Straight Outta Compton: A Brown & Black Analysis

In celebration of Black History Month, we are partnering with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment to showcase four Black films from their legendary movie vault.

In this final episode of this four-part podcast series, Jack Rico and Mike Sargent analyze the musical biopic, “Straight Outta Compton”. 

Episode Breakdown
Segment 1: The Cultural Significance of Straight Outta Compton
Jack and Mike give an overview of the movie and what it personally means to them. They also note that the film was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $200 million worldwide and receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. The guys discuss the film’s relevance to current conversations about police brutality and racial justice, and the impact of hip-hop and rap music on society.

Segment 2: The Black Male Experience Watching Straight Outta Compton
In this segment, the guys explore the impact of the movie on pop culture, its appeal to a mass audience, Black and Latino toxic masculinity, and the role of art in representing it. They discuss how the film became the highest-grossing movie from an African American director and highlight the explosive power that music can have in society. But, how did Mike feel about this film after the deaths of Eric Garner, Tyree Nichols, and George Floyd? Despite the progress made in society, the guys know police violence against Black people has remained unchanged.

Segment 3: The Deeper Conversation of Straight Outta Compton
The guys dive into a deep conversation about Black cultural appropriation and the power of art in promoting social change. They discuss how Black culture has been commodified and exploited for a profit with little recognition of the contributions made by Black people. We also explore the history of artists who used their music to address social issues, from Nina Simone and Sam Cooke during the Civil Rights Movement to today’s Kendrick Lamar and Donald Glover. And what about the contributions of Latino artists in the LA hip-hop scene? The guys examine the contributions of Kid Frost, Mellow Man Ace, and Cypress Hill.

Segment 4: The Movie Conversation of Straight Outta Compton
Jack and Mike discuss their shock at Straight Outta Compton not being nominated for more awards and the reasons behind it. They bring up the example of the 2016 Oscars, where “Straight Outta Compton” was only nominated for Best Original Screenplay, which was won by their two white writers. Meanwhile, the lead actors and director, all Black, were shut out of the nominations. Hmmm. The guys also discuss the possibility of a Latino equivalent to “Straight Outta Compton,” which would showcase the contributions of Latinos to hip hop. The guys examine the contributions of Kid Frost, Mellow Man Ace, and Cypress Hill.

Segment 5: Bonus Features
In this segment, the focus is on the movie’s bonus features, and two of them stood out. The first one is “Becoming NWA,” which offers an intimate and insightful glimpse into the personal and artistic journey of the group. The second one is a featurette by director F. Gary Gray, highlighting the film’s expression of Black identity and trauma, as well as his exceptional attention to detail in the vivid recreation of the Rodney King riots. They also discuss the importance of understanding the motivation behind NWA’s music, including the inspiration for “Fuck the Police.”

Just for our viewers, buy this movie for $7.50 on VUDU from now until February 28th, and add Straight Outta Compton to your movie collection.

How to redeem your Vudu code:
      
Redeem promo code “CelebrateBlackHistory” on Vudu.com between 2/11/23 to 3/2/23 to be able to purchase Do The Right Thing, Straight Outta Compton, Get Out, Girls Trip, and/or Queen & Slim at $7.50 each. After you redeem the promo code, you will find the offers here or by clicking the bell icon that appears when signed into your account.

Your ability to purchase the five movies on Vudu at $7.50 each will expire on 3/2/23 at 11:59 pm PT. Sign up for the #UniversalPictures Home Entertainment newsletter for giveaways, exclusive content, and more. Go to UPHE.com/news. #UPHEPartner