a slim overview of the conditions behind the recording of rapper Nas' seminal debut album "Illmatic" on the occasion of its 20th anniversary, neatly fits in. The debut feature of multimedia artist One9 does justice to the record's significance for the hordes of fans that have consumed it over the course of a generation. But by almost entirely focusing on the album's conception,...

“You name a movie ‘Portrait of a Pimp’ and people don’t know what to expect. The biggest fans of this film are the people going in expecting to hate it, and walk out changed,” says veteran rapper, actor, author and film producer Ice-t of his latest documentary – and follow up to Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap from last year - Iceberg Slim: Portrait of a Pimp, directed by his long time manager Jorge Hinojosa, and which Ice-t executive produced. Iceberg - which got a warm reception when it premiered at last year’s Toronto Film Festival, and in theaters on a limited release starting this Friday 7/19 - is a complex, compelling and provocative portrait of Robert Beck, who became...

Drake might have been the top nominee at the 2013 Bet Awards, but he wasn't the top winner. Heck, he didn't even show up! The winners were spread out pretty evenly across the wide pool of nominees.

Check out the full list of winners below. Do you think the deserving artists won?

Best Collaboration

2 Chainz f/ Drake - No Lie

A$AP Rocky f/ Drake, 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar - "Problems"

French Montana f/ Rick Ross, Drake and Lil Wayne - "Pop That"

Kendrick Lamar f/ Drake - "Poetic Justice"

Justin Timberlake f/ Jay-z - "Suit & Tie"

Kanye West f/ Big Sean, Pusha T and 2 Chainz - "Mercy"

Best Male Hip Hop Artist

2 Chainz

A$AP Rocky

Drake

Future

Kendrick Lamar

Best Female Hip Hop Artist

Azealia Banks

Eve

Nicki Minaj

Rasheeda

Rye Rye

Best Actor

Don Cheadle

Common

Jamie Foxx

Samuel L. Jackson

Denzel Washington

Subway Sportswoman of the Year...

In anticipation of one of the summer's hottest award shows, Bet announced its nominees for the 2013 Bet Awards on Tuesday (May 14).

Taking place at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on June 30th, the annual event celebrates African-American and other minority achievement in music, acting, sports, and entertainment.

This year's show will be hosted by Chris Tucker while Chris Brown was recently confirmed to perform. At the ceremony, Drake hopes to bring home a record number of prizes with 12 nominations.

Check out the full list of nominees below and catch the Bet Awards following the first ever Bet Experience, a three-day music and lifestyle fest.

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist

Beyoncé

Tamar Braxton

Alicia Keys

Rihanna

Elle Varner

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist

Chris Brown

Bruno Mars

Miguel

Justin Timberlake

Usher

Best Group

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Mary Mary

Mindless Behavior

Slaughterhouse

The Throne (Kanye West & Jay-z)

Best Collaboration...

In anticipation of one of the summer's hottest award shows, Bet announced its nominees for the 2013 Bet Awards on Tuesday (May 14).

Taking place at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on June 30th, the annual event celebrates African-American and other minority achievement in music, acting, sports, and entertainment.

This year's show will be hosted by Chris Tucker while Chris Brown was recently confirmed to perform. At the ceremony, Drake hopes to bring home a record number of prizes with 12 nominations.

Check out the full list of nominees below and catch the Bet Awards following the first ever Bet Experience, a three-day music and lifestyle fest.

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist

Beyoncé

Tamar Braxton

Alicia Keys

Rihanna

Elle Varner

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist

Chris Brown

Bruno Mars

Miguel

Justin Timberlake

Usher

Best Group

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Mary Mary

Mindless Behavior

Slaughterhouse

The Throne (Kanye West & Jay-z)

Best Collaboration...

Some of the biggest names in entertainment will collide at the 2013 Bet Awards! Did your favorites make the cut?

Chris Brown is practically a staple of the Bet Awards at this point, so it was only fitting to have the singer on-hand May 14 for the announcement of the 2013 Bet Award nominees. The Chris Tucker-hosted ceremony takes place June 30 at Los Angeles’ Nokia Theater, and now, we know exactly who we’ll see there!

