Watch Rappin'

Rappin', a musical drama film released in 1985, tells the story of aspiring rapper John "Rappin'" Hood, played by Mario Van Peebles, who dreams of making it big in the music industry. Set in the rough streets of New York City's Harlem neighborhood, the film follows Hood as he battles against poverty, violence, and prejudice while trying to pursue his passion.

Hood's journey starts when he is released from prison after serving time for stealing a car. He returns to his neighborhood with the hope of turning his life around and making something of himself. Armed with his rhyming skills and a dream, Hood sets out to become a rapper but quickly realizes that the road to success isn't easy.

Hood is surrounded by poverty and crime in his neighborhood, with gangs and drug dealers ruling the streets. Despite the challenges, Hood is determined to carve a successful career in the music industry. He soon meets his love interest, Leslie (Kadeem Hardison) and learns about an upcoming rap competition in New York City, which could be his chance to make it big.

Along the way, Hood crosses paths with other aspiring rappers, including his friend Ice-T, played by Melvin Plowden, and his rival, Duane, played by Eriq La Salle. Duane is the streetwise, slick-talking rapper who wants to keep Hood from winning the competition by any means necessary.

As the day of the competition approaches, Hood is forced to confront his fears and overcome numerous obstacles to chase his dreams. He receives support from his family, including his mother, played by Anna Maria Horsford, who wants him to succeed and escape the cycle of poverty.

The competition takes place in front of a lively crowd, and the rappers get a chance to showcase their skills. Hood delivers an impressive performance, putting his heart and soul into his rhymes. However, the final decision is left to the judges, who ultimately decide the winner of the competition.

The film's climax is an exhilarating and uplifting rap showdown, as Hood and Duane battle it out to see who will be crowned the champion. As the tension rises, Hood must dig deep and draw upon his life experiences to find the strength to succeed.

Rappin' is an entertaining and inspiring film that showcases the early days of hip hop culture, and the unique talents of young rappers trying to make it big. It is an authentic portrayal of the hardships faced by many young African Americans in the inner city during the 1980s. The film's soundtrack features several of the era's most prominent and influential rappers, including Kurtis Blow, Grandmaster Melle Mel, and Run-DMC.

Rappin' is an energetic and heartfelt representation of hip hop culture that will leave audiences cheering for Hood and his fellow rappers as they chase their dreams. The film is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of music and its ability to provide hope and inspiration even in the darkest of circumstances.

In conclusion, Rappin' is a classic hip hop film that captures the spirit and energy of the culture in its early days. It is a story of resilience, determination, and perseverance, as young rappers battle against poverty, crime, and prejudice to achieve their dreams. The film remains a timeless classic and is a must-watch for anyone interested in the origins of hip hop and the influence of music on culture and society.

Rappin' is a 1985 drama. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.4.