Top 10 biopic films about Soul, R&B and Hip Hop icons, ranked
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By TONE Scott
What is a "Biopic?" With regard to the aspect of music, it is a 'non-documentary' theatrical motion picture in which the context is a true-to-life depiction (or at least vaguely close) of the life of an iconic recording artist, or some historical music industry figure. In the history of motion pictures there have been an uncountable amount of music-based biopics; films that encompass every kind of musical figure over many genres of music. However, in this article we put emphasis on biopics whose context revolves around the Urban-genres of music and those musical entities that fall into that category.
Goldmine has chosen 10 films that fall into the qualifications that we have established for this article, and have given them ranking, least to best. Some of the stipulations for the choices made were as follows: The accuracy (based on historical reference) of any given film in juxtaposition to real life occurrences, the quality of portrayal (performance ability) of the main actors in juxtaposition to the actual real life artists and historical music icons, and the overall storyline of each movie as it pertained to being entertaining. To top it off, we have chosen, for you, our pick for best studio album for each artist referenced in each film, just to give you a little more information into the historical value of each iconic figure.
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10. Whitney (2015, Lifetime / Silver Screen Pictures)
Protagonists: Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown
While the film focuses mostly on the turmoil within the relationship between Houston and her troublesome husband—'80s and '90s R&B star, Bobby Brown—and does it in an extremely and notably accurate manner, there is so much more to Whitney's life that could have been made focus. Realizing that 'drama' garners attention and negative aspects are always more attractive that positive ones (as far as it goes with entertainment), we can see why there was so much emphasis on Houston's struggles. Nevertheless, the film was brilliantly directed by the iconic, Angela Bassett. Former model, turned very successful actress, Yaya DaCosta portrayed Whitney Houston in perfect form. As incredible of a film as this was, we would have loved to see more of the positive side of Houston's life and career, because there was so much more of it.
Whitney Houston — Whitney — (1987, Arista Records, cat# AL-8405)
The artist's sophomore release, with regard to its successes, has been likened to being the 'female equivalent' to Michael Jackson's Thriller album, with five massive top 10 hits. Our favorite vinyl pressing? The 2023 Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab audiophile remaster.
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9. Why Do Fools Fall In Love (1998, Rhino Films / Warner Bros.)
Protagonist: Frankie Lymon / Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers
The film, which revolves around the royalty dispute between the artist and three various female lovers—a battle which Lymon actually experienced toward the early end to his career—is portrayed by an all-star cast of Larenz Tate (who portrays Lymon), Halle Berry, Vivica A. Fox, Lela Rochon, and a strong cameo by Little Richard himself. While there is not a great amount of archived history with Frankie Lymon that can be heavily and deeply referenced, Tate still did a fantastic job portraying the late, troubled R&B/Doowop recording star, whose beautiful career came to an early end by the age of 18. As fantastically as this film's accuracy was portrayed, it takes our No. 10 spot solely because of the lower-level of popularity and intrigue of the recording artist.
The Teenagers featuring Frankie Lymon — self titled — (1956, Gee Records, cat# GLP 701)
The only album that Frankie and the group ever released (before Lymon's failed solo career) contained their biggest hit, "Why Do Fools Fall in Love." Our favorite vinyl pressing? This one; the original 1956 red label, mono.
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8. Respect (2021, MGM / Universal)
Protagonist: Aretha Franklin
This film, revolving around the first quarter of a century-plus, of the Queen of Soul's career, is a motion picture in which production was initiated before the passing of the artist in 2018. Franklin herself was said to have asked the star role to be performed by Jennifer Hudson, but it was not solidified before Franklin passed away. Nevertheless, Hudson received the role, and to the highest acclaim, played it out. Other roles that represented figures who were pertinent to Franklin's life and career were filled by the likes of Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans and Mary J. Blige, to name a few. Whitaker's role was especially impressive, playing the father of the late, great soul singer. The industry consensus was overall positive, but it also was critical of the actual written story-line and script (i.e., screenplay). Having seen the film a few times, I would agree, nevertheless, not to the films detriment. Overall, this is a film that you must see.
Aretha Franklin — Spirit in the Dark — (1970, Atlantic Records, cat# SD 8265)
Not containing any of her most memorable hits, it did house two star singles that charted and were acclaimed by the industry and fans. However, this transitional album best exemplified her beginning with regard to showing blatant characteristics of true '70s-spirited soul music and production. Our favorite vinyl pressing? The 1975 Japanese pressed import reissue.
