Watch The Breaks

Released in 2016, "The Breaks" is a hip-hop coming-of-age drama featuring Sinqua Walls, Afton Williamson, and Tristan Mack Wilds. Directed by Seith Mann with a screenplay by Dan Charnas and Seith Mann, the film is based on Dan Charnas' book "The Big Payback: The History of the Business of Hip-Hop." The setting is 1990 New York City, and the film revolves around the lives of three young friends trying to make it big in the world of hip-hop. The story starts with a group of friends - Nikki Jones (Afton Williamson), David Aaron (David Call), and DeeVee (Tristan Mack Wilds) - who are living and working in the Bronx. They all share a passion for hip-hop music and want to make it big in the industry.

Nikki works as a receptionist at Fouray Entertainment, a record label run by Barry Fouray (Wood Harris), who is struggling to stay relevant in the new era of gangsta rap. David is a white Jewish kid who is passionate about the music and wants to become a DJ. DeeVee is a talented rapper who dreams of producing his own music.

The movie follows their journey as they try to navigate the tough and cutthroat world of the music industry in the 1990s. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles and challenges, ranging from race and gender discrimination to shady industry dealings and personal problems.

The film also delves into the history of hip-hop, with various iconic figures of the industry making appearances. We see a young Russell Simmons (Evan Handler) discussing his new venture, Def Jam Records, with Barry Fouray. Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson appears as himself, guiding DeeVee in his music production endeavors. DJ Premier makes a cameo as a record store owner.

The standout performance of the film is unquestionably Sinqua Walls' portrayal of the charismatic and enigmatic rapper, "D-Rome." Walls portrays D-Rome with swagger and charisma, making him both fascinating and unattainable. His performance captures the essence of the mystique that surrounds hip-hop stars of the era.

The breakdancing scenes are also a highlight of the film, as they showcase the energy and excitement of the era. The music is also a standout, with iconic tracks from the era such as Public Enemy's "Fight the Power," and LL Cool J's "Going Back to Cali" serving to create a sense of nostalgia and authenticity.

In terms of the film's themes, "The Breaks" explores the idea of identity and what it means to be true to oneself. DeeVee is constantly striving to create music that is authentic to him, while Nikki is trying to navigate the workplace and be taken seriously as a woman in a male-dominated industry.

Another theme is the question of authenticity in hip-hop music. The film touches on the tension between mainstream commercialization and the roots of the genre in social commentary and storytelling. Nikki, who is initially skeptical of gangsta rap, has to come to terms with the commercial appeal of the genre while DeeVee struggles to maintain his integrity as a musician while also remaining marketable.

Overall, "The Breaks" is an entertaining and heartfelt coming-of-age story that is buoyed by its talented young cast and nostalgic portrayal of the hip-hop era. It is a must-watch for fans of the genre as well as anyone who enjoys a good underdog story.