DVD Review: Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap ✭✭✭✭ (Released 8 Oct)

Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap

DVD Released 8th October

The director Ice-T takes you on a journey, quite simply through the Art of Rap. The purpose is to discuss rap and hip hop with some of its biggest stars; it concentrates on the technical aspects of rap, how their lyrics and beats come to fruition. It’s nothing to do with bling or the gangsta-ism, there is nothing to do with the history, it is simply the business of rap itself. ‘This is not a game, it’s the art of rap.’

A film for the hip hop fan, there is no point in watching it if you are not. Ice-T talks to a number of rappers and MC’s, including Snoop Dogg, Kanye West, Common, Eminem and many more. The interviews are very personal and they provide a true insight in to how it all works; the fact that pen and paper (or anything else they can write on) is still widely used by MC’s and rappers, probably the last of a dying breed when it comes to writing lyrics. The talks essentially lead in to some impromptu performances, in studios, on streets and by pools. The highlights for me are the performances, they are: mesmerising, aggressive, bold, intellectual and just brilliant, stunning displays of linguistic ability.

The DVD is set to be released on the 8th October; it features the main film, you are given the choice to add an audio from Ice-T (personally I don’t think this is needed) and further interviews.

If you’re looking for a film about the violence in hip hop or the grudges between artists, you won’t find it in this film, it’s the art of rap, an insight in to a misunderstood genre.

4 stars out of 5 ✭✭✭✭

Review by Christina Benneworth