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Jay-Z: Fade to Black

(2004, Rated R, Documentary, Starring Jay-Z)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 16.
  • Is it any good?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

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

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 16–17

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Overvaluation of material possessions, objectification of women.
  • Violence:

    Lyrics include repeated threats of violence.
  • Sex:

    Oblique references to sex.
  • Language:

    Plenty of swears, frequent use of the "n" word
  • Consumerism:

    Lots of brand-names everywhere, and commercialism is celebrated.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    References to drinking, marijuana.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Jay-Z: Fade to Black

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.

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Families Can Talk About

  • 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?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title iffy for age 16 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    no kids

    again with the swears.um.um.um bad,bad,bad.

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