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7. Get On Up (2014, Imagine Entertainment / Jagged Films / Universal)
Protagonist: James Brown
A comprehensive journey through the life—personal and professional—of the late great soul and funk master, James Brown, this film will grab you and keep you fixated, sometimes feeling frustrated, sometimes feeling nostalgic and sometimes feeling funky. One of the first captivating performances by the now deceased Chadwick Boseman (who portrayed Brown), the actor must have understudied everything he could about the artist, because his performance was (or should be) legendary. Other notable performances in the film — Dan Akroyd (as Brown's manager, Ben Bart), Viola Davis (as Susie Brown, the artist's mother) and Craig Robinson (as the saxophone icon, Maceo Parker). The film is not totally chronological in a sense that it is not totally linear in its timeline. It is written to allow Brown to reminisce, or flashback to places an times in his life and career. It is really a very well acted out and directed film. One other cool factor — the film was co-produced by Mick Jagger and his film production company, Jagged Films.
James Brown — Soul On Top — (1970, King Records, cat# KS 1100)
This is the epitome of James Brown. Lush, soul music character, combined with the spirit from heyday of the artist's funk mentality. Goldmine's favorite JB pick, hands down. Our favorite vinyl pressing? The 2023 Third Man Records, 180 gram remaster.
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6. Notorious (2009, Imagine Entertainment / Jagged Films / Universal)
Protagonists: The Notorious B.I.G., Sean 'Puffy' Combs, Lil' Kim, Faith Evans and Tupac Shakur
Such a lot of life packed into such a short amount of years. The brilliance of Hip Hop found in Christopher Wallace (p.k.a. The Notorious B.I.G.) was chronicled in 123 minutes worth of brilliant film making and screenplay. Though some critics doubted the magnificence of the film, critics are not journalists ... they're simply, well ... looking for debatable effect or controversy in order to garner interest in a story, or gain clout as an expert. We, with the minds of journalists, considered this film for our list solely based on the magnitude of the life and professional career of Biggie Smalls, and the amazing portrayal of himself by actor, newcomer, Jamal Woolard. After the opening scene, the flashback stays on a linear storyline until it returns perfectly back to where the film opened. If you are not a fan of Hip Hop, but at least a fan of biopics, this is a must for you.
The Notorious B.I.G. — Ready To Die — (1994, Bad Boy / Arista Records, cat# 78612-73000-1)
Though his sophomore album, Life After Death—recorded while he was alive, but released 16 days posthumously—was a fantastic continuation of his debut, and while his two further posthumous released garnered much praise, it will forever be the artist's first album that carries his legacy the furthest. Our favorite vinyl pressing? Bad Boy's 2004, double LP, remaster.
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5. 8 Mile (2002, Imagine Entertainment / Universal)
Protagonist: Eminem
This is the sole film inducted into our list which is considered only a 'semi-biographical' depiction of the artist and his life, however, it is such an incredibly dynamic motion picture with regard to the screenplay and the performances, it would have been a crime not to include it. Veteran actor Mekhi Phifer, the subtle yet present injection of Kim Basinger's character and the almost flawless performance of the protagonist, B-Rabbit (Eminem)—who was portrayed by himself—not to mention all the fantastic performances of the supporting cast, make this movie all that it is. And though the film is not (by definition) a true biopic, it is so damn good, that there was no keeping it out of the top 10. A notable performance by the, sadly, late Brittany Murphy also added to the great intrigue of this fantastic 'almost' biopic motion picture.
Eminem — Encore — (2004, Aftermath / Interscope Records, cat# B0003771-01LP)
Released two years after the introduction of the film, Eminem's fifth studio album breaks in at the point of a maturity growth spurt with regard to the artist's music. It is still angry and expository into the personal affairs of the artist and his emotional and mental state of being, but is also adds an increased level of his amazing Hip Hop artistry. Our favorite vinyl pressing? The original 2004 release does it for us.
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4. Cadillac Records (2008, TriStar / Sony Pictures)
Protagonists: Chess Records/Leonard Chess, Etta James, Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, Willie Dixon, more
What is the most impressive about this biopic production, was the casting. The actors chosen to portray each individual well-known icon, were absolute perfect fits, hands down. Moreover, with so many legendary figures being portrayed in this film, it must not have been an easy task to cast. The main protagonist of this story was not a famous performer or recording artist, but the founder and proprietor of the legendary Chess Records label, Leonard Chess. The story chronicles the the pre-conception and the start-up of the label, as well as the professional and personal ups and downs within the label's heyday. Within the technical aspect of the film, this may very well be Beyonce Knowles' best acting performance (as Etta James), as she hasn't provided us with one this good, since. This really is a damn good movie.
