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In Theaters Now
- 2024
- 1 h 36 m
- 2024
- 1 h 36 m
Summary Bronx rap artist Kemba explores the growing weaponization of rap lyrics in the United States criminal justice system and abroad — revealing how law enforcement has quietly used artistic creation as evidence in criminal cases for decades.
Directed By: J.M. Harper
In Theaters Now
- 2024
- 1 h 36 m
- 2024
- 1 h 36 m
As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial
74
5.4
Where to Watch
Summary Bronx rap artist Kemba explores the growing weaponization of rap lyrics in the United States criminal justice system and abroad — revealing how law enforcement has quietly used artistic creation as evidence in criminal cases for decades.
Directed By: J.M. Harper
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 6 Critic Reviews
74
83% Positive
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
17% Mixed
1 Review
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 6 Critic Reviews
74
83% Positive
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
17% Mixed
1 Review
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Not unlike its subject, the documentary’s power, beauty and complexity lie in Harper’s use of rhetoric and lyricism.
At a time when many question whether art should be separated from the artist — whether it’s the movies of Woody Allen or the songs of Michael Jackson — this revealing documentary shows how, when it comes to hip-hop, prosecutors across America have been conveniently refusing to distinguish one from the other.
“As We Speak” makes a powerful case for the necessity of being free to make art, and for public awareness that art rarely qualifies as legal evidence.
Its essential components touch on the valuable insight that the white imagination often can’t wrap its head around what Black music is actually saying, and the ways it says it.
Once the documentary has made its easy point, it doesn’t have much else on its mind aside from making it again and again. For some, that’ll be eye-opening enough, but I don’t think they’re the people who’re watching documentaries about rap lyrics.
It’s a juicy subject, and it might be too big for this particular storytelling approach.
User Score
Mixed or Average
Based on 5 User Ratings
5.4
60% Positive
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
0% Mixed
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
40% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
User Score
Mixed or Average
Based on 5 User Ratings
5.4
60% Positive
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
0% Mixed
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
40% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.
Production Company
District 33,
Park Pictures,
Strike Anywhere
Release Date Feb 27, 2024
Duration 1 h 36 m
Genres
Awards
Sundance Film Festival
• 1 Nomination
