Product Description

Beat Kings is a 66 minute film that gives the viewer an exclusive look into the architects behind the rhyme. Hear it first hand from the musical legends that shine light on Hip Hop's brightest stars like Jay-Z, Biggie, and Nas. Beat Kings brings the public into the producers private studios as they reveal the secrets behind making hit records. Mathematics interviews stars like Kanye West, Just Blaze, Havoc (Mobb Deep), Trackmasters, Swizz Beatz, RZA, DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Marley Marl, Alchemist, David Banner, Easy Moe Bee, Prince Paul, and more as Beat Kings chronicles the history of beat making from its early beginnings into the 21st century.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #78409 in DVD
• Released on: 2007-01-23
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Color, Compilation, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .19 pounds
• Running time: 66 minutes

Customer Reviews

Huge disappointment, worst Hip Hop documentary ever
I bought that movie to get a better understanding, how Beat Procusers work, tick and what kind of gear they're using. Unfortunately the content of the interviews was more trash talking then serious discussions about the music and the business. The soundquality of the movie is just awful (especially music DVD's should provide a better standart of soundquality then a low low budget movie. Most interviews are recorded with the inbuild microphone of the camera, which doesn't do the job). More minus points gets the movie for beeing well short (about an hour), the DVD Menu's are as cheap as it gets.
For people who are willing to buy a serious Hip Hop/Rap/DJ documentary I would strongly suggest to buy the movie "Scratch" rather the the Beat Kings. Don't get blinded by the names appearing in the movie. Like I said, it's more of a bla bla bla. I give the movie only 2 Stars because of the Beatbattle as Bonus Feature, which is kind of a interesting contest, which was shorten to 15min... very said. Last but not least, the DVD case is useless as well. I watched the movie once, had to take a break every 10min, because I was getting a headache. As soon as think, "Jesus, that movie has to get better", the movie will be over. So my advice: Spend your money on a descent movie, that one is definitly not worth it.

Beat Kings review
This DVD is a great inside look at the way producers put together creative concepts. Not just any producer, straight veterans. Those of us that know the sound of the Artists, the beatmakers, can appreciate the way they relay ideas and add to what one would have to already be innovatively thinking--an Artist would already have to be making beats to relate to what these veterans are communicating to the viewer. It is a must have for anyone seeking a career in production.

Peace and Respect,

JAW
www.plusworks.4t.com

Average documentary
This documentary does have top name producers in it.
The problem for me was it sheds very little light on how Hip Hop beats are made. The conversations are very general, and there is not enough in depth discussion on what equipment to use or beat making techniques. To give benefit of doubt to the film makers, maybe producers were not going to give up trade secrets on camera?
It might be good for novices but anyone who actually makes beats will be bored by this.