Top Box Office Movies - Biggie and Tupac

Biggie and Tupac (2002) Lions Gate
1 hr. 47 mins.
Starring: The Notorious B.I.G., Tupac Shakur, Marion "Suge" Knight, Snoop Dogg, Nick Broomfield
Directed by: Nick Broomfield

Biggie and Tupac

Rating:

E-MAIL FRANK OCHIENG

Photo: Lions Gate's

British documentary filmmaker Nick Broomfield takes on a rap session of a different kind in the thoroughly riveting film Biggie and Tupac. Broomfield, who some may recall was the scathing instigator behind the revealing yet confrontational documentary Kurt and Courtney, does some provocative in-depth digging in reference to the late explosive ‘90s rap artists Christopher "Biggie Smalls" Wallace and Tupac Shakur. Both of these controversial slain musicians were very instrumental in elevating the boundaries of rap music that was often considered very divisive and alienating by some wary critics. And when the back-to-back unsolved murders made headline news (Shakur died on September 7, 1996 from the result of a hail of gunfire; Smalls died on March 9, 1997 while being pumped with bullets during a Los Angeles outing), there were shock waves that disillusioned a stunned music industry. Not only did the hardcore hip hop duo leave behind a legacy for their loyal followers to continuously cherish, but they also left behind many lingering questions about the highly-publicized killings of two troubled but talented icons cut down in the prime of their young lives. Biggie and Tupac is a probing and tantalizing account of a couple of creative and cunning young men and the turmoil that abounded regarding the hypnotic and hyped-up universe of urbanized entertainment and its volatile lyrical in-house politics.

Broomfield is fearless by pursuing the gritty realities of a profitable albeit hostile machine that is considered a big business rap-oriented commodity. Not since Oliver Stone’s combination of cinematic paranoia and tenacious fact-finding (for his 1991 political drama JFK) has there been a persistent individual willing to put his conspiracy theories to the test. Some may say that Broomfield is aimlessly opening up a dangerous can of worms concerning the sensitivity of the rub-out homicides of Smalls and Shakur. However, Broomfield stands tall and his insistence on inquiring about the complex murdered hip-hop rappers is both brave and invigorating.

In fact, the documentary-style moviemaker’s film will probably have more of an impact thanks to the fairly recent public findings of the Biggie-Tupac murder connection courtesy of a Los Angeles Times article penned by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Chuck Philips. Interestingly enough, Philips contends that Biggie may have played a major part in the demise of Tupac due to a lot of various issues ranging from an East Coast/West Coast hostility among dueling record labels to a deteriorating friendship with betrayal as an underlying motivator. And in return, Biggie met his tragic fate six months later as his life was taken out of revenge for Tupac’s untimely death. Broomfield, on the other hand, sees an entirely different angle that elaborates on the possible involvement of the LAPD and federal government who both wanted the rapping singing sensations silenced once and for all, particularly with their strident stance against law enforcement. Broomfield doesn’t easily excuse Tupac’s former embattled record label boss Marion "Suge" Knight either. Although the menacing rap mogul Knight has repeatedly declared his innocence in offing Shakur, Broomfield offers up some insightful ditties to suggest otherwise.

What works so fabulously in Biggie and Tupac is Broomfield’s aggressive tendency to get to the heart of the subject matter. Much like a bloodhound with an overactive nose, he relentlessly sniffs out the cynical details yet manages to never overstep his bounds by alienating sources that may have supported or denounced the likes of Shakur and Smalls. In short, Broomfield raises the questions that some would be too timid to address. One has to admire this gutsy guy’s scrutinizing approach. Even when Broomfield comes off as intrusive at times, you cannot help but marvel at his sledgehammer-like tactics. Plus, he has the ability to disguise his face-to-face sessions with an unassuming subtlety that’s refreshingly deceptive in politeness if not effective.

Biggie and Tupac really welcomes the heat with its overt implications about the racial climate surrounding the rap world in general. This tidbit is expressively brought to the surface just by the mere fact of the various detractors who have scorned the never-ending popularity and ominous influence of this musical genre notorious for its shocking streetwise credo known as "thug life". When Broomfield latches onto a former LAPD offer that shares the same philosophy citing the corruptive nature that flows within the veins of the infamous Los Angeles police department, all you are left to ponder is the invited race-related overtones. Soon there are inevitable match-ups that start to look rather obligatory. How about a seemingly racist white police force versus the in-your-face rawness of youthful angry black males rapping about the underprivileged and disenchanted lives they once led? Or reputed black gangbangers "in bed" with the shady white authority types looking to kick to the curve a couple of "notable troublemakers" such as Biggie and Tupac? Or the unfathomable realization how uptight white America wanted to shield their precious kids from the harmful effects of "black ghetto raucous ranting"? Better yet, the exploration of African-American themes that entails situational bonds that exist between the powerful Black Panthers and that of an impoverished black community? Or maybe the sad state of affairs that sheds some unflattering light on black-on-black crime and the glorified indulgences of the hip hop atmosphere that reinforces the chaos? Whatever the underlying message, Broomfield dutifully uncovers the mayhem despite the nagging answers that annoyingly evade him as well as his audience.

Daringly perceptive, taut, piercing and feisty, Biggie and Tupac is undeniably subversive and involving in its bold presentation. The devilishly inquisitive tone of this snappy documentary may not appeal to those who can care less about the rap wars or hardened image of this type of music's reputation. Still, there are masses that enjoy rap music on a spiritual and emotional level. There's a belief out there that suggests Smalls and Shakur are revered as noteworthy prophets to the legions of their fans. This undoubtedly will fulfill the appetite of Biggie Smalls and Tupac Shakur enthusiasts who were captivated by these skillful showmen that courageously impacted their complicated lives.

Consequently, one doesn’t have to embrace the chaotic culture of hip hop to recognize what a solid and substantial ride Broomfield’s exposition really is.

Click here to comment on this review or post your own thoughts.

Frank Ochieng
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