Throughout, the notion that hip-hop is much more than rapping is a persistent theme, and anyone seeking a solid introduction -- or re-introduction -- to that ever vibrant culture shouldn't miss it.
75
Miami Herald
Miami Herald
Mesmerizing.
75
Boston Globe
Boston Globe
An illuminating and entertaining study of an underground culture that has become part of the American mainstream.
75
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Ray Conlogue
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Ray Conlogue
This engaging documentary is an excursion into the immense "art" form of hip-hop.
70
New York Magazine (Vulture)Peter Rainer
New York Magazine (Vulture)Peter Rainer
A loose-limbed documentary about the hip-hop D.J. scene that, for know-nothings like me, is highly informative without being in the least academic.
70
Village Voice
Village Voice
Scratch's strongest moments are the live performance sequences, where hip-hop becomes an ultra-rhythmic spiritual experience, with roots in West African trance ritual and South Bronx gang solidarity.
63
New York PostMegan Lehmann
New York PostMegan Lehmann
Pray will force you to look at the music as more than just gobbledygook created by musical-bower birds who can't spell.
60
Chicago ReaderLisa Alspector
Chicago ReaderLisa Alspector
A standard mix of performances, interviews, and gimmickry -- the image and sound sometimes loop or jump in a tiresomely literal attempt to translate the techniques of scratching and "beat juggling" into cinema.