Sundance fest embraces hip-hop on stage and screen

[January 27, 2012]  PARK CITY, Utah (AP) -- Hip-hop is making itself heard -- and seen -- at the Sundance Film Festival.

In addition to performances by rappers Drake, Common, Nas, Lil Jon and Chuck D, the festival includes documentary and narrative films about hip-hop culture.

Ice-T's documentary, "Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap," premiered at the festival. It stars artists such as Run-DMC, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Mos Def and Eminem.

Luther Campbell of 2 Live Crew fame appears in a short film called "The Life and Freaky Times of Uncle Luke."

"Filly Brown," a contender in the U.S. dramatic competition, tells a story of a rising Hispanic hip-hop artist in Los Angeles and the challenges she faces on the way to fame.

Sundance continues through Sunday in Park City, Utah.

[Associated Press; By SANDY COHEN]

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