Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap 2012

Nicolas Rapold, New York Times: This is a film that does sweat the technique, with at times illuminating and spirited results. Read more

Nathan Rabin, AV Club: Something From Nothing: The Art Of Rap argues persuasively that hip hop can be disarmingly friendly, as well as an invaluable tool for social criticism and self-expression. Read more

Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune: The interviews are often revealing and funny. And much of the music is tremendous. Read more

Justin Lowe, Hollywood Reporter: An insightful film about the creative talents that have made hip-hop an original, enduring American musical tradition. Read more

Joe Neumaier, New York Daily News: The faces and voices are endlessly compelling as they talk about what inspires them to lay down beats and recall the early days in New York. Read more

Sara Stewart, New York Post: In his debut as a documentarian, Ice T creates a vibrant portrait of how and why rap came to be. Read more

Kevin C. Johnson, St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Essential viewing and a nice companion piece to "Wild Style," "Style Wars" and other key hip-hop documentaries. Read more

Tom Huddleston, Time Out: There's no faulting the lyrical excellence on display. These guys are legends for a reason. Read more

Joshua Rothkopf, Time Out: There's a discipline to moviemaking, too, alas, and when this effort strays from its (admittedly limited) subject to a surfeit of helicopter city shots and Ice's street prowling, it feels padded. Read more

Michelle Orange, Village Voice: Rap confirms the art of the form from the inside. Only time can sort out the rest. Read more