Watch Stretch and Bobbito: Radio That Changed Lives

Stretch and Bobbito: Radio That Changed Lives is a 2015 documentary which chronicles the journey of two friends, Adrian Bartos (Stretch Armstrong) and Robert Garcia (Bobbito), who revolutionized the hip-hop music scene through their radio show in the early 1990s. The film features interviews with various musicians, including Jay-Z, Eminem, Nas, and Wu-Tang Clan, who credit their success to the duo's platform.

The film takes us through the history of hip-hop music, from its emergence in the 1970s to its rise to mainstream popularity in the 1990s. We learn how Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito, who were both passionate music enthusiasts, started hosting a radio show on WKCR-FM, a college radio station in New York City. They played underground music and gave unknown artists a platform to showcase their talents.

Initially, the show was not very popular, but it gradually became a hit among music lovers, especially those in the hip-hop community. Stretch and Bobbito's unique style of interviewing artists and playing music that was not played anywhere else made them the go-to destination for both established and aspiring artists. The show was so popular that even people who did not live in New York wanted to listen to it, often requesting tapes of the show from friends in the city.

Throughout the film, we see how the radio show became a crucial stepping stone for many artists. It was a place where they could be heard and where their music could progress. We see how the likes of Biggie Smalls, Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, and Jay-Z all appeared on the show before they became household names. They credit Stretch and Bobbito for giving them a platform and helping them get their start in the industry.

The film does an excellent job of showing us the influence of the show on the music industry. We see how Stretch and Bobbito were not just DJs but also musical taste-makers who discovered and promoted artists that would go on to define the sound and culture of the era. Their show was so influential that it became a rite of passage for artists, and a stamp of approval from the duo could mean the difference between success and failure.

The film is not just about the music but also about the friendship between Stretch and Bobbito. We see their bond and how they complemented each other as hosts. They were friends first and radio show hosts second, and this dynamic made the show unique. We learn about their personal struggles and how they overcame them to create something special.

One of the most significant themes in the film is the power of independent media. Stretch and Bobbito's show was not backed by a major media company, but it still managed to reach millions of people across the world. The film shows us how independent media can give a voice to the marginalized and provide a platform for them to share their stories and experiences.

The film also delves into the intersectionality between music and race. We see how hip-hop music, which originated in black communities, transcended race and became a global phenomenon. We learn about the struggles that black artists faced in the industry and how Stretch and Bobbito's show provided an outlet for them to express their creativity and talent.

Overall, Stretch and Bobbito: Radio That Changed Lives is a compelling documentary that provides an intimate look into the lives of two friends who revolutionized the music industry. It's a must-watch for anyone who loves hip-hop music or is interested in the influence of independent media. The film is a testament to the power of friendship, passion, and the impact that two people can have on an entire industry.

Stretch and Bobbito: Radio That Changed Lives is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.