Hustle & Flow

Hello beloved readers, first off I would like to apologize for not updating the site in such a long time, but I had some personal issues I had to take care of and I barely had any time to work on the site which I hope to update at least once per week.

Moving on, For this week's article I thought I'd write about one of my favorite films, which is called "Hustle & Flow", it is an independent film that follows the struggles of Memphis Pimp/Aspiring Rap star "DJay" (Terrence Howard) who is having a midlife crisis and finds himself disappointed with his life. After acquiring a keyboard, he decides to try his hand at making hip-hop songs. The rest of the film shows his journey into hip-hop stardom while trying to deal with money issues, his own internal demons and the difficulties that a life of crime brings.

This is easily Howard's best performance ever. The level of skill required to not only perform as an actor but as a rapper as well make this role an extremely difficult one to play, but he masters the role like he was actually DJay in real life, which I find highly ironic as Terrence Howard had initially turned down the role of DJay as he did not want to be typecast as a pimp. But once he read the script he realized how complex and deep the role was and he decided to take on the role, which would eventually land him a nomination for Best Actor at the Academy Awards. Other performers in this film include Ludacris, DJ Qualls and Anthony Anderson.

The plot structure is complex and the characters are rich. While it is not easy for one of use to identify with a Pimp/Rapper, I think all of us can sympathize with him and his hunger for success which is what makes DJay such an interesting character.

Another aspect of this film that really impressed me is the quality of the soundtrack which is composed of several original pieces as well as adapted pieces. Artists include Three 6 Mafia, Mike Jones, Al Kapone, Lil'Jon, DJ Paul and TI. One of the songs (It's hard out there for a pimp) is highly known for being only the second hip-hop song to win an Academy Award (after "Lose Yourself").

I'm here trying to squeeze a dollar out of a dime, and I ain't even got a cent man.

This film was first shown at Sundance and it received a standing ovation. Shorty thereafter the production company sold the distribution rights to Paramount for a little less than $10 Million dollars which was a record back then.

Overall, what this film brings to the table is an amazing experience that will be enjoyed even by hip-hop detractors. In the words of Ann Hornaday from the Washington Post "Watching as a pimp, a pothead and a pregnant hooker play and sing in a makeshift bedroom recording studio, and becoming increasingly caught up in their determination and hope, it's impossible not to think that this is a part of the American Dream, too."