Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2012

68%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Ice-T directs a love letter to rap, interviewing legends about their craft—educational, but definitely rated M for Mature Language.

7.1/10

86%

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Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap

movie

R, 2012

68%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Ice-T directs a love letter to rap, interviewing legends about their craft—educational, but definitely rated M for Mature Language.

7.1

86%

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7.1/10

86%

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Screenwise Verdict

This is a solid, well-reviewed documentary that treats rap with the artistic respect it deserves—Ice-T and crew interview legends about craft, not controversy. The educational value is real: you'll learn about writing techniques, cultural context, and the evolution of a genre.

That said, it's not for kids. The 16+ rating is accurate—you're getting authentic hip-hop culture, which means profanity, mature themes, and references to street life. It's also a 2012 doc, so some moments feel dated, and the talking-heads format can drag if you're expecting high-energy entertainment.

For older teens genuinely interested in music production, poetry, or cultural history? This is enriching stuff. For casual viewers or younger kids? Pass. The WISE score reflects its educational merit balanced against limited appeal and mature content.

Age Fit

This is squarely for older teens (16+) and adults who want to understand hip-hop as an art form. The documentary format and mature content make it inappropriate for younger kids, but it's genuinely educational for teens interested in music, culture, or creative process.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Documentary format provides respectful, artist-focused exploration of rap culture. Features genuine conversations about craft and creativity rather than glorifying excess. However, rap content inherently includes mature themes, strong language, and references to street life that may not model ideal behavior for younger viewers. The tone is educational and celebratory rather than exploitative.

Imaginative

Excellent deep-dive into the creative process of rap composition, featuring legends discussing their craft, writing techniques, and artistic evolution. Invites viewers to think about music as poetry and performance art. Strong scores (86% RT critics, 7.1 IMDb) suggest it successfully captures the artistry and innovation of the genre. However, it's a talking-heads documentary without interactive elements.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates this 16+, which signals mature content. While documentary format avoids graphic violence or sexual content, rap lyrics and discussions will inevitably include profanity, references to drugs, violence, and street life. No MPAA rating listed suggests it may not have theatrical distribution safety vetting. The subject matter is inherently adult-oriented, though presented in educational context.

Enriching

Highly educational exploration of hip-hop as an art form, featuring interviews with pioneering artists discussing technique, history, and cultural impact. Strong critical reception (86% RT, Metacritic 66) indicates substantive content. Offers genuine insight into creative process, cultural movements, and the poetry of rap. Builds appreciation for a globally significant musical genre and its practitioners.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Genuine insight into the creative process from hip-hop pioneers and legends—this is how art actually gets made
Strong critical reception (86% RT) suggests it's a substantive, well-crafted documentary that respects its subject
Perfect for teens interested in music production, poetry, or cultural history—shows rap as legitimate art form
Features diverse voices discussing technique, inspiration, and the evolution of a global cultural phenomenon

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What to Watch For

Rated 16+ by Common Sense Media for good reason—expect profanity, references to drugs/violence, and mature themes throughout
It's a documentary, not a concert film—lots of talking heads and interviews, which may bore viewers expecting music videos
Made in 2012, so some cultural references and featured artists may feel dated to today's teens
No sugarcoating: this is rap culture authentically presented, not sanitized for family viewing

Conversation Starters

"What surprised you about how rappers actually write their lyrics? Did you think it was more spontaneous?"
"Which artist's story or technique was most interesting to you? Why do you think their approach works?"
"How is rap similar to or different from poetry you've studied in school?"
"Why do you think rap became such a powerful global cultural force? What makes it resonate with people?"

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