Rappin' is a 1985 American film directed by Joel Silberg, written by Adam Friedman and Robert J. Litz, produced by Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus and starring Mario Van Peebles. The film is a sequel to Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo, and is also known as Breakdance 3. Although it features Ice-T (who featured in Breakin' and Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo), Rappin' has a plot unconnected to the previous two films and features different lead characters and locations. It is also considered to be a companion piece to the documentary Breakin' 'n' Enterin'.[2]
Plot
Rappin' John Hood (Van Peebles), an ex-convict, attempts to save his neighborhood from developers and hoodlums. Around the same time, one of the hoodlums' girlfriend, Dixie, persuades him to audition for a rap recording contract. Their interactions develop into a relationship.
Cast
- Mario Van Peebles as John Hood
- Rutanya Alda as Cecilia
- Eyde Byrde as Grandma
- Rony Clanton as Cedric
- Charles Grant as Duane
- Melvin Plowden as "Fats"
- Jessie Daniels, Antoine Lundy, Stevie D. Lundy, Charles Nelson, Trisco Pearson as The Force M.D.s
- Richie Abanes as Richie
- Harry Goz as Thorndike
- Kadeem Hardison as "Moon"
- Eriq La Salle as "Ice"
- Leo O'Brien as Allan
- Thomas Ross as Thomas
- Joe Schad as Burton
- Tasia Valenza as Dixie
- Claudja Barry as herself
- Eugene Wilde as himself
- Richy Givens as Gangster
Production
Mario Van Peebles' raps were overdubbed by Master Gee of the Sugarhill Gang, who also wrote one part,[3] and whose brother Leo plays the role of Allan. The film was filmed in and around Pittsburgh.
Ice-T's small role is uncredited and he reportedly provided the rhymes, including the hero's climactic lines, "Can't stop / Won't stop / Climbing that mountain 'till we reach the top!"[citation needed] Two verses of his 1985 single, Killers, feature mid-way through the film. Brothers Evil E and Hen-Gee, both of whom would go on to work with Ice-T, feature in the film.
Featured songs
- Born to Love - Claudja Barry
- Rappin' – Lovebug Starski
- Snack Attack – Melvin Plowden, Mario Van Peebles, Eriq La Salle, Kadeem Hardison, Richie Abanes
- The Fight Rap – Lovebug Starski
- Neighborhood Walk – Mario Van Peebles
- Itchin' for a Scratch – The Force M.D.'s
- Flame in the Fire – Warren Mills
- Call Me – D. Terrell
- If You Want To (FU12) – Lajuan Carter
- Golly Gee – Tuff, Inc.
- First Love Never Dies – Eugene Wilde, Joanna Gardner
Reception
The film earned $2.9 million at the US box office.[4]
See also
References
- ^ Rappin' at Box Office Mojo
- ^ Piskor, Ed (2016). Hip Hop Family Tree Vol.4. Seattle: Fantagraphics Books. p. 62.
- ^ JayQuan (2005). "Accept No Substitutes – The Original Master Gee". www.thafoundation.com. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
- ^ Andrew Yule, Hollywood a Go-Go: The True Story of the Cannon Film Empire, Sphere Books, 1987 p111
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