This morning, I found an interesting internet article entitled “Top 10 Hip Hop Films.” Although I am a fan of every movie on this list, I feel that many hip-hop films of major importance were left out.

Therefore, I would like to add another 10 to let you in on some spectacular hip-hop films not mentioned that deserve recognition nonetheless. I highly recommend checking all of them out …

1. Brown Sugar (2002) – This is one of my favorite movies ever, and possibly the best hip-hop film ever. A love story between two long time best friends that serves as a metaphor for the evolution and commercialization of hip-hop. Great guest performances by Mos Def and Queen Latifah. A must see for any real hip-hop fan.

2. Belly (1998) – A pair of gangsters, played by Nas and DMX, have spiritual awakenings and move away from the drug game. A great representation of the inner struggle of urban inhabitants forced to live a life of crime.

3. Bulworth (1998) – I was amazed at this movie when I saw it years ago. It is about a politician, slightly crazy and influenced by the hip-hop culture surrounding him, who begins to bluntly honest with his voters. A groundbreaking film about race, politics and the illusions accepted around each.

4. Malibu’s Most Wanted (2003) – Another groundbreaking film concerning race and politics in this country. The story revolves around a rich white kid who’s senator father arranges for him to be kidnapped by a pair of black actors in an attempt to scare him out of his plans to become a rapper. A great mix of comedy and social commentary that points out several hypocrises in our country’s racial dialogue.

5. Whiteboyz (1991) – Although clowned on by reviewers, I felt this movie was a brilliant representation of this country’s mainstream fascination with gangster rap. Following the life of an Iowa high school kid looking to sell drugs and become a gangster rapper, the film is an in your face contemplation of what it means to be black and white in this country.

6. Carmen: A Hip Hopera (2001) – A brilliant hip-hop musical with an all star studded cast of rappers, artists and musicians. It tells the story of a young aspiring actress and the troubles she encounters in her urban environment.

7. CB4 (1993) – Starring Chris Rock, this movie pokes fun at west coast gangster rap at a time when it was one of the biggest things in popular culture. It follows the music careers of aspiring rappers, which only take off when they adopt the gangster image. Hillarious dialogue and songs.

8. Higher Learning (1995) – You can’t talk about hip-hop movies without mentioning director John Singleton. This film takes place on a college campus and examines the lives of several students, and their experiences with racism, education, sex, anger and responsibility.

9. Poetic Justice (1993) – Another by John Singleton, this film follows the lives of a young urban poet, played by Janet Jackson, and a postal worker trying to break into the world of hip-hop, played by the late, great Tupac Shakur. During a road trip to Oakland, they discover each other and learn about themselves and the world around them.

10. Slam (1998) – Starring Saul Williams, this film is a story about a talented poet and MC who uses his amazing poetry to deal with the poverty, crime and despair that surrounds him.

All of these films deal with real issues facing the hip-hop community while maintaining a high level of entertainment and artistic value. If you haven’t seen any, I’d highly recommend peeping them. Peace.