This documentary looks at the work of Chris "Kazi" Rolle, who not only made it off the streets of New York but founded the titular youth organization. The goal: to give aspiring rappers the opportunity to collaborate on an album of substance in an industry dominated by tracks about praising money and degrading women. The movie features appearances by Def Jam Records founder Russell Simmons, veteran rapper Doug E. Fresh and the film's executive producer, Bruce Willis.

Big question: Can this flick have as much power and perspective as an episode of MTV's "True Life"?

Skip it: With problems similar to Hilary Swank's based-on-a-true-story movie "Freedom Writers," "The Hip Hop Project" doesn't really make it clear how the program works or how it handles students that can't make the grade. (Are sub-par rappers booted?) It also seems a contradictory lesson is being taught; how convincingly can kids be told to stay in school by a former Def Jam employee?

Catch it: If you want to see why VJs do more than one take. During a mock interview, Sway refers to the group as "The HHP Project." Just a bit redundant redundant.

Bottom line: In the end we don't find out what happened to most of the students. Hopefully, this won't be the end of their music careers or their education.

Bonus: The movie and the project's heart are in the right place, as it's clear these teenage rappers have something to say and just didn't know anyone wanted to hear it. And the lyrics have much more to say than, uh, "My Humps"!

Matt Pais is the metromix movies producer.


'The Hip Hop Project'

Directed and edited by Matt Ruskin; photographed by Ari Issler and Ruskin; produced by Scott K. Rosenberg. A ThinkFilm release; opens Friday. Running time: 1:25. Featuring: Chris "Kazi" Rolle, Christopher "Cannon" Mapp, Diana "Princess" Lemon and Robin "Kheperah" Kearse. MPAA rating: PG-13 (for strong language and some thematic material).