X
  • 2004
  • Not Rated
  • Palm Pictures
  • 1 h
  • 2004
  • Not Rated
  • Palm Pictures
  • 1 h

Summary Explosively tracing the story of a group of underground hip-hop MCs & DJs from the early 1980's to the present day, Freestyle: The Art of Rhyme is a documentary that explores the world of improvisational rap and the previously unexamined dimensions of hip-hop as a spiritual and community based art form. (Organic Films)

Directed By: Kevin Fitzgerald

  • 2004
  • Not Rated
  • Palm Pictures
  • 1 h
  • 2004
  • Not Rated
  • Palm Pictures
  • 1 h

Freestyle: The Art of Rhyme

Metascore Generally Favorable Based on 11 Critic Reviews
63
User Score Generally Favorable Based on 5 User Ratings
8.0
My Score
Hover and click to give a rating Saved

Where to Watch

Summary Explosively tracing the story of a group of underground hip-hop MCs & DJs from the early 1980's to the present day, Freestyle: The Art of Rhyme is a documentary that explores the world of improvisational rap and the previously unexamined dimensions of hip-hop as a spiritual and community based art form. (Organic Films)

Directed By: Kevin Fitzgerald

Where to Watch

Top Cast

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 11 Critic Reviews
63
45% Positive
5 Reviews
55% Mixed
6 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 11 Critic Reviews
63
45% Positive
5 Reviews
55% Mixed
6 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
80
Despite cloying narration, Fitzgerald's footage and interviews are fantastic.
FULL REVIEW
75
A solid documentary that examines the art's roots, from ad-libs by black preachers to "toasts" delivered by Jamaican immigrants over instrumental tracks in the '70s South Bronx.
By Lou Lumenick FULL REVIEW
70
Even if you have no previous interest in or extensive knowledge of hip-hop, Freestyle will draw you in, accomplishing that rare feat of making the creative process interesting while also telling a story.
By Kevin Crust FULL REVIEW
60
Begun over seven years ago and described by the filmmaker as a work-in-progress, the documentary still feels a bit incomplete.
By Ken Fox FULL REVIEW
60
One of the film's strengths is its abundant performance footage.
FULL REVIEW
60
The film is a visceral overload of wordplay ranging from the spontaneous neighborhood park jams to the overflowing concert venues.
By Phil Hall FULL REVIEW
50
In Fitzgerald's hands, freestyling is an all-good means of personal expression and communal identification. The dark side of rap he treats only superficially, shortchanging a well-rounded discussion in favor of wholehearted celebration.
By Hazel-Dawn Dumpert FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

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User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 5 User Ratings
8.0
80% Positive
4 Ratings
0% Mixed
0 Ratings
20% Negative
1 Rating

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 5 User Ratings
8.0
80% Positive
4 Ratings
0% Mixed
0 Ratings
20% Negative
1 Rating

There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.

Details

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Production Company Bowery Films, Organic Films, The Center for Hip-Hop Education, VH1 Television
Release Date Jul 16, 2004
Duration 1 h
Rating Not Rated
Genres
Website http://www.freestylethefilm.com/
View All Details

Awards

Florida Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Los Angeles Independent Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Urbanworld Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination

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