Review of Beats Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest (2011) by Sonny O — 21 Jan 2012

(7.5 out of 10 is more accurate) A good watch for someone who doesn't know much about Tribe, goes "Oh yeah. So they make that" when he recognizes a tune on this film, and only knew them from a distance as a decent rap group with more-substance-than-your-average-wankah's rhymes. You see the beginnings, the school yards, the assembly of the Tribe, the jump to stardom, the ups and down on the plateau of the rise, the plateau on the other side, sudden crumblings of uncertain footings, resolution now.

Not knowing much about this group, it turns out watching it that the group is worthy of documentation. The music that waffles the ridges of this film come across as good tunes. One particular scene has Busta Rhymes in the studio recollecting the sonic glories of one past track that plays in the air with some deep, coaxing texture like thick molten lava setting into rhyme.

Rappaport does a fine job balancing the narrative of the group, the individual characters, and the music over the time of this film. Finishes with a feeling of thoroughness in covering 10 to 20 years over ninety-something minutes.

Sure. Like a good documentary does, it covers the ins-and-outs and chemistries of a real-life happening, laced with the very particular humanities of real people that makes a documentary inherently so personal and engaging, regardless of your special familiarity with this group and its culture.

In terms of dramatic happening, the one thing this movie might lack is some tragic, teenage drama of misfortune and the pierces of fame. There is the diabetes thing, which is a challenge and a sincere thorn in the side. There is what appears to be a lurking phantom fear that haunts one member's esteem for the solidarity of the group. There are the usual challenges of image, ideal, and identity. But, all and all, these are pretty reasonable dudes. Just as their talents would indicate, and as the last line justifies.

Four stars (of five).

Three stars (of four).

--- Sonny O'Bicz.