During the 1990s, Stretch and Bobbito introduced the world to an unsigned Nas, Biggie, Wu-Tang, and Big Pun, as well as an unknown Jay Z, Eminem, and the Fugees. The total record sales for all the artists that premiered on their show exceed 300 million. The late-night program had a cult following in the art/fashion world and prison population as well. All would loyally tune in for the offbeat humor just as much for the exclusive tunes. Stretch and Bobbito brought a unique audience together, and created a platform that changed music forever.

I wandered into a movie screening uninvited and unprepared and walked away pleasantly surprised. I am apprehensive to check out a documentary but this one has a bit of a hometown appeal. I have a love for hip hop and learning about this era with interviews and exclusive video showcasing how some of hip hop’s heavyweights started out on this radio show was awesome.

The Good

The notoriety of some of the folks who interacted with this duo was great. Names like Jay-Z, Busta Rhymes, Nas, Big L, Big Pun, Fat Joe, Raekwon, Method Man, Red Man, and more were featured on this underground radio show before their rise to popularity.

A big purpose, and benefit, of this documentary is to highlight how the trajectory of the careers of these musicians may not have been the same if this show didn’t exist which is both surprising and inspiring. Getting insight into the rise and popularity and subsequent separation of the dub answered a lot of questions for those wondering about where these two went after their separation.

The movie flowed quite well giving us a chronological look at their work, process, and lack of income for 8 yrs of hard work. I got to see how these two met up at an early age and became fast friends with a common passion for rap music. I thought it was incredibly insightful for these two to explain their friendship to get an idea of how it all came together and then see validity in their stories from the musicians they met along the way.

The Bad

At one point I felt the movie was running a bit long but Stretch and Bobbito had a lot of history to share. These two have a great story as underdogs who grew in fame off of nothing but hard work and passion. I almost felt like I was watching an obituary to their career rather than a celebration but the two appear at the end seemingly in high spirits with their camaraderie renewed even if their faith in the music has waned.

Overall a great film for fans of this particular musical era. This may not appeal to those who may not even recognize the stars but I would recommend to give this a shot and decide.