N.W.A Biopic ‘Straight Outta Compton’ Does Rap Music Justice

Love it or hate it, there is no denying the influence hip hop and rap have had, not only on music, but also pop culture and the world as a whole. While Run D.M.C. and Co. were laying the groundwork in the beginning, things took a drastic turn when N.W.A came onto the scene. Out were the universal beats that felt “safe” for the MTV audience, and in was a sound that highlighted the reality of a new generation. N.W.A’s 1988 debut album serves as the title for what’s bound to be one of the summer’s sleeper hits, “Straight Outta Compton.”

It’s hard to take an artist’s life and make a movie out of it without it turning cheesy, being a basic “Behind the Music” or in the worst case scenarios – an unauthorized Lifetime movie. There have been instances where it’s turned out great. Jennifer Lopez owes most of her career to the late Selena, who she portrayed beautifully in the late singers’ 1997 biopic. Then there was “Walk the Line,” that went on to help Reese Witherspoon win her first Oscar. While there have been success stories, there have been dismal attempts as well. Both Aaliyah and Whitney Houston’s lives were taken to the small screen and both were buzzworthy for all the wrong reasons.

Thankfully, “Straight Outta Compton” isn’t horribly cast and unlike the ones mentioned above – some of the men of N.W.A actually played a part in the making. Ice Cube was on set making sure things not only looked and sounded good, but his son is making his acting debut by stepping into the role as whom else, a younger version of his father. The casting choice was easy – they weren’t going to get anyone else who looked that similar.

They have immense talent in the cast, a great team behind the film and a powerful story to tell. If there were a list of musicians who shaped a musical spectrum – N.W.A would sit near the top alongside Nirvana and The Beatles. Before them, the tales from the streets of inner city neighborhoods weren’t being told. “Straight Outta Compton” deals with that aspect of their story, but also delves into what each member was going through on a personal level during their rise to fame.

It’s not odd that movies like these receive critical praise, but when push comes to shove – it may be overlooked when it comes to awards season. Eminem and Three Six Mafia have taken home Oscars for Best Original Song, but with any luck “Straight Outta Compton” will be celebrated for bringing something new to the movie landscape.

“Straight Outta Compton” opens everywhere August 14.