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Shooting Star(s): The Rise of Hip Hop Photographer Johnny Nunez (2009)
Character: Self
In this revealing biographical portrait, filmmakers Axel Ebermann and Daniel Frei document the rags-to-riches story of photographer Johnny Nunez, charting his rise from a humble boy in Brooklyn to an in-demand presence on the hip-hop scene. No stranger to high-profile subjects, Nunez made a name for himself photographing wealthy A-list celebrities, but his glamorous lifestyle today belies the poverty and racism he had to overcome in his youth.
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The Hip Hop Project (2006)
Character: Self
The Hip Hop Project is the dynamic and inspirational story of a group of New York City teenagers who transform their life stories into powerful works of art, using hip hop as a vehicle for self-development and personal discovery. The film traces the evolution of this award-winning outreach program developed by Kazi, a formerly homeless teenager turned youth mentor. After four years of collaboration, the group produced a powerful and thought-provoking album that provides a revealing look at their lives. In contrast to all the negative attention focused on hip hop and rap music, this is a story of hope, healing and the realization of dreams.
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The Show (1995)
Character: Self
A documentary about the culture of hip-hop. Through interviews with some of hip-hops biggest names, the film makers attempt to find out why it has become so popular.
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In Prison My Whole Life (2008)
Character: Self
William Francome is a fairly typical, white middle-class guy. Typical except for the fact that he is about to embark on a journey into the dark heart of the American judicial system; the tangled world of renowned Death Row prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal.
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American Rap Stars (2002)
Character: Self
American Rap Stars centers on Omar Sharrif (director/host) as we follow him through the world of Hip-Hop.
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On Meditation (2016)
Character: Self
Peter Matthiessen, David Lynch, and Russell Simmons see among the many celebrity devotees interviewed in this case of Zen Buddhist meditation.
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G-Funk (2017)
Character: Self
G-Funk is the untold story of three childhood friends from East Long Beach who helped commercialize hip hop by developing a sophisticated and melodic new approach – merging Gangsta Rap with elements of Motown, Funk, and R&B.
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Rappin' With The Rickster (2010)
Character: Self
Join photographer turned public access guru Ricky Powell in this collection of clips from his influential NY TV show, Rappin' With The Rickster.
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The Tents (2012)
Character: Self
Each year, tents in Bryant Park herald New York Fashion Week, whose back story is as fascinating as the couture on the catwalk. Fashion's biggest names share the sometimes shocking, often funny rags-to-riches evolution of the iconic event.
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It's Black Entertainment (2002)
Character: Self
A star-studded tribute (from the creators of That's Entertainment) to the contributions of Afro-Americans in film over the last century. Vanessa Williams traces the struggles and triumphs of the superstars of music and film. Among the many artists featured are: Whitney Houston, Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis Jr., Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Cab Calloway, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, Ella Fitzgerald, and Little Richard, Also included are today's contemporary superstars: Snoop Dogg, Ice T, Quincy Jones, Spike Lee, Russell Simmons, and many, more! 80 minutes plus DVD bonus features.
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Undateable John (2019)
Character: Suicide Hotline Operator
A slacker surf instructor, who's on and off the wagon, gets his life together when he falls for a beautiful but troubled young woman he meets in Alcoholics Anonymous.
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Def Comedy Jam Classics: Volume Two (2006)
Character: Self
Long before Hollywood came calling with films such as Johnson Family Vacation, Steve Harvey was slaying audiences at comedy clubs. This collection of Harvey-hosted episodes from the popular television show captures that vibe. Funnymen James Hannah, Arnez J., Rich Vos and others unleash a tirade of laughs, demonstrating why this show served as a launching pad for so many top comic talents. Russell Simmons and Bob Sumner provide commentary.
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Vegan: Everyday Stories (2016)
Character: Himself
A feature-length documentary that explores the lives of four remarkably different people who share a common thread - they're all vegan. The movie traces the personal journeys of an ultramarathon runner who has overcome addiction to compete in one hundred mile races, a cattle rancher's wife who creates the first cattle ranch turned farmed animal sanctuary in Texas, a food truck owner cooking up knee-buckling plant-based foods, and an 8-year-old girl who convinces her family of six to go vegan.
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Survivor's Guide to Prison (2018)
Character: Self
Today, you're more likely to go to prison in the United States than anywhere else in the world. So in the unfortunate case it should happen to you - this is the Survivors Guide to Prison.
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Brown Sugar (2002)
Character: Self
Sidney and Dre can attribute their lifelong friendship and the launch of their careers to one single childhood instant... witnessing the birth of hip-hop on a New York street corner. Now some 15 years later, she is a revered music critic at a national magazine and he is a successful, though unfulfilled, hip-hop record company executive. Both come to realize that their true life passions will only be fulfilled by remembering what they learned that day on the corner.
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Run DMC: Forever Kings (2004)
Character: Subject
Run DMC paved the way for rap artists of today when they broke onto the scene in the early 1980s. Pioneers of the ever-evolving genre, they knew early on that rap music was a force to be dealt with, and they've commanded respect ever since. With the passing of Jam Master Jay, one-third of their blockbuster team, the surviving members take a look back at their triumphant career as one of music's most important icons.
