Straight Outta L.A.
Ice Cube directs a look at the Raiders and gangsta rap in Los Angeles.
Ice Cube directed this 2010 documentary for ESPN's 30 for 30 series, examining the Raiders' tenure in Los Angeles from 1982 to 1994 and its intersection with the rise of gangsta rap. The film premiered at the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival and aired on ESPN on May 11, 2010. It features interviews with music figures, civic leaders, Raiders owner Al Davis, and players including Howie Long and Marcus Allen. Ice Cube also performs the documentary's theme, 'Raider Nation,' which incorporates portions of 'The Autumn Wind.'
Quick Facts
- Director
- Ice Cube
- Producer
- Arunima Dhar
- Matt Alvarez
- Keith Clinkscales
- John Dahl
- Joan Lynch
- Jamie Patricof
- Jon Weinbach
- Writer
- Jon Weinbach
- Starring
- Ice Cube
- Snoop Dogg
- Al Davis
- Marcus Allen
- Howie Long
- Editing
- Dan Marks
- Distributor
- ESPN Films
- Released
- 23 April 2010, Tribeca, 11 May 2010
- Runtime
- 80 minutes
Facts from the source article.
Background
The documentary traces how the Raiders' move to Los Angeles in 1982 was cleared after the team and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum filed an antitrust lawsuit. The NFL had blocked the move, but after a mistrial, a second jury sided with the plaintiffs. At the same time, the crack epidemic began unfolding in predominantly black communities like South Central Los Angeles and Compton, areas arguably disadvantaged by President Ronald Reagan's economic policies.
This led to large increases in gang violence, illegal weapon use, and police brutality. By 1987, Los Angeles hip hop's dance sounds and party raps struck some residents as out of touch, and N.W.A began recording what it called 'reality rap.' Joining the national stage in 1988, N.W.A favored a unified look representing its hometown area, donning black—one of the Raiders' two colors—and Raiders ball caps. Ice Cube, a South Central native and Raiders fan, maintains this backstory is crucial to understanding the Raiders franchise's interaction with Los Angeles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who stars in Straight Outta L.A.?
Straight Outta L.A. stars Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, Al Davis, Marcus Allen and Howie Long.
Who wrote Straight Outta L.A.?
Straight Outta L.A. was written by Jon Weinbach.
How long is Straight Outta L.A.?
Straight Outta L.A. has a running time of 80 minutes.
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