Belly (1998)

"Belly" (1998) is an urban noir film written and directed by famous music director Hype Williams. Nasir Jones (Nas) and Anthony Bodden assisted Williams with the story. The movies consist of hip-hop and RnB artists as the primary cast and established actors with more minor roles. Earl Simmons (DMX) and Nas lead the film. Additional actors include Tionne 'T-Boz' Watkins, Hassan Johnson, Taral Hicks, Clifford Smith Jr. (Method Man), Tyrin Turner, and Louie Rankin. The film's soundtrack was very successful, peaking at #5 on the Billboard 200 and #2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.

"Belly" is a cult movie crafted during an evolving period of black filmmaking and music. Hip-hop was expanding into a new commercial realm, and filmmaking was one of them. As a result, more rappers were getting into acting. "Belly" was a big studio production that stood above many lower-budget hip-hop films other producers released in the late 90s. However, what made this film stand out was the popularity of DMX. 

DMX released "It's Dark and Hell is Hot" in May of 1998, causing an enormous impact on the hip-hop industry post 2pac and Biggie's death. DMX ruled in the summer of 1998, and it wasn't even close. Artisan Entertainment released "Belly" in November, and DMX released his second album, "Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood," in December. DMX's success as a hip-hop artist made "Belly" a more significant film than it would have been if producers released it a year later. In addition, of course, Nas, T-Boz, and Method Man contributed to the film's popularity. Method Man released his second album two weeks after the movie's release, and Nas and TLC released their following albums, "It Was Written" and "FanMail" in 1999.

Besides the movie's hip-hop popularity, the film is only for some. It's violent and vulgar, with terrible and exaggerated representations of black people. Writers tried to incorporate some redemption in the film's characters, but the audience may lose the message because of the film's content. However, the writers did conceive a well-scripted story. In addition, Williams shot the movie in New Jersey, NYC, and Jamacia, but the general vibe of the film is NYC hip-hop culture.

Director: Hype Williams

Writers: Hype Williams, Nas, Anthony Bodden

Starring DMX, Nas, Hassan Johnson, Taral Hicks, Taral Hicks, Oliver 'Power' Grant, Louie Rankin, Stan Drayton, James Parris, Method Man, Kurt Loder, Benjamin F. Chavis, Tyrin Turner, Jay Black, LaVita Raynor

Storyline

Ever since they were kids, Sincere (Nas) and Buns (DMX) have lived a life close to the edge, doing whatever it takes to survive. As adults, they build up their kingdom of crime through drug dealing and robbery. But Sincere grows weary of the criminal lifestyle and joins a black Muslim religious group. Buns, on the other hand, sink deeper into criminality and faces serious prison time. The cops offer him a deal, however -- assassinate the head of the Muslim group, and he will go free.

Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned (1998, TV Movie)

"Always Outnumbered [a.k.a. Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned]" (1998) is a TV movie based on Walter Mosely's novel, which aired on HBO. Laurence Fishburne leads an excellent cast in this real-to-life movie about a black man's struggles after being released from prison. However, his struggles are not only his own, as Fishburn's character takes on a deeper symbolic meaning. Named after the Greek philosopher Socrates, Fishburn's character often found himself at the crossroads of right or wrong, especially at the mercy of his tough Los Angeles neighborhood. The rules of society are one thing, but surviving day-to-day in poverty is another.

Veteran actor Bill Cobbs accompany Fishburn, and these two gentlemen give an incredible performance together. Cobb's character represents the things we all can't avoid. The deterioration of our health and the inevitable outcome. Not only in the physical sense but the metaphorical sense as well. However, the emergence of Darryl (Daniel Williams) into Socate's life is a chance for redemption for himself and Darryl. 

Throughout the film, we see Socrate's relationships with the people around him, including Iula (Natalie Cole) and Mrs. and Mrs. M'Shalla (Bill Nunn and Bridgid Coulter). We also get great appearances by Isaiah Washington, Cicely Tyson, and Bill Duke. This movie is a fantastic look into life. As a person always looking for the deeper meaning of things, this movie provides me with that piece of mind. I highly recommend it for viewing. 

Director: Michael Apted

Writer: Walter Mosley (book "Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned")

Starring Laurence Fishburne, Bill Cobbs, Daniel Williams, Natalie Cole, Bridgid Coulter, Bill Nunn, Cicely Tyson, Isaiah Washington, Bill Duke, Art Evans, John Toles-Bey, Jamaal Carter, Brooke Marie Bridges, Paula Jai Parker, Laurie Metcalf, Alan Wilder

Storyline
Socrates Fortlow (Laurence Fishburne) has just finished a prison stint and settled into a new life in Los Angeles. Determined to live on the straight and narrow, Socrates looks for work but finds himself at dead ends when he cannot gain opportunities. His elderly neighbor, Right Burke (Bill Cobbs), sees that Socrates has more depth to him than appears on the outside, which is an angry and hurt man. While trying to stay straight, a young boy, Darryl (Daniel Williams), is in danger after witnessing a horrific crime. Socrates feels accountable for helping Darryl and starts mentoring him on surviving and standing up for himself.