Bet Awards Nominees — Full List:

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist

Beyoncé

Tamar Braxton

Alicia Keys

Rihanna

Elle Varner

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist

Chris Brown

Bruno Mars

Miguel

Justin Timberlake

Usher

Best Group

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Mary Mary

Mindless Behavior

Slaughterhouse

The Throne (Kanye West & Jay-z)

Best Collaboration

2 Chainz f/ Drake – No Lie

A$AP Rocky f/ Drake, 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar – Problems

French Montana f/ Rick Ross, Drake and Lil Wayne – Pop That...

Everyone loves getting awards, and Netflix has announced the launch of the Flixies to honor the best of the movies and television shows offered on the popular entertainment website.

Per a report, customers from all over the world can vote on their favorite selections at TheFlixies.com from a variety of different categories including Best Guilty Pleasure and Best Marathon TV Show.

And once all the votes are tallied, Netflix will announce the winners on March 11th to much fanfare and excitement.

The 2013 Flixies Nominations are:

Best Guilty Pleasure

Hoarding: Buried Alive

Cruel Intentions

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Teen Wolf

Bad Boys 2

The Vampire Diaries

Gossip Girl

Pretty Little Liars

90210

Clueless

Toddlers & Tiaras

Transformers: Dark of the Moon

Best Commute “Shrtnr”

Louis C.K. Chewed Up

Dreamworks Shrek's Swamp Stories

Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap

Man Vs. Wild

Portlandia

Weird, True & Freaky

Mythbusters

Shark Week

Punkin Chunkin'

Best...

While Netflix already has a stranglehold on the online streaming business, the company is breaking into the "awards" business in their own unique way. Netflix launched a brand new site for their very own awards dubbed The Flixies. Take a look at this introductory video, then read on for more information.

Voting will be open until March 10 for both subscribers and non-subscribers alike. Unlike typical awards shows, these categories truly cater to everyone, not just an "academy" of voters. Take a look at the categories below, and visit TheFlixies.com to cast your vote.

Best Guilty Pleasure

Which movie or TV show do you publicly condemn but secretly adore? Don't be ashamed, we're all complicit and it's time to come clean...

Hoarding: Buried Alive

Cruel Intentions

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Teen Wolf

Bad Boys II

The Vampire Diaries

Gossip Girl

Pretty Little Liars

90210

Clueless

Toddlers and Tiaras

Transformers: Dark of the Moon...

Just when you thought awards season was over, Netflix unveiled the “Flixies,” where voters choose favorites in seven categories for movies and TV shows on the online streaming site.

Categories include “Best Guilty Pleasure,” ”Best Pms Drama, “Best Commute Shrtnr,” and more. See full list of the nominees below:

Best Guilty Pleasure

Hoarding: Buried Alive

Cruel Intentions

Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Teen Wolf

Bad Boys 2

The Vampire Diaries

Gossip Girl

Pretty Little Liars

90210

Clueless

Toddlers & Tiaras

Transformers: Dark Of The Moon

Best Commute Shrtnr

Louis C.K. Chewed Up

Dreamworks Shrek’s Swamp Stories

Something From Nothing: The Art Of Rap...

After a busy year spent securing exclusive streaming deals and producing original programming, Netflix is stretching its muscles again by getting into the awards game — sort of. The service will honor the viewing habits of its members with the Flixies Awards, which features nominees culled from the service’s most popular streamed selections (and also Netflix’s original series House Of Cards). Categories for the inaugural edition include Best Hangover Cure, Best Pms Drama and Best Tantrum Tamer and aim to reflect the way people consume Netflix content. Voters can also write in categories for possible inclusion in future Flixies. Voting is open to Netflix customers and online visitors from any of the 40 countries and the Netflix Facebook page (check out the main page here). Voting ends March 10, with the top three winners from each category announced the next day. Here are the nominees: The First Annual Flixies Awards Nominees...

