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DJ Spooky, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, John Lurie, KRS-One ... see more see more... , Biz Markie , Cowboy Junkies , DJ's Q-bert , Wayne Frost , Michael Franti , Jeru , Afrika Bambaataa , Kool Herc , Grandmaster Flash , Run DMC , Jurassic 5 , Common , De La Soul , The Pharcyde , Gil Scott-Heron , Jazzy Jay , Mix Master Mike , DJ Q-Bert , Dilated Peoples , Rob Swift and the X-ecutioners , World Famous Beat Junkies , A-Trak , Bom5 , Craze , Dash167 , Del , Delta , Pee Wee Dance , Son Doobie , The Beat Junkies , The Beatnuts , The Crash Crew

Exploding the myth that Hip-Hop is merely 'rap music,' "5 Sides of a Coin" is an in-depth look at the worldwide phenomenon of Hip-Hop. Today Hip-Hop is a multi-billion dollar industry and a socially r... read more read more...elevant culture. "5 Sides of a Coin" features exclusive interviews and footage of Hip-Hops pioneers, insiders, critics and fans, including Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Flash, Jazzy Jay, Gil Scott-Heron, Run DMC, Jurassic 5, De La Soul, Dilated Peoples, Beat Junkies, Q-Bert, Mix Master Mike, The Pharcyde, DJ Spooky, The Stereo MC's and many, many more Hip-Hop artists interviewed around the world. Their voices define the culture in their own words: the good, the bad and the flossy. Embraced by a diverse cross-section of youth, Hip-Hop is a powerful force, one that transcends its commercial trappings and controversies, that stands alone as the number one youth movement in the world. -- © 7th Art Releasing

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44% liked it

1,328 ratings

Unrated, 1 hr. 20 min.

Directed by: Paul Kell

Release Date: November 12, 2004

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DVD Release Date: June 14, 2005

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Flixster Reviews (29)


  • February 2, 2012
    This is a great documentary about hip-hop culture. Really, it?s about the ?five? elements (beatboxing included) and how they are perceived by insiders and how these insiders reflect on how the mainstream sees it. It is really just a good documentary about the scenes and how many ... read moretry to keep them true to their origins while it was bound to be polluted by others.

    There is a great collection of interviews by many luminaries and an interesting tangent with C. Delores Tucker?s blind opposition to the music. It doesn?t get really preachy and gives a lot of historical background while still keeping a good pace with some good music and never dwelling too long on a point that didn?t need the extra time. A textbook kind of documentary that?s just fine a neat little summary of it all with some POVs. In the meantime, download Del?s new LP for free from his site. Even in Apple Lossless. http://delthefunkyhomosapien.bandcamp.com/

    Sorry for the shameless plug - but it's great music.

Critic Reviews


A.O. Scott
November 11, 2004
A.O. Scott, New York Times

If you like the music, you will appreciate Mr. Kell's attention to it, and relish the on-camera presence of legends like Kool Herc and Afrika Bambaataa. But '5 Sides of a Coin' will make your head nod... Full Review

Laura Sinagra
November 9, 2004
Laura Sinagra, Village Voice

This survey is a well-meaning Nickelodeon pep rally. Full Review

Roger Moore
August 16, 2004
Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel

A decent enough intro to the music many of us spend our time avoiding. Full Review

Steve Schneider
August 16, 2004
Steve Schneider, Orlando Weekly

Kell doesn't stay on any of these subjects long enough to score more than a tasty, semi-obscure factoid or two from each. Full Review

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