This Is the Life

In the past decade, Ava DuVernay has become one of the most renowned directors. She turned out "Selma", about Martin Luther King's 1965 march; "13th", about the roots of mass incarceration; and "A Wrinkle in Time", an adaptation of Madeline L'Engle's novel.

It turns out that DuVernay debuted with a documentary in 2008. "This Is the Life" tells the story of the alternative hip hop scene in South Central in the early '90s. Centered at The Good Life, this group of people had a great time with their music. It was one of those things that could only happen for a short period of time.

DuVernay herself appears as one of the interviewees, as she was one of the original Good Life emcees, having been half of the all-female group Figure of Speech. In all these years I'd never known about this early half of her career.

Anyway, it's a fine documentary about a part of culture that most people don't know. I don't know if it's available on any streaming service, so you'll have to see if a neighborhood video (yes, they still exist) has it.

The best films are the ones that appeal to even people who don't "fit" the demographic. "This is the Life" puts me in the mind of the great Tupac documentary, "Resurrection," a film that even non-rap fans found appealing.

I had never heard of any of the people featured in this film and I'm not a huge rap fan...yet I just caught a lot of this documentary on TMC and I couldn't turn away. This film is top-notch, A+ on production. It flows well, it's informative, and you can tell that the people who put the film together had real love for the subject. (I think I saw at the end that the producer is herself a rapper of the era.) Basically, once you get past the initial "yuck, more rap crap" you might feel when first hearing some of the music, you'll find a gem of a documentary. 8/10 (took away two points because in general I find rap annoying, and found myself annoyed with some of it in the film as well, but not too much that it gets in the way of the overall quality.)

This film should be viewed by all Hip Hop fans! Its exciting to take a trip down memory lane and see all the emcees shine. I loved it. Its fun, entertaining and represents the birth a a true Hip Hop movement! All the Project Blowed favorites are featured in the film! If you get the chance, check it out! It will be showcased at film festivals all across the country and hopefully become a widespread "must see". The film is one of substance. Educate yourself on the history of this generation of young emcees who went against the gangster rap fad and stepped the game up tremendously; paving the way for more conscious Hip Hop. This film is a tribute to them. You will be able to meet these emcees and experience the art of their music.

This is by far the best documentary I've ever seen. I was engaged from beginning to end. You can't help but to walk away from it feeling good. It provides an in depth view of the people and the culture of the underground hip hop scene at the Good Life in Los Angeles, California. The film offers an intimate look into the artists that emerged from the Good Life. It depicts a rare moment in time when rap music was raw and real. The documentary definitely leaves you wanting more. And makes you wish you could turn back the clock and experience it all for yourself. Any and every one who loves hip hop should see this film. You'll be glad you did.

Hard to believe anyone would fund movies like this.