It takes more than a handful of festival favorites to make box office gold. Last year, Indomina Releasing, the distributing arm of independent studio the Indomina Group, distributed two of the more acclaimed films of last year: Leos Carax's Cannes-competing "Holy Motors" and the hit Sundance documentary "The Impostor." But neither those movies, nor the recently opened "Luv" or the Ice-t-directed documentary "Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap" yielded strong domestic turns. Now the company has decided to shutter the North American operations of Indomina Releasing, laying off 15 people from its Los Angeles office. The news first broke today on Deadline. Read More: 'Holy Motors' Tops Indiewire's Poll For the Best of 2012 Film A rep for Indomina confirmed the shift, noting that acquisitions VP Rob Williams would remain on board as the company shifted its focus to development and production of film and...

A disappointingly CGI TV Christmas… and the Trailer Trash awards 2012

Telly troubles

Christmas movies on TV were all so... how shall I put it? Computer-generated. It seems now that when the major channels look for a family movie they turn rather ploddingly to Pixar. This year felt like wall-to-Wall-e cartoons. Any movie pre-watershed and it's a Toy Story, an Incredibles or, for this New Year's Day treat, for example, an Up that plugs the gap. Although Up may indeed have managed to cram all the power of Michael Haneke's Amour into one six-minute cartoon montage, my gripes are more with the texture and rhythms of seeing all these animations in close array. The hand-drawn charm of Lady and the Tramp on Christmas Eve stood out like a beacon.

The failure of TV programmers to consider that families might want something different has been really worrying. Surely the ideal Christmas movie would bring generations together,...

At the end of a bumper year for film-making, Guardian film critic Peter Bradshaw unveils the contenders for his very own – imaginary – film awards

Most critics compile year-end roundups in a mood of shrugging acceptance that not every year can be great. But actually 2012 has been vintage, with some really brilliant films from the biggest names doing their best work – and some fascinating documentaries. So once again, I have created my imaginary awards nominations in the following categories: best film, best director, best actor, best actress, best supporting actor, best supporting actress, best documentary and best screenplay. You will have to imagine me, in full tuxedo-style evening wear announcing the Braddies at the Dorchester. (I have put Seth MacFarlane, Michael Haneke and Kylie Minogue on my table.)

So, the nominations are …

Best film

Amour (dir. Michael Haneke)

The Master (dir. Paul Thomas Anderson)

Holy Motors (dir. Leos Carax)

Killing Them Softly (dir.

Dark Shadows; Wrath of the Titans; Top Cat; Something from Nothing – The Art of Rap; Strawberry Fields

Heralded by a laugh-out-loud trailer that painted it as the kookiest comedy of the year, Tim Burton's Dark Shadows (2012, Warner, 12) arrived in cinemas as a head-scratchingly weird mess of a movie more notable for its deadpan drollery and bizarre tonal shifts than for the advertised rib-tickling kitsch. Based on an arcane TV show little known here in the UK, this casts Johnny Depp as 18th-century vampire Barnabas Collins, escaping centuries of entombment to reclaim his now ruined family estate in the cultural void of 1972.

Faced with rebellious teens, garish wardrobes and "tiny songstrels" hiding within television sets, Barnabas attempts to reassert his authority over Eva Green's witchy temptress, with the help of Michelle Pfeiffer's haughty matriarch, Helena Bonham Carter's sozzled shrink and an apparently ageless Alice Cooper. Flitting from...

It’s Monday, so we all know what that means! Yes, it’s time for another rundown of DVDs and Blu-ray’s hitting stores online and offline this week. It’s a jam-packed week, with plenty of movies waiting to take you money, so let us breakdown the new releases and highlight what you should – and shouldn’t – be buying from today, October 8th 2012.

Pick Of The Week

Nash Bridges: The First Season (DVD)

In the first season of this action-packed police drama, Don Johnson stars as Nash Bridges, the charming street-smart inspector for San Francisco’s elite Special nvestigations Unit. Always behind the wheel of his signature yellow ‘Cuda,’ Nash often goes undercover to track down the city s most vile criminals, from drug dealers and smugglers to the Russian mob. Never far behind is Nash’s loyal partner Joe Dominguez (Cheech Marin), a retired cop who’s...

