Watch Beat Street

Beat Street is a 1984 American film directed by Stan Lathan and starring Rae Dawn Chong, Guy Davis, and Jon Chardiet. The film, set in the South Bronx area of New York City, explores the world of hip-hop culture in the 1980s. The plot revolves around a group of young friends who are passionate about different aspects of hip-hop culture, including breakdancing, graffiti, and rap music. Kenny (Davis) is the main character, a talented graffiti artist who dreams of making it big in the art world. He is also a part-time DJ who spins records at local parties and events.

Kenny's best friend is Lee (Chardiet), a breakdancer who is part of a crew called the "Rock Steady Crew." Lee is passionate about dancing and dreams of competing in big dance competitions. Another member of the crew is Ramo (played by the late Jon Chardiet), who is also a graffiti artist and Kenny's rival.

The film explores the challenges that these young people face in their pursuit of their dreams. They come from a community that is plagued by poverty, violence, and crime, and they struggle to find opportunities to succeed. They face opposition from their families and friends, who view their pursuits as silly and frivolous. They also face opposition from the police, who view their art and culture as a nuisance and a threat.

Despite these challenges, the young people in Beat Street remain determined to pursue their passions. They work hard to perfect their skills, and they band together to support each other. Kenny works tirelessly to create his art and eventually gets an opportunity to display it in a prominent gallery. Lee and his crew continue to train and practice, and they eventually get their chance to compete at a major dance contest.

The film features several notable hip-hop artists, including Grandmaster Melle Mel and the Furious Five, Doug E. Fresh, and Afrika Bambaataa. They provide the film's soundtrack, which features several classic hip-hop tracks that have become iconic in the years since the film was released.

Overall, Beat Street is a classic hip-hop film that captures the spirit of the early days of the culture. It celebrates the art, the music, and the dance that emerged from the streets of New York City in the 1980s. Although the film is now almost 40 years old, it remains a beloved classic that continues to inspire new generations of hip-hop fans.

Beat Street is a 1984 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 68.