Nikki D

From the personal archives of journalist and filmmaker dream hampton, this visual ode to the golden era of hip-hop provides intimate access to some of rap’s greatest minds, including dream herself.

We knew the return of Hip-Hop Honors after a six-year hiatus would be huge, but with a surprise from Diddy and some major beef getting squashed, this year was bigger than ever.

Ava DuVernay focuses on the history of female MCs in the hip hop industry in this short documentary that features Missy Elliott, Salt-N-Pepa, Eve, Jean Grae, Roxanne Shante, Trina, The Lady of Rage, and many more.

Writer-director Dale Resteghini's indie drama follows a young interracial couple (Resteghini and Nicki Richards) whose recent move to New York from the Boston suburbs lands them in an environment of bigotry and hatred that they're ill-equipped to handle. Hip-hop artist turned actor Redman also stars in this thought-provoking tale.