HILLARY: It's impossible to deny that gangster movies have had a huge impact on hip-hop culture.
From inspired names and albums, to music videos...
and theme songs from classics like 'The Godfather' have been sampled.
And of course, real AND cinematic gangsters appear in plenty of lyrics.
The list of great gangster films is long, but these four have cemented themselves in
hip-hop and pop culture in general.
'The Godfather,' 'Goodfellas,' 'Scarface,' and a lesser known film, that’s caused plenty
of controversy, 'The King of New York.'
I feel no remorse. It's a terrible thing.
First up, 'The Godfather' series.
HILLARY: Director Francis Ford Coppola’s 'The Godfather,' premiered in 1972 and is about
the fictitious and powerful Italian-American crime family of Don Vito Corleone.
When The Don's youngest son, Michael, reluctantly joins the Mafia, the cycle of violence and
betrayal threatens to destroy him.
I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse.
Michael and his father Vito, played by Al Pacino and Marlon Brando respectively,
have appeared in hundreds of lyrics according to Genius data.
One of the most disturbing and iconic images from the
film is when a man wakes up to find the head of his prized racehorse under his sheets as
a message from the Don.
And that moment’s been used in numerous lyrics as well.
HILLARY: Next up is Martin Scorsese’s 1990 classic, 'Goodfellas.'
HILLARY: 'Goodfellas' is about real life mobster Henry Hill, played by Ray Liotta, and his
life with the Lucchese crime family.
He enjoys his money and luxury, but ultimately a drug addiction and a few mistakes end his career.
HILLARY: Though Henry is the star, rappers have taken a liking to some of the films supporting
characters like, boss Paulie Cicero, and tough guy Jimmy Conway, played by Paul Sorvino and
Robert De Niro, respectively.
HILLARY: Some of the incomparable 'Goodfellas' scenes also get nods, like the infamous Billy Batts
shine box beatdown scene. Which eventually gets Tommy killed.
Now go home and get your fucking shine box.
You can easily see that this movie struck
a chord since the next line has been used repeatedly throughout the years.
Business bad?
Fuck you, pay me.
Oh you had a fire?
Fuck you, pay me.
Place got hit by lightning huh?
Fuck you, pay me.
HILLARY: Perhaps no gangster movie has had a bigger impact on hip-hop than Brian DePalma's 'Scarface,'
a crime saga about the rise-and-fall of Cuban refugee, Tony Montana, who becomes a powerful drug lord.
Which dropped in 1983.
Lesson #2 don't get high on your own supply.
SAY HELLO TO MY LITTLE FRIEND.
HILLARY: One Texas MC even adopted “Scarface” as his rap name,
making references to the movie an easy mix.
You gotta make the money first. Then when you get the money, you get the power.
HILLARY: And this line that has been used plenty of times.
In 2003, there was even Def Jam compilation album inspired by 'Scarface,' including
artists like Jay-Z, N.W.A, and Ice Cube.
NAS: We all are savages in pursuit of the American dream.
Rappers relate to that because that's how we come up.
HILLARY: Last we have 1990’s 'King of New York,' directed by Abel Ferarra, which was
made for a small amount of money and earned about the same in theaters, but had a giant
impact on the hip-hop world—specifically, starting fights.
From here on out nothing goes down unless I'm involved. No blackjack, no dope deals, no nothing.
HILLARY: The film follows Frank White, a psychotic drug lord, played by Christopher Walken,
who gets out of prison and learns that the streets are much tougher than they used to be.
The film inspired The Notorious B.I.G., who called himself "The Black Frank White."
And Lil' Kim who called herself Ms. White.
HILLARY: But he wasn’t the last to utter White’s words.
HILLARY: Since its release, the film’s title has caused quite a stir in the east
coast rap scene around who is ACTUALLY The King of New York?
A few have claimed the throne like, JAY-Z, 50 Cent and
Tekashi 6ix9ine threw his hat in the ring in 2018, AND subsequently took it out.
TEKASHI: All y'all niggas keep that King of New York shit. I already had that shit y'all can have that shit.
HILLARY: Cardi B took her shot as well.
HILLARY: Even West Coast rapper, Kendrick Lamar claimed it for himself, kinda.
KENDRICK: The main cats that really understood the line was actual kings of New York.
It's not about what side we're on it's about being great as Biggie as Pac.
From 'The Godfather' to 'The King of New York,' these films have inspired some
of your favorite rappers.
What’d we miss?
Let us know in the comments.
I’m Hillary with Genius News, bringing you the meaning and the knowledge behind the music.