Widely considered the most influential hip-hop movie of all time this "gritty streetwise musical" (LA Herald-Examiner) features a who's who of the movement's early stars Kool DJ Herc Kool Moe Dee Doug E. Fresh Afrika Bambaataa and Melle Mel as well as the famous Rocky Steady Crew vs. New York City Breakers battle at the Roxy. Uniting the four elements of hip-hop breakdancing DJ-ing MC-ing and graffiti into an unforgettable experience Beat Street is a true classic packed with sharp lyrics powerful moves and the flashiest dance sets the screen has ever seen!When rapper-DJ Kenny (Guy Davis) meets cultured jazz artist Tracy (Rae Dawn Chong) he is so inspired by her dedication that he vows to use his talents to escape the ghetto. But when his friend a gifted graffiti artist is killed in a tragic accident Kenny comes face to face with the high price of artistic passion.System Requirements:Running Time: 106 Min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: MUSICALS/MUSICALS Rating: PG UPC: 027616884572 Manufacturer No: 1004378
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A slightly dated but nonetheless fascinating snapshot of musical history, Beat Street is an urban musical detailing the roots of hip-hop. Set in early-1980s New York, the film focuses on the lives of a small group of young people setting their experiences against the larger backdrop of the city's burgeoning music scene. The story of up-and-coming DJ Kenny (Guy Davis) and his relationship with jazz musician Tracy (Rae Dawn Chong) may only be a device, but it's surprisingly effective, as is the ultimately tragic tale of graffiti artist Ramon (Jon Chardiet). The movie's real raison d'être, however, is to showcase the sounds of the street, so it's full of some of hip-hop's most influential names--Melle Mel, Doug E Fresh, Kool Moe Dee, the Rocksteady Crew, Jazzy Jeff, and Arthur Baker. And while the combination of electro and rapping may sound a little crude to modern ears, there can be no doubt that Beat Street is the sight and sound of history being made. --Phil Udell
