Hip Hop culture is just one of thousands of threads that weave together to form America. It’s a relatively young culture, but even in it’s short time of existence, the impact made has been a substantial one. Hip Hop influence is in everything from compact car commercials to pornography, & unless you refuse to partake in the modern society, it’s an inescapable force. All you have to do is take a look around.

Years back – before Hip Hop’s influence was so conveniently acceptable – there were imaginary lines drawn between such things as music, clothing, & movies (even food), making it clear what was & what wasn’t considered Hip Hop. This was a time when, for the most part, a rapper only had as much star-power as their recording house allowed. Independent record labels were nowhere near as influential an institution as they are now, so their options for exposing their artists were limited. But the major labels had all the “power,” which meant they made & broke stars at their leisure, & what better vehicle than a film to promote their new signee(s). Hip Hop movies were a gamble, but where there’s a paycheck, there’s always a way. But, I digress. Movies like “Krush Groove” & “Breakin’” were definitive Hip Hop movies because their entire respective premise revolved around a gaggle of youths dancing & jive-talking from beginning to end. & the story’s plot was buried somewhere underneath all the Hip Hop.

Fast forward to the present, & times have changed drastically. No more is Hip Hop segregated from the other wheels, pulleys, & cogs of the entertainment society. In fact, Hip Hop in it’s various forms contributes to everyday life in almost every way imaginable. Turn on an episode of “Sesame Street” if you don’t believe me.

As easy as it is for your movie to be labeled “Hip Hop,” it can also be labeled not Hip Hop, which to some people is a bad thing. So, here are 5 things you need in a Hip Hop movie.

Drug References
Drug & alcohol abuse isn’t a Hip Hop thing per se, but no other genre of music or culture promotes it like “we” do.

Bad Acting
Theoretically, rappers get paid to be other people. Acting in front of the camera should be no different than in front of a microphone. Too bad no one ever told the “actors” that.

A Performance Scene
The party/concert scene is mandatory, just like in real Hip Hop life. No matter what dramatic sub-plot is unfolding in the background, there’s always a party to attend or a performance that must go on.

Violence
Violence, be it authentic or fabricated, is a permenant fixture of Hip Hop music & culture. It sorta compliments the gang mentality & “Stop Snitching” stigma that we can’t seem to shake. Even in Friday, WC tried to kill Ice Cube, & that’s one of the most user-friendly Hip Hop movies ever made.

More Than Two Hip Hop Stars In The Lead Roles
Movies, in general, operate better with two co-stars. When said co-stars are both rappers, it’s almost impossible for the aforementioned characteristics not to fall in place.