Watch You're Nobody 'til Somebody Kills You

You're Nobody 'til Somebody Kills You is a 2012 American thriller movie about the murder investigation of two underground rappers. The movie was directed by Michael A. Pinckney and stars James McDaniel, Michael Mosley, and Nashawn Kearse. The movie is set in the gritty underground rap scene of New York City. Two rappers, Stylish and Lexus, are on the rise and gaining popularity with their music. However, their lives take a dark turn when they are both found murdered in their recording studio. The police detective assigned to the case, Garris, played by James McDaniel, is forced to navigate through the seedy underbelly of the hip-hop industry to find the killer.

As Garris investigates the murders, he uncovers a web of deceit, rivalries, and betrayal. The suspects in the case include other rappers, their managers, and even the victims' own family members. The film takes a unique approach to storytelling as it intertwines scenes from the investigation with rap music videos that serve as a commentary on the events of the story.

The movie's title is a play on words from an old song by Dean Martin, "You're Nobody 'til Somebody Loves You." The lyrics of the song speak about the importance of finding love and that being loved is what gives you value. The movie's title flips this idea on its head by suggesting that in the violent world of underground rap, you are only worth something if someone kills you.

You're Nobody 'til Somebody Kills You is a tense and gritty thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout the movie. The film's strong performances by its lead actors, especially James McDaniel as the tough police detective, bring a sense of realism to the story. The use of rap music as a storytelling device is both clever and effective, giving the movie a unique voice.

In addition to the murder investigation, the movie also weaves in themes of the exploitation of artists, the corrupting influence of money, and the toll that fame can take on a person's mental health. Stylish and Lexus are shown to have different attitudes towards their music and the industry as a whole. Stylish is more concerned with fame and fortune, while Lexus is more focused on his craft and the art of rapping. The movie portrays how the pressure to succeed and conform to the expectations of the industry can lead to an artist's downfall.

The cinematography of the movie is excellent, with the use of dark and moody lighting adding to the overall sense of tension and danger. The music videos that are interspersed throughout the movie are well-shot and complement the story well. The score of the film is also worth noting, as it adds to the movie's mood and tone.

Overall, You're Nobody 'til Somebody Kills You is a strong thriller that stands out due to its unique storytelling approach and the authentic performances of its cast. The movie is not for the faint of heart, as it deals with violence, heavy themes, and the harsh realities of the music industry. However, for fans of crime dramas and rap music, this movie is a must-watch.

You're Nobody 'til Somebody Kills You is a 2011 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.0.