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Movie Info & Details
Release Year1984
Runtime—
LanguageEN
CertificationNR
GenresDocumentary
Votes2
DirectorDick Fontaine
WritersDick Fontaine
TypeFeature Film
Rating8.5 out of 10
Cast3 credited
Also Known AsBeat This!: A Hip Hop History
About Beat This!: A Hip Hop History
Beat This: A Hip-Hop History is a 1984 BBC documentary film about hip-hop culture, directed by Dick Fontaine. The cast includes Afrika Bambaataa, DJ Kool Herc — the film includes footage from Herc's original dance parties — The Cold Crush Brothers, Jazzy Jay, Brim Fuentes, and The Dynamic Rockers. It is narrated by Imhotep Gary Byrd. Originally part of the Arena television series, it was among the first crop of documentaries about hip-hop.
Directed by Dick Fontaine, Beat This!: A Hip Hop History leans on a strong ensemble — Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Caz, Malcolm McLaren — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.
The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 1984.
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