Set It Off (Rebroadcast)

Set It Off (Rebroadcast)

Author: Hip Hop Movie Club June 5, 2024 Duration: 34:55

Today on Hip Hop Movie Club: Set It Off, the 1996 heist movie starring Queen Latifah, Vivica A. Fox, Jada Pinkett, and Kimberly Elise that was groundbreaking – in more ways than one!

Topics discussed:

  • This is Queen Latifah's first lead role, and one of the best performances of a rapper turned actor 👑
  • This film is also an ode to Black women friendship and sisterhood, with strong performances from the four leads to match 👩🏾
  • We see an early instance of an LGBTQ relationship in a major motion picture, and it's handled well without making it a clumsy plot point 🏳️‍🌈
  • The soundtrack is hip hop heavy and important to the heist sequences 🎤
  • Some of the themes (police brutality, racism, sexism, systemic oppression) are sadly still relevant, which gives the film a poignant quality 😓

Also check out:

The Film Experience: Gay Best Friend: Cleo (Queen Latifah) in "Set It Off" (1996)

Nerdist: A Brief History of Black Queer Representation in Cinema

Autostraddle: “Set It Off” Is the Queer Tribute to Black Women’s Friendship We Need After a Summer of Black Mourning

Credits

Hip Hop Movie Club is produced by your HHMCs JB, BooGie, and DynoWright. Theme music by BooGie. Follow @hiphopmovieclub on Instagram!

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Mentioned in this episode:

Set It Off Rebroadcast

Hey listener, in honor of Pride Month, here is a rebroadcast of our episode on 1996's heist film Set It Off. This film has one of the first positive depictions of an LGTBQ relationship, featuring one of our favorites, Queen Latifah. She came out herself a few years ago. Enjoy the show.


The Hip Hop Movie Club podcast is a lively conversation at the intersection of cinema and culture, hosted by three friends with deep roots in the scene. You’ll hear from JB, who brings a passion for 80s and 90s nostalgia; BooGie, a veteran DJ and graffiti artist; and DynoWright, a filmmaker and multimedia designer. Their discussions go beyond simple reviews, weaving together commentary on filmmaking, television, and the musical beats that define eras. This isn't just about what happens on screen-it's about the style, the soundtrack, and the societal echoes found in the movies they love. The podcast often ties into their real-world events, like their upcoming free screening of *Set It Off* in Bethlehem, PA, but the core of the show is the trio's authentic, knowledgeable banter. Each episode feels like pulling up a chair with friends who can dissect a film's direction one minute and the genius of its hip hop soundtrack the next. For anyone who views movies as more than just entertainment and hears the rhythm in the dialogue and editing, this podcast offers a fresh, informed perspective. It’s a natural blend of analysis and appreciation, celebrating how hip hop aesthetics and storytelling resonate through visual media.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Hip Hop Movie Club
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