Well, it was inevitable. What would filminghiphop be without dropping an “All-time” favorites list? Huh?

So today’s list will comprise fhh’s Top 10 Hip Hop Themed Films. Our criteria for “hip hop themed film” is that, basically, the plot or main characters have to be involved in some type of facet or activity in the hip hop culture (i.e., rapping, b-boying, graffiti, or DJ’ing). So take a deep breath, peep the list and be sure to leave a comment. Perhaps we left something out?

1. Wild Style (1983) – What has to be said? Wild Style was the first film about the hip hop culture. No big stars in lead roles, just a tough gritty film about graffiti, full of great subway shots, break dancing, freestyle MC’ing and rare footage of one of the godfathers of hip-hop, Grandmaster Flash on the ones and twos. If you dig hip hop, this is a must see and add to your DVD collection.
2. Beat Street (1984) – Directed by Stan Lathan (Sanaa’s dad), Beat Street was another gritty hip hop film that showed all of the hip hop culture, but with a focus on breaking and graffiti. Who can forget Kool Moe Dee’s Santa’s Rap? Okay, well we do!
3. Brown Sugar (2002) – Brown Sugar is a definitive hip hop love story for the present era. The way they tackle the love of the art form, especially in its current diluted and corporate stage, makes you reminisce of the early days of the culture when the main character discovered hip hop.
4. Juice (1992) – DJ’ing definitely gets its chance to shine in this grainy film about a group of teens who get involved in a game of survival on the New York streets. Tupac Shakur turns in a stellar performance as Bishop, the one who wanted all of the juice. At a time when black films are mostly comedies or biopics, Juice is one the first and only mainstream urban thrillers.
5. Dave Chappelle’s Block Party (2005) – Underground hip hop gets a chance to shine in this comedic, hip hop Woodstock/Wattstax. Artist like The Roots, Dead Prez, Common, Talib Kweli, and The Fugees get a chance to show hip hop in rare form, while Dave Chappelle keeps the comedy coming.
6. 8 Mile (2002) – Eminem turns in a good first time performance in a drama about an emcee in Detroit that struggles with his anger and social status through music. Freestyling was a central theme to 8 Mile. Eminem also went on to win the first Original Song Oscar for a hip hop song, “Lose Yourself.”
7. Krush Groove (1985) – Krush Groove is basically the story of the start of hip hop’s most respected record label, Def Jam. Up-and-coming manager Russell Walker (Simmons) has all the hottest acts on the record label Krush Groove records, including Run-D.M.C., Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, and Kurtis Blow, while Rick (Rubin) produces their records. Sounds familiar? Well it should, Krush Groove is a fun film with great cameos and performances.
8. CB4 (1993) – Chris Rock’s best film? MC Gusto, Stab Master Arson, and Dead Mike, couple of kids from the burbs are turned into rap stars in CB4 which takes a satirical look at gangsta rap, which at the time was getting a bad rap (get it?) in the mainstream. How can you not love the irony in this film?
9. Hustle & Flow (2005) – Yeah, we know, it’s hard out here for a pimp. Although we were real tired of hearing that come out of the mouth’s of top executives and CEOs across the country, Hustle & Flow was an admirable film that told the story of downtrodden pimp Djay, with a dream of becoming a big time rapper like his idol Skinny Black (Ludacris). Terrance Howard turned in an Academy Award nominated performance. Three Six Mafia also went on to win an Original Song Oscar for “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp.”
10. House Party (1990) – If you grew up in the hip hop culture, you will understand why House Party was included in the top ten. Kid & Play star in this comedic caper about some teens that just want to throw the party of the year. Faced with many obstacles, like the school bullies (Full Force) they still manage to pull it off, and even bust a rhyme at the party (allowing it to meet our criteria, hehe).

Honorable Mentions: Breakin’ (1984), Carmen: A Hip Hopera (2001), Who’s the Man? (1993), Tougher Than Leather (1988), Fear of a Black Hat (1994).