With help from his friends, a Memphis pimp in a mid-life crisis attempts to become a successful hip-hop emcee.
Acting
Terrence Howard's Oscar-nominated transformation—vulnerable, magnetic, never showy.
Score
Original Memphis rap that slaps harder than most studio albums.
Direction
Craig Brewer's sweaty, intimate camerawork makes you feel the humidity.
Director
Craig Brewer
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The 'Whoop That Trick' scene was largely improvised after Terrence Howard demanded authenticity from real Memphis locals on set.
The film sparked debate about white directors telling Black poverty stories; Brewer, a Memphis native, defended it as his hometown truth.
US