Ice-t's documentary (and directorial debut), Something From Nothing: The Art Of Rap, made its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, and was later acquired by Indomina in a world rights deal, for a June 15 theatrical premiere (in the USA), grossing $288,312 total. It was released in the UK on July 20th. In the film, Ice-t engages several of rap’s most influential artists in conversation about the craft of rapping – among them Chuck D, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Eminem, Mc Lyte, Mos Def, and Kanye West - with the goal being to explore the roots and history of rap, and reveal the creative process behind this global...

Moviefone's New Release Pick of the Week "The Cabin in the Woods" What's It About? Joss Whedon does for slasher movies what he did for vampires with "Buffy." If we told you anything more, we'd ruin the experience. See It Because: If you're a horror movie fan you're used to being served the dumbest, most illogical garbage and just accepting it. "Cabin" is actually one of the most clever, unique and entertaining horror movies in years (years!) with a funny cast, totally off-the-wall premise and secret twists that we can't tell you anything about. Zombie Lovers: Watch a Special Behind-the-Scenes Look at "Cabin in the Woods" - (Also Available on Redbox DVD & Blu-ray | Amazon Instant Video | Netflix) Moviefone's Blu-ray Release Pick of the Week "Indiana Jones: The Complete Adventures" What's It About? The complete "Indy" series is brought to Blu-ray for the first time with hi-def restorations and a museum's worth of behind-the-scenes special features.

Premiering in Toronto this year is Iceberg Slim: Portrait of a Pimp, director Jorge Hinojosa’s portrait of the legendary black author and pimp, whose work influenced generations of rap artists as well as urban fiction — or Street Lit — writers.

Making his directorial debut, Hinojosa has been Ice-t’s manager for the past 28 years and previously executive produced the features Urban Menace, The Wrecking Crew and Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap. In the below video, offered by Hinojosa to Filmmaker, he discusses the origins of the film, his interest in Slim and how he and his collaborators visualized Slim’s work for the screen.

… Read the rest...

We scour the interwebs for the coolest movie news and more so you don't have to ...

Breaking up is hard to do ... but it doesn't have to be. The Frisky reluctantly admits that celebrities know how to break up in style and offers six steps on how to follow suit — as opposed to, you know, indulging in mopey Facebook status updates and drunk texting.

Summer's winding down, but luckily cinema keeps temperatures high all year round. BuzzSugar says goodbye to the warmer months with a gallery of the hottest shirtless guys in movies — guys on the beach, guys in bed and beyond.

Who is the Mightiest of Monsters? Monster Madness at the official "The Cabin in the Woods" Facebook page is in full swing as various supernatural beasts are pitted against each other to be declared the worst of the worst. Vote for your favorite nightmare creature.

Beware "the Mold.

We scour the interwebs for the coolest movie news and more so you don't have to ...

The one "at the End of the Street," that is! The Playlist has some new pics of the "Hunger Games" star going to some scary PG-13 places, armed with only her wits and white tank top. Hates (the cool way to refer to it) opens Sept. 21.

Feeling a bit empty inside now that the Olympics are over? The inspirational dramas, rude comedies and classic documentaries of Time Out New York's Top 50 Sports Films of All Time will fill the void for athletic action left behind by the Olympics.

Let Jake Gyllenhaal be your role model with the Live By the Code contest! Follow "End of Watch" on Twitter to get the Value of the Week; tweet your photos demonstrating those values for your chance to win a Sony PlayStation 3 with Move.

Tom Waits with...

Eminem has revealed that he almost quit rapping after a bad reception at his first gig. The hip-hop star said that he found being booed while on stage so "traumatic" that it nearly led to him giving up his musical ambitions entirely. According to NME, Eminem divulges in Ice-t's new film documentary Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap: "The first time I rapped in front of actual people that mattered, in a club, I got booed. And it was very traumatic for me. I just remember it being so f**king traumatic, and I think I went home and I was like, 'Man, I quit'." However, he added: "And you know a week later, a day later, an hour later I got the urge, and I was like, 'I gotta get up, I gotta do it again'." The Recovery star went on to say that rapping has...

