Bad Rap (2016) User Reviews

Fresh, innovative and not pulling any punches

[malcolmlittle · 10/10 · 22 August 2017]

Bad Rap.

A play on words, but one that reflects the very nature of this film. Part documentary, part drama and part unintentional comedy, Bad Rap's look on four Asian American rappers on their dreams, ambitions and doubts in the rap game is one that has never been examined to this extent.

Some of the most striking scenes is the family interactions of one of the focal characters in this story, Lyricks. Seeing him help out with his family's dry cleaner business must be a sight known by heart for many Korean Americans, and one that plucks that little string in your soul that generates the rain from your eyes.

If you're any type of fan of Hip-Hop, watch this film.

Great documentary but needed more

[teena_scott · 8/10 · 24 August 2017]

This documentary is about about the hardships of Asian-American rappers getting into mainstream Hip-Hop and Rap industry; partly because of how the media (movies, television shows and etc) in the past have type cast them to be. The typical stereotype that most Asian American males have to deal with making it hard for their art to be excepted outside the niche markets they have built over the years. Overall I loved the documentary,but felt as if it was missing something. Would have loved to know more about the backgrounds of the main individuals,mentioning of pioneers such as Fresh Kid Ice of 2 Live Crew and etc.

Learning ... rap

[kosmasp · 8/10 · 20 March 2018]

Who's bad? As in good ... in what they are doing. Or as in when Michael Jackson was asking. Which is kind of the same. But in this case it is Asian American breaking into the rap scene. Especially one who is called Dumbfoundead is really good - when it comes to Rap battles. I mean when Drake drops your name, that kind of means something.

Having said that, be aware of the language being used. If you are easily offended this may not be something you want to watch. There is a lot of cursing and a lot of insulting going on. The story of the individuals is really enticing and interesting. I really liked how the documentary was build and you get to root for those characters who try to break into something they all love. At times it may feel a bit condenscending - or overly sensitive/touchy to certain subjects, but it is how it is. Certain influences may work against some of them being succesful ... which is also a shame. Good insight and interviews