As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial

| Release Date (Streaming): February 27, 2024 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
74
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 6 Critic Reviews
Positive:
5
Mixed:
1
Negative:
0
Watch Now
Stream On

Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
90
VarietyLisa KennedyFeb 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
80
The Hollywood ReporterJordan MintzerFeb 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
70
The New York TimesBen KenigsbergMar 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
67
ConsequenceClint WorthingtonJan 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
67
Paste MagazineJacob OllerJan 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
60
Rolling StoneChris VognarJan 23, 2024
It’s a juicy subject, and it might be too big for this particular storytelling approach. Read full review
More From This Movie

74 Critic Reviews

tbd User Reviews

Details & Credits|Trailers

Current Movie Releases
By MetascoreBy User Score
1 77 Project Hail Mary
2 75 Send Help
3 73 Hoppers
4 72 The Sheep Detectives
5 68 Crime 101
SEE ALL
Essential Links
New on Amazon Prime Video
New on Netflix
Coming Soon to DVD/Blu-ray
SEE ALL