VH1 has given the green light to new series Grand River Singers Project, which focuses on a show choir of young adults blindly reaching for glory in their home state of Wisconsin, and Black Ink, centered on a successful Harlem tattoo shop staffed by a tight crew of male and female adult employees who draw in hip hop stars, athletes and celebrities. They join previously announced new pop culture nostalgia series Miss You Much, hosted by Catherine Reitman, who also will host the upcoming 100 Greatest Kid Stars countdown series. In addition, VH1 is bringing back series Best Week Ever after a three-year hiatus to anchor Friday night. The channel also has acquired Ice-t’s feature-length documentary Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap for its Rock Doc franchise. VH1 viewers will also see Catherine Reitman in November when she hosts. Here is info on the series: New Series “Miss You Much” Sneak Peek Premieres Sunday,...

The latest Batman movie withstands the heat, leaving The Amazing Spider-Man and all other new releases high and dry

The winner

Advance anticipation for The Dark Knight Rises was at fever pitch last week, prompting the inevitable speculation that box-office records would shatter. In truth, it was never likely that a 164-minute film, which didn't benefit from the price premium of 3D tickets, would ever reach the stratosphere of the top Harry Potter performer. Like recent Potter flicks, Christopher Nolan's film earned a 12A certificate, but its appeal to families was less potent. The Dark Knight Rises also faced the challenge of rising temperatures and sunny skies, which saw big box-office falls across the market, especially on Sunday. On the other hand, many had pre-booked their tickets for the Batman flick, so stuck with their plans to see it. Fan excitement for this kind of event picture usually survives...

The Dark Knight Rises (12A)

(Christopher Nolan, 2012, Us/UK) Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Gary Oldman, Marion Cotillard, Michael Caine. 164 mins

As big and dark and serious as The Avengers was big and light and fun, the climax to Nolan's Batman trilogy ticks most of the boxes it was demanded to – which is quite an achievement. There's an Occupy-style theme to baddy Bane's Gotham City lockdown, which forces Bruce Wayne to consider his 1% financial status and Batman to revive his punching and growling skills (prompted by Hathaway's slinky cat burglar). Some cheesy cliches (and questionable politics) are needed to tie it all together, but it's still the solid, epic finale you'd hoped for.

Something From Nothing: The Art Of Rap (15)

(Ice-t, Andy Baybutt, 2012, UK/Us) 111 mins

The well-connected director calls on the biggest names in rap (Eminem, Q-Tip, Melle Mel, Snoop Dogg, etc), asks them a...

It’s perhaps not that surprising that Ice Age 4 shot straight back up to the top of the Box Office chart theatrical release this week, but the sheer volume by which it eclipsed The Amazing Spider Man is really quite something. Spidey took in a still respectable £4mllion but this was dwarfed by Ice Age’s epic £10 million haul. I guess one should never underestimate the all-round family appeal of these Ice Age movies, and it looks set to be one of the highest grossing movies of the year. If the figures keep looking this good, it won’t be much of a surprise when Ice Age 5 : The Neanderthal Strikes Back gets green lit in a few years’ time.

This week of course, that £10million take by Ice Age could appear like pocket change as The Dark Knight Rises finally arrives on the big screen. After months of trailers,...

Hammersmith Apollo, London

Ice-t was always among the most charismatic of hip-hop's early stars, but who knew he was also such an assiduous historian? The former gangster rapper has interviewed almost 50 of his peers to chronicle the history of the genre in a tremendous new film, Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap, which received its European premiere here before some distinctly old-school live performances.

The movie focuses on the creative process behind hip-hop's most dextrous rhymes, with rappers from Krs-One to Eminem analysing their inspirations. In a sparky post-showing Q & A session, Ice-t claimed rap had paved the way for Barack Obama, and was effusive on his motivation for making the documentary: "It's simple – it's a love letter to hip-hop."

Firmly into middle age and all packing a paunch, four of rap's venerable icons then revisited their greatest moments in a section that came perilously close to being a...

