Have you seen this iconic hip-hop flick?
Today, the classic hip-hop film Belly, starring DMX, Nas, Method Man, and more, ficially turns twenty-one. The Hype Williams-directed film would go on to rake in a box fice take $9,639,390, before emerging as a cult classic in its post-theatrical run. Considering the sheer pedigree rap talent attached, including DMX at in the midst his cinematic reign, many fans still hold Belly in high regard. With additional appearances from AZ and Ghostface Killah, Belly is arguably the most stacked flick its kind, surpassing other rapper-laden movies like The Wash or Cradle 2 The Grave.
Not only does Belly hold a special significance in hip-hop media, but it also serves as a reminder DMX’s wide-ranging talent. Once upon a time, this man was simultaneously destroying the charts with classic albums and holding it down as a leading man, sometimes even sparring with the formidable Jet Li. What a time to be alive that was; Nas was stepping in front a camera to test his theatrical chops and DMX was scrapping his way up to a bonafide hip-hop kung-fu icon.
Do you still look back fondly on Belly? And out curiosity, where would you rank it in DMX’s overall film catalog?