As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial

Name: As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial
Genre: Documentary
Released: February 27, 2024
Duration: 96 min
Rating: 74
Cast: Ari Melber, Bun B, Camille James Harman, David Alan Graf, Dylan Rogers

2024

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Generally favorable reviews based on 6 Critic Reviews

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As We Speak

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Movie Details & Credits

| Release Date (Streaming): February 27, 2024 | Not Rated

Starring: Ari Melber, Bun B, Camille James Harman, David Alan Graf, Dylan Rogers, Elizabeth Lamboy-Wilson, Greg Kriek, Killer Mike, Patrice Hodge, Taylor Eden

Summary: Bronx rap artist Kemba explores the growing weaponization of rap lyrics in the United States criminal justice system and abroad — revealing how law enforcement has quietly used artistic creation as evidence in criminal cases for decades.

Director: J.M. Harper

Genre(s): Documentary

Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 96 min

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Critic Reviews

Lisa Kennedy

Feb 26, 2024

Not unlike its subject, the documentary’s power, beauty and complexity lie in Harper’s use of rhetoric and lyricism. Read full review

Jordan Mintzer

Feb 26, 2024

At a time when many question whether art should be separated from the artist — whether it’s the movies of Woody Allen or the songs of Michael Jackson — this revealing documentary shows how, when it comes to hip-hop, prosecutors across America have been conveniently refusing to distinguish one from the other. Read full review

Ben Kenigsberg

Mar 1, 2024

“As We Speak” makes a powerful case for the necessity of being free to make art, and for public awareness that art rarely qualifies as legal evidence. Read full review

Clint Worthington

Jan 30, 2024

Its essential components touch on the valuable insight that the white imagination often can’t wrap its head around what Black music is actually saying, and the ways it says it. Read full review

Jacob Oller

Jan 29, 2024

Once the documentary has made its easy point, it doesn’t have much else on its mind aside from making it again and again. For some, that’ll be eye-opening enough, but I don’t think they’re the people who’re watching documentaries about rap lyrics. Read full review

Chris Vognar

Jan 23, 2024

It’s a juicy subject, and it might be too big for this particular storytelling approach. Read full review

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