Explore music documentaries for a deeper look into the lives of artistes, including their creative processes, challenges and triumphs. These films shed light on popular artists’ careers, productions, controversies, and performances. Check out our top five music documentaries for the week.
1. Chris Brown-Welcome To My Life (2017)
In this intimate documentary about his life and career, pop musician Chris Brown takes centre stage. The biopic looks at Chris Brown’s entire life and career, from his humble beginnings in Virginia to his first record label signing, legal issues, and the infamous Rihanna incident. It features concert performances, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with Brown and other celebrities like Jamie Foxx, Usher, and Jennifer Lopez.
2. Kanye West-Jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy (2022)
This motivational three-part documentary follows the journey of the resilient Chicago-born rapper, Kanye West, and his friend, Coodie Simmons. Filmed over 20 years ago by Simmons, the film features never-seen footages of Kanye’s early years, his mother’s passing, the terrible car accident that nearly killed him, his breakup with Coodie, and his unsuccessful 2020 presidential campaign.
3. Michael Jackson: This is it (2009)
Months before the King of Pop was scheduled to make a surprise appearance at London’s O2 arena, he passed away tragically. This documentary explores Michael Jackson’s last moments as well as the intense rehearsals leading up to the anticipated show. The film includes additional behind the scenes footage, dancer auditions, costume design and controversies around his demise.
4.Travis Scott: Look Mom I can Fly (2019)
Travis Scott’s Look Mom I Can Fly, goes beyond the typical music documentary. The footage follows the Houston rapper’s rise to superstardom, his Grammy snub, legal issues, fatherhood, and the creation of his chart-topping album, Astroworld. It also includes live concerts, family moments, fan testimonials, and childhood memories that influenced him.
5. Nas: Time is Illmatic (2014)
Time Is Illmatic is a feature-length documentary film about Nas’ 1994 debut album, Illmatic, and the social conditions that influenced its creation. The album, which is a hip-hop classic, captures the perseverance and struggles of a generation of African American youth searching for their place in America.