Something From Nothing: The Art Of Rap, Nationwide

There aren't many film-makers who could add to the European premiere of their new documentary by throwing down some post-screening rhymes with the heavyweights of hip-hop, but then Ice-t is hardly a traditional film-maker. The gangsta/rapper/actor's directing debut, Something From Nothing: The Art Of Rap, pulls on his many connections to give you a first-hand account of how hip-hop took over the world, and what inspired the great MCs. A few of them join Ice-t on stage at this Thursday's event and the event will be simulcast live to cinemas across the UK.

HMV Apollo, W6, Thu; BFI Southbank, SE1, Fri

The Luna Cinema, On tour

Still waiting for the summer to start? Perhaps it will once this roving cinema event gets moving. It's the reliable formula: a big screen, a nice venue, a classic movie and the great unpredictable British outdoors.

Magic Mike (15)

(Steven Soderbergh, 2012, Us) Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Cody Horn, Matthew McConaughey, Olivia Munn. 110 mins

The roles are reversed but the themes are familiar in this rise-and-fall tale of male strippers, making and losing their way in a (sort of) woman's world. It's like a cross between The Full Monty, Boogie Nights and Showgirls, sketching a landscape of exploitation and desperation – even as it participates in it by serving up the barely clad Tatum and other beef products.

Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World (15)

(Lorene Scafaria, 2012, Us) Steve Carell, Keira Knightley, Patton Oswalt. 101 mins

Do passion and the apocalypse mix? Or Carell and Knightley? This faltering effort tries anyway.

Detachment (15)

(Tony Kaye, 2011, Us) Adrien Brody, Marcia Gay Harden. 98 mins

No provocation left behind in this scathing schoolroom drama with a starry cast.

Ice Age 4: Continental Drift (U)

(Steve Martino, Mark Thurmeier, 2012, Us) Ray Romano, Denis Leary.

They say black films don't sell overseas (if you actually believe that), but black music certainly does - especially rap music. Ice-t's documentary (and directorial debut) fully titled Something From Nothing: The Art Of Rap, made its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, and was later acquired by Indomina in a world rights deal; it was released last month in the USA (grossing almost $300,000 thus far), and, as I've learned, will be released in the UK as well, on July 20th. If you'll be seeing it at the Brixton Ritzy Cinema in South London on opening night, you should know that Ice-t himself will be present for a post screening Q&A. Ahead of...

Ice-t will play a one-off gig at London's Hammersmith Apollo next month for the European premiere of his documentary Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap. The hip-hop legend will be joined on stage by Chuck D, Melle Mel and Raekwon for the concert, which takes place after the premiere screening of Ice-t's directorial debut on July 19. Watch the UK trailer for The Art of Rap below:

> 'Art of Rap' Facebook

> 'Art of Rap' Twitter Ice-t and (more)...

They say black films don't sell overseas (if you actually believe that), but black music certainly does - especially rap music. Ice-t's documentary (and directorial debut) fully titled Something From Nothing: The Art Of Rap, made its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, and was later acquired by Indomina in a world rights deal; it was released last week Friday, June 15 in the USA. I was informed earlier today that it will be released in the UK as well, on July 20th. And if you'll be seeing it at the Brixton Ritzy Cinema in South London on opening night, you should know that Ice-t himself will be present for a post screening Q&A. In the...

Eminem has been described as a "scientist" in the recording studio. Ice-t, who made the comparison, explained how he spoke to Dr Dre about the art of crafting music for his new documentary Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap. "[Dre] said there's a difference between a rapper and a songwriter," Ice-t told MTV. "Dre says, 'You've gotta write me a song. I don't need bars - I know you've got skills, but we need songs, so give me the hook first'. "He says a lot of rappers get lost, but that's (more)...

The fascinating and compelling documentary Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap marks the directorial debut of rapper/actor Ice-t. With honest interviews and freestyle rhymes by some of the masters of the music, the film showcases the origins of the hip-hop culture that ultimately saved the life of its filmmaker. Focusing on the craft and the skill, rather than the money, the girls and the cars, it’s an in-depth look inside the minds of rap legends from coast to coast and is a tribute to the art form that brought poetry to a new generation. During this recent exclusive phone interview with Collider, Ice-t talked about what inspired this documentary, lining up the talent that is showcased in the film, the shooting and editing process, what he’d like to do with all the extra footage (his first cut was six hours long), how he got respect from...

