As someone heavily influenced by Hip-hop culture, I was excited to hear that a N.WA. feature film was being developed. As a child raised in the 1980s, I remember watching and listening to controversial rap groups such N.W.A. and Public Enemy. I remember the social impact these groups made as well as many others on pop culture and the way people viewed rap lyrics. N.W.A. made record stores place parental advisory stickers on the covers of their albums. Even though freedom of speech is part of the U.S. constitution, in the late 80’s vulgarity was strictly prohibited. N.W.A. was not the group to hold their tongue instead their racy lyrics gain them worldwide attention both good and bad. The older I got the more research I did on N.W.A., I was curious to know what motivated them to be the most infamous rap group at that time. Til this day I’m inspired by the accomplishments from all the members of the group, especially Ice Cube who is now a successful actor/director/ owner of his own film company. Dr. Dre who is now a billionaire from selling beats to Apple.

These leaders not only made their mark in Hip-hop history but they continue to make their mark in film, music, and television. I took my lady out for a matinee showing of the biography, Straight Outta Compton, I thoroughly enjoyed the film. Originally when I found out that the movie was 2 hours and 30 minutes long, I was concerned that it wouldn’t keep my attention. I’ve been known for not stepping into a theater unless it was an action packed comic book based film. Even though the movie was a drama is wasn’t shy of action, in fact the opening scene had me in suspense. I’ve never been to Compton, but the movie was so engaging that by the end of credits I had a sense of how it felt to be living at the time where poverty, gang violence, police brutality and racism was the way of life. Straight Outta Compton is a movie about brotherhood, the growing pains of maturity and the reality of decision making. For anyone looking for a good biography, drama mixed with a head bopping soundtrack, I highly recommend to check it out. I left this movie feeling inspired as I waved “bye Felicia”!