Play'd: A Hip Hop Story

This film is wasn't the best I've ever seen, but it certainly had a level of reality that impressed me. The movie overall was worth a watch. The storyline sort of reminds me of the situation between Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. a few years ago, the outcome is displayed slightly in the movie.

This movie is really good, surprisingly VH1 made it. Rashaan Nall does a great job playing Jaxx, as well as Merlin Santana (RIP) did great playing Mayhem. This is a movie for all hip hop film fans. Sure, it touches on facts about Biggie and Tupac, but it wasn't meant to imitate their life story. That's the big mistake people have seen in this film. I Give it a 10!

Play'd: A Hip Hop Story isn't that bad of a made for TV movie conisdering it's about hip hop and gangsta rap. Rashann Nell and the late great Merlin Santana are both great in the lead roles while comedic actor Faizon Love is pretty scary as a Suge Knight type. If you like rap music then check this one out.

VH1 did a good job at creating this fictional East Coast / West Coast rap war movie. It's very similar to the real-life events involving Bad Boy and Death Row records in the mid-90s.

Quick plot summary. The movie surrounds Jaxx, part of a rap duo who is enticed by Domino Breed, a record exec tyrant, to join Breed's record label to pursue a solo career. Jaxx does so, but in the process, begins a relationship with up-and-coming R&B songstress, Yanesha, and destroying his relationship with his wife, Shonda. When an east coast / west coast rap war begins, Jaxx becomes threatened.

I enjoyed seeing two real-life musicians playing rolls in this movie. Toni Braxton (who's had hits like "Unbreak My Heart" and "You're Makin' Me High") and Sharissa (her first single, "Any Other Night", did decently in early 2002), both contributed good performances in this movie. The rest of the cast did well, though I've never heard of them before this.

Overall, VH1 created an above average telemovie that is loosely based on a real rap war. Good performances, a good soundtrack, and good direction.

Rating: 7/10

I just watched Play'd last night!!! I loved it. Especially because Rashaan was in it. I remember when I first saw Rashaan in Something to Sing About with Darius Mcrarry (from Family Matters) Sweety you really got it going on. If you or any one that has pictures of you are reading this send me some photos of your self and I'll do the same!!! I will be checking out Rashaans other movies. Keep doing yo' thang brotha cause' you're about to BLOW UP!!!! (Big ups to Santana R.I.P.) Love ya (God's Own) Sharrunn Rhone from Atlanta GA (now attending Georgia State University)---one