Eminem's explanation like 'a scientist,' Ice-t tells 'RapFix Live' about his new documentary, 'Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap.'

By Nadeska Alexis, with reporting by Sway Calloway

Dr. Dre and Eminem

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Ice-t dug deep into his rolodex to bring out all-stars while filming his new documentary, "Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap." The film, which opened in theaters Friday, includes appearances from legends like Krs-One and Melle Mel, to current powerhouses like Dr. Dre and his protégé Eminem.During his recent visit to "RapFix Live," Ice-t discussed the process of putting the film together, explaining that Dr. Dre and Eminem both made important contributions to the finished product. Ice caught up with Dr. Dre at his California home for an important chat about hip-hop's past and present, during which he broke down the difference between writing regular rhymes and being able to craft a song,...

Rapper, actor and Coco Austin-lover Ice-t has a simple explanation for why America elected its first black president: rap music.

In an appearance on the fourth hour of "The Today Show," Ice claimed that "rap put Obama in the presidency" by creating a climate in which such a historic development was possible. "If it wasn't for rap, white people wouldn't have been so open to vote for somebody like Barack Obama," he added.

When host Kathie Lee Gifford countered that Obama simply won because he was a good candidate, Ice stood his ground. "That had to happen after their eyes were opened up, and hip-hop is what brought us together," he said.

Ice was on air to promote "Something From Nothing: The Art Of Rap," a documentary featuring an impressive slate of hip hop and rap luminaries discussing the origins of their craft. The film debuts this Friday.

Watch the...

'We respect each other, and I know he's a spitter,' Ice tells 'RapFix Live' of the typically interview-shy West.

By Rob Markman, with reporting by Sway Calloway

Ice-t on "RapFix Live"

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Kanye West doesn't do press, but he gets the most press — or so he says in his new single "Mercy." Booking a Yeezy interview isn't the easiest thing to do these days (trust us), but when you're Ice-t, nothing is impossible.In his new documentary film "Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap," the original gangsta logged dozens of interviews with rap's biggest names, including Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg and, yes, even Kanye West."I just made a few calls, you know what I'm sayin'? I got connections that got connections to his people," Ice told MTV News correspondent Sway Calloway about how he was able to book the elusive 'Ye to take part in his film.

Ice-t's documentary (and directorial debut) fully titled Something From Nothing: The Art Of Rap, made its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, and was later acquired by Indomina in a world rights deal, for a June 15 (this Friday) theatrical premiere (in the USA). In the film, Ice-t engages several of rap’s most influential artists in conversation about the craft of rapping – among them Chuck D, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Eminem, Mc Lyte, Mos Def, and Kanye West - with the goal being to explore the roots and history of rap, and reveal the creative process behind this global art form. I saw the flick at this year's Sundance Film Festival;...

Ice will break down his new documentary, 'Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap,' on Wednesday at 4 p.m. Et on MTV.com.

By Rob Markman

Jim Jones

Photo: Slaven Vlasic/ Getty Images

Things are about to get really serious on this week's "RapFix Live," because we have the Original Gangsta and the Certified Gangsta — Ice-t and Jim Jones — sitting down with host Sway Calloway at 4 p.m. Et Wednesday.

Since his 1987 debut album, Rhyme Pays, Ice-t has stood as a culture icon, dropping classic records and later breaking down barriers in film, becoming one of rap's earliest Hollywood draws. In 1991, he landed his breakout role as Scotty Appleton in "New Jack City" and has since gone on to star in more than two-dozen roles. Other than his raps, Ice-t is most known for his role as Detective Odafin Tutuola on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and also...

In 1992, Ice-t was considered a menace to society. His band, Body Count, had just released the song "Cop Killer," which drew the ire of law enforcement agents, the NRA and even President George H. W. Bush. Groups tried to ban his album, Tipper Gore condemned him in public, and he was almost barred from playing a concert in New Zealand. But, as is the case with most rap-related controversies, the situation soon blew over into nothing more than a small (though no less important) footnote in hip-hop history. Since then, Ice-t has spent most of his time acting in films and television, including a recurring role as -- fittingly -- a detective on "Law and Order: Svu." Now, twenty years after "Cop Killer," the actor/rapper is returning to his roots (minus the controversy). This Friday, Ice's directorial debut, "Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap," hits theaters. The documentary...

