A Genius Leaves the Hood - The Unauthorized Story of Jay Z
A Genius Leaves the Hood - The Unauthorized Story of Jay Z
| 21 March 2014 (USA)
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On the surface, 'A Genius Leaves The Hood-The Unauthorized Story of Jay Z' chronicles how hip-hop's most successful rapper of the past two decades reached the top; but at its core, the film attempts to divulge the savvy and cunning business acumen of a mogul who decided that being at the top of the charts wasn't enough. This 60-minute unauthorized biography explores the mind of a man who never played by the rules and admits it. This film uncovers the price Mr. Carter paid for his success through recent controversies including the racial debate of the Barneys deal, feud with Harry Belafonte and clashes with community activists over the construction of the Barclay Center. The film also explores rumors of association with the Illuminati, a highly publicized separation from the Roc-A-Fella crew, his estranged relationship with rapping mentor Jaz-O and break up with business partner Damon Dash.

Reviews
CheerupSilver

Very Cool!!!

Forumrxes

Yo, there's no way for me to review this film without saying, take your *insert ethnicity + "ass" here* to see this film,like now. You have to see it in order to know what you're really messing with.

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Invaderbank

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

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Roman Sampson

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

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Arenas4812

This is a very well put together documentary on the life of Jay-Z. It talks about his rise through the "Mercy" Homes to him battling against other music rappers like Dame Dash and Camron on who will control their record label. I remember most of these artists were super huge at the time. The only thing I didn't care for were the djs, reporters, and music executives interviewed. It seems like these "friends" are critical and bashing him. I don't think any one person can be that "evil". I just think people change and grow up. I do think they should give him more credit on how he's been about to use his success into other business that may be closed off to young black men.

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dany_s

That documentary was hilarious and pathetic. Sounded like a bunch of disgruntled haters that are mad. Sometimes when you grow, you grow past some people. Doesn't mean you are better just going to another level and sometimes you have to leave certain things and people behind. It's business, not personal. Everyone has a past, the only difference is that Jay is a public figure and his wrongs are on display. People, especially "US" are so quick to judge people on their past, but if someone dug in your closet, who knows how many skeletons would fall. Jay has never been dishonest about his past and how he got there. That documentary was nothing more than a way to try to taint his rep. #crabsinabarrel

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parvattigupta

Minds will be opened, perhaps even changed once you watch this film.Jay Z has managed to protect his image over the years. As a fan, I've followed Jay Z throughout his whole career but still don't know who he really is ... Who ever directed this movie definitely did their research and reached out to the right people from Jay- Z's past. Jay Z had to make a lot of choices to reach his level of success, it was interesting to see the choices he made in the film. Jay Z definitely believes in the power of association and unfortunately a lot of his friends who helped build him as an entertainer - did not make it into his blueprint for life. I think we are all guilty of outgrowing our friends at some point in our life...

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bqstudios

This documentary was made by people who knew jay-z a long time ago and are most likely bitter they're not in his life anymore. I was surprised to see kim osario (or whatever), former someone at the source magazine, talking bad about jay-z . I Guess all former source mag workers are bitter ( ala Benzino) people that are mad at the very people they tried to get on the cover of ther magazine, when it was relevant. Surprisingly jaz -o doesn't go too hard on jay, but you know what hes there for, to basically say jay-z shitted on me, his mentor. Sprinkled through out with moody music to over dramatize some of the mostly negative interviews , This doc just has a negative tone thats hard to ignore.

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