As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial (2024): Cast & Ratings
As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial is a 2024 music documentary directed by J.M. Harper, starring Kemba, Killer Mike and Bun B. It runs 1 hour 36 minutes. Critics gave it 87% on Rotten Tomatoes and 74 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.0/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 36m (96 min)
- Director
- J.M. Harper
- Genres
- Documentary , Music
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- District 33
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial About?
The premise of As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial without spoilers.
This documentary explores the controversial practice of using rap lyrics as evidence in criminal trials. Through the experiences of Bronx-based rapper Kemba, the film examines how artistic expression is increasingly being weaponized in courtrooms across America and internationally, raising questions about freedom of speech and the interpretation of creative works.
As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial Themes & Keywords
· 1 tag- reenactment
As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial Cast & Characters
Kemba leads the cast, with Killer Mike and Bun B. Directed by J.M. Harper; 20 actors are credited in all.
- Director J.M. Harper
- Kemba as themselves
-
Killer Mike as themselves - Bun B as themselves
- Andrew Barber as themselves
Also Starring in As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial
· 16 more- Ari Melber Themselves
- Bobby Barron Prosecutor
- Franklyn Addo Themselves
- Malik Allen Atlanta Rapper
- Jody David Armour Themselves
- Arthur Sutton & The Gift of Praise Gospel Choir
- AXL Beats Themselves
- Jamaal T. Bailey Themselves
- Katie Got Bandz Themselves
- Heidi Berg Juror
- Sharron Beverly Themselves
- Elli Brazzill Themselves
- Mac Phipps Themselves
- Alexandra Kazarian Themselves
- John Hamasaki Themselves
- Alex Campbell Stein
More from J.M. Harper
One more film directed by J.M. Harper: As We Speak.
As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial 87% on Rotten Tomatoes and 74 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.0/10. Our Echo Score gives it 58/100, strongest in character & emotion (70) and weakest in story & flow (45).
As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial Echo Score Breakdown
The documentary delivers a compelling argument about artistic freedom and the intersection of rap lyrics with the law, supported by strong interview material and illustrative research. However, critics note a tendency toward repetition and occasional loss of narrative focus, which limits its structural cohesion. Overall, the film is informative and thought‑provoking, yet its execution remains uneven, resulting in a mixed impression.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 60
In terms of direction and editing, the film presents a clear thesis and uses occasional animations to maintain visual interest. Reviewers acknowledge the effective use of rhetorical framing, but also point out a basic overall format and occasional heavy‑handed staging. The craftsmanship is serviceable, though not particularly distinguished.
- Character & Emotion 70
When it comes to interview subjects and emotional resonance, the documentary gathers insightful commentary from rappers and legal experts, creating moments of nuance. Critics praise the depth of the testimonies and the compelling presentation of personal narratives, with few remarks of weakness, resulting in a generally positive assessment of character engagement.
- Story & Flow 45
The narrative structure shows signs of uneven pacing, with several reviewers citing a tendency to revisit the same point and occasional loss of focus. While the subject matter is original and the premise strong, the execution often feels unfocused, leading to mixed reactions about coherence and overall storytelling effectiveness.
- Sensory Experience 65
Sensory elements such as soundtrack choices and visual style receive moderate praise, especially for creative music cuts and occasional animation that enhance the thematic message. The documentary’s audio‑visual blend is noted as effective, though not consistently striking, placing its sensory experience in the upper‑mid range.
- Rewatch Factor 50
Rewatch potential is limited by the film’s repetitive emphasis on a single argument, as highlighted by critics who found it less engaging on subsequent viewings. Nevertheless, its informative content and impactful moments may still attract repeat audiences interested in the legal and cultural analysis, yielding an average replay value.
-
IMDb 6.0 /10
144 votes
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 87% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 73%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 74 Metascore
User score 5.4
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 62% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.5 /5
362 ratings
See on Letterboxd
As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial Trailers & Videos
2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 featurette.
- Featurette Meet the Artist 2024: J.M. Harper on "As We Speak"
As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial Also Known As
3 alternative titles, including “As We Speak : Le grand procès du rap” and “正如我们所说”.
- Also known as
-
- As We Speak : Le grand procès du rap
- 正如我们所说
- As We Speak: il Rap in tribunale
Seen As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial?
Movies Like As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including As We Speak, Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap and American Rapstar.
-
As We Speak 2024 -
Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap 2012 -
American Rapstar 2022 -
Police on Trial 2022 -
Rhyme & Reason 1997 -
Made in America 2014 -
American Dream/American Knightmare 2018 -
Word is Bond 2017 -
The Hip Hop Project 2007 -
Jails, Hospitals & Hip-Hop 2001 -
And You Don’t Stop: 30 Years of Hip-Hop 2004 -
On the Record 2020
As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial FAQ: Cast & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial, each answered in a sentence.
How long is As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial?
As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial runs 1 hour 36 minutes (96 minutes).
When was As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial released?
As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial was released on February 27, 2024.
Who directed As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial?
As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial was directed by J.M. Harper.
More films by J.M. Harper Who is in the cast of As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial?
As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial stars Kemba, Killer Mike and Bun B, among 20 credited actors.
How is As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial rated?
As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial has 6.0/10 on IMDb, 87% on Rotten Tomatoes, 74 on Metacritic and 62% on TMDB.
Does As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial have a post-credit scene?
No. As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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