Explore music documentaries for a deeper look into the lives of artists, including their creative processes, challenges and triumphs. These films shed light on popular artists’ careers, productions, controversies, and performances.
We have curated some top five (in no particular order) music documentaries you can binge-watch this weekend.
First on this list is, Welcome to My Life (2017). This intimate documentary about Chris Brown delves deep into his life and career. The biopic looks at 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 also features concert performances, behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with Brown and other celebrities like Jamie Foxx, Usher, and Jennifer Lopez.
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Next, we look at a maverick in 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 footage 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.
Third on the list is Michael Jackson: This Is It (2009). Months before Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, was scheduled to make a surprise appearance at London’s O2 arena, he passed away tragically and unexpectedly. 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, including dancer auditions, costume design and stage rehearsals.
The penultimate gaze settles on Travis Scott. Travis Scott: Look Mom I Can Fly (2019), goes beyond the typical music documentary. The documentary follows the Houston rapper’s rise to superstardom, including a 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.
Lastly, Nas’ Time Is Illmatic (2014) 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.
