Hip-Hop Media Training

Ice T’s Documentary ‘The Art Of Rap’ Explains Why Rapping Is Harder Than It Looks

By | Hip-Hop Media Training – Fri, Jun 15, 2012 2:07 AM EDT

Ice T interviewed 52 rappers for his documentary "Something From Nothing: The Art Of Rap." In an exclusive interview with Yahoo! Music's The Aftermath, the hip hop pioneer discussed his travels from the East to the West coast to talk to the legendary MCs about their craft.

Something From Nothing: The Art Of RapIce said he did not want to talk about the money, cars and girls. "[We] started rapping before anyone ever bought a car from rapping," he said. "Now, it's a jet. It's moving and a lot of rappers are getting on because it seems like a way to get paid."

Doug E. Fresh, Grandmaster Caz, Chuck D, Salt of Salt-N-Pepa, Kanye West, Kool Moe Dee, Melle Mel, Dr. Dre, Rakim, Nas, Big Daddy Kane and Eminem are among the artists featured in the movie.

Though Ice T interviewed dozens of rappers, there are few female MCs and artists from the south in the movie. Ice T said he didn't intentionally leave out anyone but found it difficult coordinating interviews while taping "Law & Order" five days a week. "By no way was it a diss," he said.

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Camera and editing: Robert Gardner

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