Etta James — The Second Time Around — (1961, Argo / Chess Records, cat# LPS-4011)
Because James was the main protagonist as far as musicians in the film go, we chose her music to represent the connection to the film. Though her first full-length LP with Argo (Chess Records' jazz label subsidiary), At Last!, is her most popular, we chose this one, as it is just a step above with regard to the quality of the songwriting and her vocal performance, etc. What is our favorite vinyl pressing? The original 1961 'stereo', as opposed to the mono.
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3. What's Love Got To Do With It (1993, Touchstone Pictures / Buena Vista)
Protagonists: Ike and Tina Turner
There is just something about the duo of Laurence Fishburne (Ike Turner) and Angela Bassett (Tina Turner), that makes people want to flock to see a film that includes both of their talents. I believe that this is one of the greatest contributing factors why the film quadrupled in profits versus its budget cost, at the box office. The reality of the couples' life—personally and professionally—was screen-played excessively well, and carried out, acting-wise, by the stars of the film, with equal accomplishment. This has got to be one of the most controversial dynamics in the history of the recording industry that segued into one of the biggest success stories. Every aspect of the film is almost utter perfection in true biopic fashion.
Ike & Tina Turner — The Hunter — (1969, Blue Thumb Records, cat# BTS11)
So many great albums to choose from, from the duo's debut in 1961, to their final studio album in 1978. The Hunter is simply the greatest balance of their original early '60s R&B and Rock and Roll style, through to transitioning into '70s classic soul. It is raw and rhythmic and exemplary of simple yet dynamic all at the same time. Our favorite vinyl pressing? The 2023 Elemental Music reissue.
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2. Straight Outta Compton (2015, New Line Cinema / Cube Vision / Universal)
Protagonists: N.W.A.
Unbelievable. If there were one word that would go to describe this true-to-life biopic, it would be "Unbelievable." I can remember as a kid when the group's first EP/12-inch single—known by default as Panic Zone—was circulating everywhere, and blowing the minds of everyone who was blessed to partake. But even then, one of the most dynamic stories in Hip Hop, the story of N.W.A. (Ni**as With Attitudes), would be hidden from the masses for years ... decades. In 2015, with the release of the film, the entertainment industry, the world of Hip Hop and music fandom in general, was graced with an accurate depiction of the creation of what would become known as 'gangster rap', via one of the most controversial, and at the same time, influential bands in Hip Hop music history. I don't care if you're not a fan of Hip Hop music & culture, but, if you are even remotely a fan of music and biopics, this is a treasure trove of a film that you absolutely must see. The acting is impeccable.
N.W.A. — Panic Zone — (1987, Ruthless / Macola Records, cat# MRC-1034)
Though not one of the band's only two full-length studio albums, we chose Panic Zone (named by default), which some refer to as an EP (extended play album), and some refer to as a 12-inch single release. The reason for this choice, is because this was the release that brought the band's original fans to their knees and introduced the world to N.W.A., and also, is the only place you can find the early classic, "8-Ball." Our favorite pressing? There's only one and it came with red side labels or white side labels. If you can get your hands on an original, you've got gold.
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1. Ray (2004, Bristol Bay Entertainment / Universal)
Protagonists: Ray Charles
Based on three of the earliest decades of Charles' life—just before his professional career manifested—this unadulteratedly magnificent, astounding, critically acclaimed and successful motion picture, has topped our list of biopics within the 'Urban' genres of music. Set aside the brilliant career of the artist—which has influenced so many of the world's greatest entertainers—let's focus on the performance by Jamie Foxx, as Ray Charles. In just one word ... Unreal. Foxx's outstanding performance, portraying Charles in every crevasse of his life, to the 'T', is everything that has made this film what it is. The accuracy of the artist's life-line and the pin-pointed portrayal of character, personality and physical attributes of Ray Charles, by Jamie Foxx, is almost scary. There is a reason that this lands at No. 1, and if you have never partook in the experience of watching this film, there is only one thing I can tell you ... WATCH IT. ⌘
Ray Charles — self titled — (1957, Atlantic Records, cat# 8006)
There are so many fantastic Ray Charles albums, but choosing one to represent this film was easy. His debut record (with the amazing "I Got A Woman" and "Mess Around"), is the epitome of the Ray Charles discography, regardless of all the other incredible live and studio albums the artist has released. Our favorite vinyl pressing? The 2013 Rhino / Atlantic Records Japanese import remastered, reissue.
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Contact TONE Scott at GoldmineMagazine@GoldmineMag.com. Please put The TONE of Soul (Biopics / Soul R&B Hip Hop) in the subject line.
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