The Hip Hop Project

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The Hip Hop Project

PG-13

Released May 11, 2007

1h 28m

Documentary

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Popcornmeter

59%

Tomatometer

39 Reviews

67%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

Chris "Kharma Kazi" Rolle, a homeless Brooklynite originally from the Bahamas, gets a fresh start under the guidance of Art Start, an educational support group. Rolle goes on to found "The Hip Hop Project," a music program for New York's at-risk youth, and encourages them to write and rap about the real issues affecting their lives.

Critics Consensus

Director Matt Ruskin's enthusiasm for the project is readily apparent, but his film is unfocused, meandering, and frustrating to watch.

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John Anderson

Variety

It makes the viewer uncomfortable, too -- but it's unquestionably honest, like so much of Hip-Hop.

Jul 22, 2008

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Sara Michelle Fetters

MovieFreak.com

More, I can't shed my enthusiasm for what Kazi accomplished, the philanthropic legacy he has crafted to give voices to the voiceles a simply stunning achievement.

Rated: 2.5/4

May 12, 2007

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Nathan Rabin

AV Club

A big, wet, sloppy valentine to hip-hop's power to give voice to the voiceless.

Rated: b

May 12, 2007

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Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

A near perfect blend of street beats, real life testimony, stylish cinematography and even a bit of group therapy.

Rated: 3.5/4.0

Sep 10, 2020

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Tom Meek

Boston Phoenix

Rolle's passion and perseverance power the film, and along the way he gets a boost from rap mogul Russell Simmons and Bruce Willis.

Rated: 3/4

Apr 23, 2009

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Christopher Campbell

Cinematical

[A] powerful and, if we're lucky, influential documentary.

Rated: 3.5/5

Sep 18, 2007

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Audience Member

You ignore ants I guarantee you buggin I separate from society But I admit I am human I am intellectually driven Some ideas that I have have sent men and women to prison I bench press my petty problems Building muscle to carry the world For now I persist to put my letters into words There's no Tussin' to my allergic reaction to bullshit and wars I don't know you Not telling you how to live But hate is a verb learn the adjective HA! It's been a minute.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/01/23

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Audience Member

Chris "Kazi" Rolle is my new hero- not so much because of his hard-working vision to inspire young people, but because of his humble and tender heart. His willingness to ask for forgiveness and take the first step in reconciling to those who have hurt him is the real star of the show here. It's Kazi's profound "everyday" actions of faithfulness and integrity that make him a role model worth emulating.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/13/23

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Audience Member

A documentary-style look at inner city youth brought together under the hip hop banner by a formerly homeless teenager and how their lives were transformed for the better. With a lack of direction, this script meanders all over the place and makes for a dull, uninspiring and frustrating watch. The smattering of music that is played is very good and accents the film well, but unfortunately, they decided not to include full versions or more of it. Certainly not worth the time needed to watch it, even for the hardcore fans of the genre or idea behind it.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

01/22/23

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Audience Member

An alright documentary. It had some really great side stories following the lives of the kids in this film outside of the music. But after watching this I don't think anybody is too much better off. Seemed like an after school program with cameras in the room. Meh.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/21/23

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Audience Member

It's a pretty typical documentary overall. Inspirational and interesting topic about a program to use hip hop to effect people positively rather than glamerizing drug runs and violence.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/19/23

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Audience Member

as documentaries go this has everything, drama, conflict, resolution and something to say. the characters are real and talented and some low emotional points balance out the high energy of the rap scenes. if it doesnt get a wide release id be surprised - seek it out

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/16/23

Full Review

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Matt Ruskin

Director

Scott K. Rosenberg

Director

Matt Ruskin

Producer

Scott K. Rosenberg

Producer

Bruce Willis

Executive Producer

Ari Issler

Cinematographer

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Synopsis

Chris "Kharma Kazi" Rolle, a homeless Brooklynite originally from the Bahamas, gets a fresh start under the guidance of Art Start, an educational support group. Rolle goes on to found "The Hip Hop Project," a music program for New York's at-risk youth, and encourages them to write and rap about the real issues affecting their lives.

Director: Matt Ruskin, Scott K. Rosenberg
Producer: Matt Ruskin, Scott K. Rosenberg
Distributor: ThinkFilm
Production Co: Pressure Point Films
Rating: PG-13 (Some Thematic Material|Strong Language)
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 11, 2007, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 28, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $32.5K
Runtime: 1h 28m

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