With Ice-T’s heavily anticipated directorial debut named “Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap” coming out in the UK next month (and released in the US last Friday), we take a look at the seven best hip-hop documentaries of all time.

(1) “Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap.”

Ice-T interviews some of rap’s most respected and distinguished playas: Mos Def, Dr Dre, Eminem, Nas and Q-Tip discuss hip-hop’s rise to worldwide prominence.

(2) “Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest”.

Directed by Michael Rapaport, this documentary spotlights one of the most innovative and influential rap bands in hip-hop history.

(3) “Rhyme and Reason”

This documentary examines the genre’s evolution since its inception – Busta Rhymes, Method Man, Biggie and Tupac all chip in.

(4) “Scratch”

Scratch investigates the beginnings of hip-hop DJs, turntabilism and scratching.

(5) “Rock the Bells”

Rock the Bells follows the exciting preparation and fulfillment of Wu-Tang Clan’s final live performance.

(6) “Dave Chappelle’s Bloc Party”

The documentary, dedicated to J Dilla, follows the production and achievement of Dave Chapelle’s free festival “Block Party” in Brooklyn, that hosted performances from the likes of Mos Def, the reunited Fugees, the Roots and Kayne West.

(7) “Style Wars”

One of the first documentaries on hip-hop, “Style Wars” is a must-see for serious rap fans. It focuses on the form’s various cultural components, including b-boying, graffiti and tagging.

Words: Christabel Reed