Michael Rapaport. Not to be a dick, but when we think of the C-list star, shit films and even crappier television are the first things that pop into mind. However, after watching Beats, Rhymes and Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest, our opinion has totally shifted -- Michael Rapaport is a damn fine documentary filmmaker.
In 2008, Rapaport hit the road with Tribe -- Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Jarobi White, Q-Tip, and Phife Dawg -- on the Rock the Bells tour, an annual traveling hip-hop festival. He spent time interviewing each member of group to tell the story of one of hip-hop's most influential crews, allowing them do what they do best: speak the truth.
There are bits humor, bits of sadness, and an incredible amount of candor throughout the film, which also features interviews with legendary rap crews like the Jungle Brothers, De La Sol, and The Beastie Boys, as well Tribe disciples like The Roots, Pharrell Williams, and Common discussing their love for the Jamaica Queens quartet.
Watch the trailer, and see our list of songs sampled by Tribe after the jump.
After making the rounds on the film festival circuit, Beats Rhymes and Life has slowly been opening across the country in select cities. And next Friday, August 5, the film opens in at Harkins Tempe Marketplace 16.
To get y'all in the Tribe Called Quest mood, we came up with a list of our favorite songs Tribe's sampled on some of their biggest hits. Check it after jump.
5) Lou Reed - "Walk on the Wild Side"
Sampled on "Can I kick it"
4) Earth, Wind and Fire - "Brazilian Rhyme
Sampled on "Mr. Muhammad"
3) Miles Davis - "So What"
Sampled on "Scenario"
2) Biz Markie - "Nobody Beats Biz"
Sampled on "The Chase, Part II"
1) The Meters - "The Hand Clapping Song"
Sampled on "Clap Your Hands"
Beats, Rhymes and Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest opens Friday, August 5, at Harkins Tempe Market
