Straight Outta Compton * * * * 1/2

I don’t really know much about Rap Music - but I’m a little more informed after this movie.  However, not knowing the genre is not really an issue. Like the recent music biopic Love and Mercy you do not need to know much about the subjects to appreciate this film. Straight Outa Compton is enjoyable, accessible and a fabulous story in it’s own right.  

It is about one of the first - and most controversial - rap bands Niggers With Attitude (name controversial enough for you?) They mostly refer to themselves as NWA.  NWA gave us Dr Drey, Ice Cube and Ezy E.

They got attitude alright.  But if the film is a fair reflection of the horrendous police brutality and harassment people in their neighbourhood were being subjected to, it is no wonder their lyrics had the survivor language of anger and dark humour.  Less surprising also that they should write the highly controversial song “Fuck The Police”, a provocative song that caused no end of trouble - and infamy- for them.

This excellent drama tells of their rise and the internal conflict and self-destruction that always seems to come with successful bands.  It is an inspiring story and a good education on the genesis of rap (did that genre really start nearly forty years ago?).