Music fans, rest assured. Tom Cruise, a bunch of garish costumes and set design, and the hair metal tunes from "Rock Of Ages" won't be your only option this weekend at the movies. For those looking for a more satisfying musical outing, head to your local arthouse for "Something From Nothing: The Art Of Rap," a documentary that explores the birth of hip hop and how it has turned into a global phenomenon.

Premiering earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival, the film is co-directed by Ice-t and Andy Baybutt ("The Band Aid Story") and takes an in-depth look at the craft of rhyming, with interviews from some of the biggest stars in rap, including Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Caz, Nas, Mos Def, Eminem, Chuck D, Krs-One, Run-dmc, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube and Snoop Dogg. And not only that, it's a great soundtrack to boot. Boastings artists like Nas, Wu-Tang Clan,...

Ice-t's documentary (and directorial debut) fully titled Something From Nothing: The Art Of Rap, made its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, and was later acquired by Indomina in a world rights deal, for a June 15 (this Friday) theatrical premiere (in the USA). In the film, Ice-t engages several of rap’s most influential artists in conversation about the craft of rapping – among them Chuck D, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Eminem, Mc Lyte, Mos Def, and Kanye West - with the goal being to explore the roots and history of rap, and reveal the creative process behind this global art form... at least, that's how it's being sold, but that's...

Check out this new featurette from the documentary Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap which Indomina Releasing sends to theatres on June 15th. Pic is helmed by Ice-t and co-directed by Andy Baybutt. Visually luscious and drenched with the big beats of classic cuts and freestyle rhyming by some of the masters of the music, Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap is a performance documentary about the runaway juggernaut that is Hip-Hop. At the wheel of this unstoppable beast is Ice-t, who takes us on a personal journey into the asphalt roots of the music that saved his life. This film is not about stardom, bling, or beef; it’s about craft and skill—what goes on inside the minds and erupts from the lips of rap legends. Ice-t travels from coast to coast, engaging intimately with the likes of Afrika Bambaataa, Eminem, Nas, Mos Def, Kanye West,...

Check out this new featurette from the documentary Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap which Indomina Releasing sends to theatres on June 15th. Pic is helmed by Ice-t and co-directed by Andy Baybutt. Visually luscious and drenched with the big beats of classic cuts and freestyle rhyming by some of the masters of the music, Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap is a performance documentary about the runaway juggernaut that is Hip-Hop. At the wheel of this unstoppable beast is Ice-t, who takes us on a personal journey into the asphalt roots of the music that saved his life. This film is not about stardom, bling, or beef; it’s about craft and skill—what goes on inside the minds and erupts from the lips of rap legends. Ice-t travels from coast to coast, engaging intimately with the likes of Afrika Bambaataa, Eminem, Nas, Mos Def, Kanye West,...

The main reason we enjoy doing what we do here on Tfs is to share our love for great independent films that may not be on your radar. It’s why we focus our efforts on film festivals and it brings no greater joy to recommend these films once they come out in theaters. While other summer countdowns focus on all the films you’ve been hearing about non-stop for the last year, we’ve got a comprehensive list of the worthwhile independent, limited release features to take note of.

While a few, namely one from Focus Features and another from The Weinstein Company are set to go wide initially, they won’t be as hitting as many multiplexes as The Dark Knight Rises or The Avengers, therefore making for a worthy mention. Check out the list below, which also includes what you may want to skip over blockbuster-wise at the theaters that same weekend,...

Ice-t's Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap has been been give a summer release date. Directed by the rapper and actor, the film will arrive in theaters on June 8 in the Us. A UK release date has not yet been confirmed. Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap, which debuted and garnered praise at the Sundance Film Festival, takes a look back at the evolution of hip-hop and rap lyricism. The documentary boasts an all-star cast that includes Ice-t, Eminem, Kanye West, Nas, Snoop Dogg, Common, Mos (more)...