It was August 11, 1973, when a Brooklyn DJ named Kool Herc invented what would come to be known as hip-hop. Since then, hip-hop and rap have become one of the most dominant music genres and cultural movements in history. Of thetop 20 singles in 2022, half were rap or hip-hop songs.

We’re celebrating the milestone by looking at the best films about hip-hop available to watch right now.

‘808’ (2015)

What the Fender Stratocaster did for rock, the Roland TR-808 drum machine did for hip-hop. In this documentary directed by Alexander Dunn, viewers see how an apparently mediocre piece of equipment that didn’t sound much like live drums became the workhorse of hip-hop in the hands of Rick Rubin, the Beastie Boys and Lady Tigra. A nerdy production, the film is a deep dive into the tools that built hip-hop. Even though the niche tools may seem obscure to the viewer, there is something wonderful about watching so many musicians gush about their favorite toy.

Watch it:Streaming oniTunes.

‘Wild Style’ (1983)

It took almost a decade for hip-hop to get big enough for Hollywood to cash in, which they finally did with “Wild Style.” Pioneer hip-hop star Fab Five Freddy teamed up with director Charlie Ahearn (“Fear of Fiction”) to craft this classic tale of a young graffiti artist who struggles to maintain his artistic integrity as hip-hop culture goes mainstream. The film follows a loose narrative, reflecting an important collection of early hip-hop performers and norms. If nothing else, it’s a great chance to watch figures like Freddy, Grandmaster Flash and Lady Pink work.

Watch it:Streaming onPeacock.

‘Style Wars’ (1983)

And as long as you’re celebrating the early 1980s, director Tony Silver’s “Style Wars” is another essential. The documentary focuses on the stylistic genres of graffiti and breakdancing, two subcultures that took off in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. Through interviews with artists and police, the film is a portrait of New York City youth culture in the culturally rich era.

Watch it:Streaming onAmazon.

‘Juice’ (1992)

There was an incredible string of crime dramas starring hip-hop artists in the 1990s. While “Boyz in the Hood” tends to get more accolades, “Juice” is the more subtle and well-done film. Omar Epps (“Shooter”) is wonderful as Q, an aspiring DJ who gets dragged into a life of crime by his friend Bishop (the late rapper Tupac Shakur in his acting debut). Shakur’s portrayal of a man who slowly gets seduced by a life of violence and gangland respect is proof that he could have been as big on the screen as he was on the mic.

Watch it:Streaming onMax.

‘8 Mile’ (2002)

Speaking of rappers-turned-actors, Eminem’s semi-autobiographical “8 Mile” should be watched at least once by every hip-hop fan. Not only is Eminem a competent thespian, his rap battle with Anthony Mackie (“扭曲的金属”) is as riveting as any Hollywood fight scene. Plus, “Lose Yourself” has essentially become the millennial version of “Eye of the Tiger”; a rewatch will certainly remind you why.

Watch it:Streaming onNetflix.

‘Wave: A True Story in Hip-Hop’ (2016)

Sadly, most of the great breakdancing documentaries like “The Freshest Kids” and “Inside the Circle” are no longer legally available on streaming. Most modern documentaries focus on the international appeal of b-boying, with only brief mentions of the art form’s American hip-hop roots. One notable exception is “Wave,” the story of Tony Draughon “Mr. Wave” Wesley, who pioneered dance in the Bronx in the 1980s. The film gives a snapshot of where breaking began and the dancers who pushed it to the limit. This is a rare find, since streaming services often fail to curate documentaries from the turn of the century.

Watch it: Streaming onAmazon.

‘Hustle & Flow’ (2005)

很少有嘻哈处理老化的故事, and that’s a shame because “Hustle & Flow” is a gem. Terrence Howard (“Iron Man”) stars as a middle-aged pimp who starts to question his future. He enlists the aid of a childhood friend to turn his life in a new direction, using his skills and contacts as a criminal to create new songs. The aspirational tale centers on a poignant, multidimensional story and showcases memorable performances — Terrence Howard was nominated for an Academy Award in the best actor category, and Teraji P. Henson was nominated for an Image Award for her supporting role as Shug.

Watch it:Streaming onMax.

‘Scratch’ (2001)

For a solid look at how vinyl and turntablism birthed hip-hop, “Scratch” is a must-see. Directed by Doug Pray (“Love, Lizzo”), it serves as a historical journey through the elements that collectively make up rap and hip-hop. Pioneering hip-hop artist Afrika Bambaataa is on hand to give out the lessons, and viewers are treated to a fascinating conversation between turntablist Mix Master Mike and jazz legend Herbie Hancock on how scratching evolved. It’s a cerebral film focused on the art of storytelling, but the figures involved bring their love of hip-hop along with their historical knowledge.

Watch it:Streaming on应用程序le TV.

Jef Rouner is a freelance writer.