Rappin' is a 1985 American film directed by Joel Silberg, written by Adam Friedman and Robert J. Litz, produced by Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus and starring Mario Van Peebles. The film is a sequel to Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo, and is also known as Breakdance 3. Although it features Ice-T (who featured in Breakin' and Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo), Rappin' has a plot unconnected to the previous two films and features different lead characters and locations. It is also considered to be a companion piece to the documentary Breakin' 'n' Enterin'.
Contents
Plot
Rappin' John Hood, an ex-convict, attempts to save his neighborhood from developers and hoodlums. Around the same time, one of the hoodlums' girlfriend, Dixie, persuades him to audition for a rap recording contract. Their interactions develop into a relationship.
Cast
Mario Van Peebles as John Hood
Rutanya Alda as Cecilia
Eyde Byrde as Grandma
Rony Clanton as Cedric
Charles Grant as Duane
Melvin Plowden as "Fats"
Jessie Daniels, Antoine Lundy, Stevie D. Lundy, Charles Nelson, Trisco Pearson as The Force M.D.s
Richie Abanes as Richie
Harry Goz as Thorndike
Kadeem Hardison as "Moon"
Eriq La Salle as "Ice"
Leo O'Brien as Allan
Thomas Ross as Thomas
Joe Schad as Burton
Tasia Valenza as Dixie
Claudja Barry as herself
Eugene Wilde as himself
Richy Givens as Gangster
Production
Mario Van Peebles' raps were overdubbed by Master Gee of the Sugarhill Gang, who also wrote one part and whose brother Leo plays the role of Allan. The film was filmed in and around Pittsburgh.
Ice-T's small role is uncredited and he reportedly provided the rhymes, including the hero John Hood's climactic lines, "Can't stop / Won't stop / Climbing that mountain 'till we reach the top!" Two verses of his 1985 single "Killers" feature mid-way through the film. Brothers Evil E and Hen-Gee, both of whom would go on to work with Ice-T, feature in the film.
Featured songs
"Born to Love" – Claudja Barry
"Rappin'" – Lovebug Starski
"Snack Attack" – Melvin Plowden, Mario Van Peebles, Eriq La Salle, Kadeem Hardison, Richie Abanes
"The Fight Rap" – Lovebug Starski
"Neighborhood Walk" – Mario Van Peebles
"Itchin' for a Scratch" – The Force M.D.'s
"Flame in the Fire" – Warren Mills
"Call Me" – D. Terrell
"If You Want To (FU12)" – Lajuan Carter
"Golly Gee" – Tuff, Inc.
"First Love Never Dies" – Eugene Wilde, Joanna Gardner
Reception
The film earned $2.9 million at the US box office.