Ice-T Gets Jay-Z, Kanye West, Chuck D for Hip-Hop Documentary 'The Art of Rap'

BY Gregory AdamsPublished Jun 7, 2011

While the younger generation of hip-hop heads may recognize him more as an actor than a rapper, Ice-T knows his history. After all, he's been in the game for nearly 30 years, making his new documentary The Art of Rap worth taking note of.

The film, Ice-T's directorial debut, is an in-depth look at the genre, from its earliest days up to its current incarnation. The director rounded up a host of stars from all over the hip-hop timeline, from innovators Melle Mel, Chuck D and Grandmaster Caz to current high-rollers Jay-Z and Kanye West, to gain perspective and discuss how rap has evolved. Considering his ongoing beef with disrespectful new jack Soulja Boy, among other things, T doesn't necessarily think things have progressed for the better.

"The hip-hop scene became so pop." Ice-T told Billboard. "I was like, 'I'm gonna do a movie about real rappers and what inspired us.' Maybe that'll hit a reset button on the game and let these kids know it's not just about a pop record. Rap can do a lot."

You can check out a trailer of the flick, which has yet to receive a release date, below.

In other Ice-T news, the always-multitasking artist has just announced he will be reuniting with his old metalhead buddies in Body Count to whip up a new tune for videogame Gears of War 3.

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