Jay-Z: Fade to Black (R)

The making of a Jay-Z concert. Not for kids.

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Movie details

Studio: Paramount Home Entertainment
Directed By: Patrick Paulson
Cast: Jay-Z
Running Time: 110 minutes
Release Date: 11/05/2004
Video/DVD Release Date: 04/05/2005
Genre: Documentary
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA Explanation: pervasive language including sexual lyrics

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this movie contains some strong language. While there is no on-screen sex, drug use or violence, Jay-Z's lyrics are occasionally sexually explicit, and include references to drug use and violence. Generally, the profane remarks are part of stand-alone boasts, rather than a unified worldview. If the viewer is unfamiliar with hip-hop lingo, many references will go by too quickly to be understood.

Families can talk about how Jay-Z's lyrics relate to his life. Is he playing a character when he performs, in the same way an actor plays a character? Are his lyrics autobiographical? To what degree is his life representative of the African-American experience?

Message
Violence
Sex
Language

Message

Social Behavior:

Overvaluation of material possessions, objectification of women.

Consumerism:

Lots of brand-names everywhere, and commercialism is celebrated.

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

References to drinking, marijuana.

Violence

Lyrics include repeated threats of violence.

Sex

Oblique references to sex.

Language

Plenty of swears, frequent use of the "n" word

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Elliot Panek

Both a concert video and a behind-the-scenes "making of" documentary, JAY-Z: FADE TO BLACK depicts one of the famous rapper's final concerts as well as the creation of his final album. Much is made of Jay-Z's surprisingly early retirement, with many well-known hip-hop artists in attendance, as well as a slew of top producers helping out in the studio. In concert, Jay-Z and cohorts run through his hit-heavy catalog to the obvious delight of the sold-out Madison Square Garden crowd. Studio scenes alternate with concert footage, showing some inspirational moments that led to the completion of this final album, while also peeling back the pretension of Jay-Z's on-stage persona.

Is it any good?

As with many concert films, you would be better off listening to a live album. What is special about this concert presumably wasn't the visual spectacle, but the experience of being there. The studio scenes help to demystify the relationship between producer and rapper, but they don't last long enough to engage the audience.

Ultimately, the film fails to commit to either mode -- the studio scenes disrupt the flow of the concert, and the concert scenes have so little in the way of visual variety that they are sure to bore all but the most die heard Jay-Z fan. Kids will likely be drawn to this film due to the overwhelming popularity of Jay-Z. Parents should consider allowing only kids in their mid-teens and up to view this film due to its strong language.