Inside Hip Hop

Getting to the top of the music industry is an Everest-worthy climb, but staying on top requires both smarts and art. Marcus Antonio Miranda's feature-length documentary Inside Hip Hop focuses on the intelligent young men and women who've made urban music a driving force in world culture, interviewing the reigning kings of the field (and one queen, the articulate Mona Scott, president of Violator Management), whose drive and energy keep hip-hop fresh and cutting edge while their business acumen enables them to expand their product lines into global markets. Russell Simmons, with nearly two decades as a leader in the industry, is the wise elder sage here, while his energetic competitors include Def Jam Records president Kevin Liles, Roc-A-Fella Records CEO Damon Dash, and rapper/producers Fat Joe and Bryan "Baby" Williams. Rap fans will have a field day with the film's soundtrack, while serious business-minded viewers will gain inspiration and more than a few pointers on how to achieve hip-hop success from the contract-and-checkbook side of the business. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)