Art of Rap European Premiere News

A few nights ago, the press were treated to one of the UK’s first screenings of documentary Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap, and it sure got an ovation. Spanning almost fifty years of talent, Art of Rap follows director Ice-T as he finds out just what it means to have the life of a hip-hop artist.

To celebrate the launch of the film, the European Premiere is being held in London, with a truly once-in-a-lifetime concert accompanying it. Performers include Ice-T, Chuck D, Melle Mel and Raekwon, all at the Hammersmith Apollo on 19 July, the night before the film’s release.

Visually luscious and drenched with the big beats of classic cuts and freestyle rhyming by some of the masters of the music, SOMETHING FROM NOTHING: THE ART OF RAP is a performance documentary about the runaway juggernaut that is hip-hop. At the wheel of this unstoppable beast is Ice-T who with co-director Andy Baybut takes us on a personal journey into the asphalt roots of the music that saved his life.

Ice-T travels from coast to coast, engaging intimately with the likes of Afrika Bambaataa, Chuck D, Dr. Dre, Eminem, Grandmaster Caz, Ice Cube, KRS-One, Nas, Run-DMC, Snoop Dogg and Yasiin Bey formerly known as Mos Def. What emerges is a mighty soul tribute to the original American art form that brought poetry to a new generation.

The best thing about it? You can go. Simply follow @ArtOfRap on Twitter and send them a message or Like their page at Facebook.com/ArtOfRapUK to be in with a shot.

Or, you can guarantee your place by booking tickets on Ticketmaster or HMV.

Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap is released on 20 July, and Entertainment Cocktail’s review will be online on 9th July.