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Tougher Than Leather (1988)
Character: Himself
Legendary hip-hop group Run-D.M.C. must find and punish the evil drug lord-record company executive who murdered their friend. Along the way, they encounter racist bikers, blonde bimbos, and the Beastie Boys!
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Awake: The Life of Yogananda (2014)
Character: Self
An unconventional biography by Oscar nominee Paola di Florio and Sundance winner Lisa Leeman about Hindu mystic Paramahansa Yogananda who brought yoga and meditation to the West in 1920 and authored the spiritual classic "Autobiography of a Yogi," which became the go-to book for seekers from George Harrison to Steve Jobs.
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Beef (2003)
Character: Self
A documentary on the evolution of MC battles from verbal one-upmanship to street warfare.
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Beastie Boys Story (2020)
Character: Self (archive footage)
Here's a little story they're about to tell... Mike Diamond and Adam Horovitz share the story of their band and 40 years of friendship in a live documentary experience directed by friend, collaborator, and their former grandfather, Spike Jonze.
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Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You (2016)
Character: Self
Arguably the most influential creator, writer, and producer in the history of television, Norman Lear brought primetime into step with the times. Using comedy and indelible characters, his legendary 1970s shows such as All In the Family, Maude, Good Times, and The Jeffersons, boldly cracked open dialogue and shifted the national consciousness, injecting enlightened humanism into sociopolitical debates on race, class, creed, and feminism.
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Big Fun in the Big Town (1986)
Character: Self
New York, 1986: a city of big dreams and equally big problems. Like New York itself, hip-hop music encompassed both of these human conditions. But hip-hop and its cultural birthplace shared other important characteristics, too: the desire to always be original, a hustle-to-survive ambition, and — if the stars aligned — the ability to come out on top, no matter what the odds. Big Fun in the Big Town is about hip-hop when artistry in the game was still at its center. When skills, not hype, got you your first record deal. When Run-DMC took the reins from Doug E Fresh and Grandmaster Flash, paving the way for hundreds of other hitmakers to follow. When a chart-topping LL Cool J still lived with his Grandmother. When the Latin Quarter was the club to be at on any weekend night. And when artists from all backgrounds could taste their own pop chart dreams, just beyond their reach but still seemingly attainable.
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Krush Groove (1985)
Character: Crocket
Russell Walker is a young, successful manager of rap performers, handling acts for the Krush Groove label, including Run-DMC and The Fat Boys. When Run-D.M.C. has a hit record and Russell needs more money to press more copies, he borrows it from a street hustler and soon regrets his decision.
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2 Turntables and a Microphone (2008)
Character: Self
Legendary hip-hop DJ Jason Mizell, aka Jam Master Jay, is gunned down in his Queens studio. Security tapes of the incident mysteriously disappear, the five witnesses are uncooperative and no one is talking... until now. 2 Turntables and a Microphone documents the investigation of the unsolved murder of Jam Master Jay, RUN- DMC's groundbreaking DJ and producer, deftly revealing the history of hip-hop and mainstream rap along the way. Exclusive, candid interviews with 50 Cent, Ja Rule, Russell Simmons, RUN-DMC, LL Cool J, The Game, and more offer insight into Jam Master Jay's life - including information that could finally help police solve the murder that shook the music world to its core.
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Unity (2015)
Character: Narrator (voice)
Despite the advent of science, literature, technology, philosophy, religion, and so on -- none of these has assuaged humankind from killing one another, the animals, and nature. UNITY is a film about why we can't seem to get along, even after thousands and thousands of years.
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Street Fury: Envy (2005)
Character: N/A
We bring in the year with a bang. Review last year and dive into 2005 with an in depth look at the hottest items coming your way in 2005. Check out the newest aftermarket parts and accessories at the SEMA LAS VEGAS show. We just can't stay away from Mexico, so we visited The Fast and Furious Tour Mexico, to see who Envies Who in the International import game. At the 2004 Magic Show, get a look at the hottest new fashions by -- Von Dutch, Rocawear and Russell Simmon's Phat Farm. Gloria Valez followed up her Magic show performance at the Best Import show of the Year
Extreme Auto Fest Daygo.
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Feel Rich: Health Is the New Wealth (2017)
Character: Himself
FEEL RICH: HEALTH IS THE NEW WEALTH documents the nascent self-love revolution emerging in urban communities. Narrated by Quincy Jones III, the film features interviews with iconic artists, producers, urban farmers and meditators who have made dramatic changes in their lives by opening themselves up to new ideas about what it means to be rich. Our audience will embark on a journey led by Common, The Game, Crystal Wall, Paul Wall, Fat Joe, Russell Simmons, Stic.Man, Afya Ibomu, Jermaine Dupri, Slim Thug, Styles P and the legendary Quincy Jones that provides unique context to the global health crisis in urban communities by offering a backstage pass into the hearts and minds of the hip hop elite.
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The Black List: Volume One (2008)
Character: Himself
As a new chapter begins in this country, THE BLACK LIST offers a dynamic and never-before-heard perspective from achievers of color. This series of inspired - and inspiring - observations on African-American life in the 21st century forms a roll call of some of the most compelling politicians, writers, thinkers and performers ever to tackle their fields of endeavor. Watch the interview-portraits and get a sharper snapshot of where this country has been and where it's headed.
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