Did you hear the good news? That’s right, the Complex TV era is here via Fuse Media, bringing you the best of Sneaker Shopping, GOAT Talk, and other Complex properties with series and documentaries that further explore the convergence culture at the heart of Complex. It’s the Complex experience, told through our original programming and a curated collection of content.
Part of that experience is a rotating selection of movies that capture the Complex voice. For May, there is a wide array of movies and documentaries to dive into, including rappers like Beanie Sigel, Quavo, and Coolio leaving the booth to entertain in front of the camera. Blaxploitation classics, satirical looks at the hip-hop game, and more help flesh out this May’s collection of content. As we head into the month of May, here’s a look at the 10 best movies to watch on Complex TV in May.
State Property (2002)
Director: Abdul Malik Abbott
Starring: Beanie Sigel, Jay-Z, Damon Dash, Memphis Bleek, Omillio Sparks
Air Date(s): 5/1, 5/2, 5/5, 5/6, 5/12
Loosely based on the Junior Black Mafia’s notorious tales from the late 80s and early 90s drug trade in Philadelphia, Roc-A-Fella is heavy in State Property. The film stars and is narrated by Beanie Sigel in the most Beanie Sigel performance ever captured on film. It’s drenched in Beanie’s voice and lingo, adding a more unique appeal to this tale of street soldiers trying to provide for their families. An undeniable hood classic, if you haven’t seen this one, you’re in for a Tahitian Treat.
The Waterboyz (2024)
Director: Coke Daniels
Starring: Rockmond Dunbar, La La Anthony, Omar J. Dorsey, Natacha Ellie, Quavo
Air Date(s): 5/1, 5/17, 5/30
The Waterboyz is not only produced by Quavo, but he even stars in this ATL-set feature. Instead of it being based on street tales, The Waterboyz looks at the bottled water hustle that goes on in cities like Atlanta that may mirror how the drug trade runs, especially in terms of protecting territories. And just like the drug trade, violence even plagues the waterboyz hustling on the corner. A powerful tale depicting a modern phenomenon.
Empire State (2013)
Director: Dito Montiel
Starring: Liam Hemsworth, Emma Roberts, Dwayne Johnson
Air Date(s): 5/2, 5/9, 5/23, 5/25, 5/29
Ever wonder what it’s like when Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is in a film but isn’t in the lead role? Empire State is what you get, with Liam Hemsworth leading a cast in film that is loosely based on the Lufthansa heist. Even if the film isn’t your cup of tea, it’s a good one to document the rise of megastar Johnson in Hollywood.
Coffy (1973)
Director: Jack Hill
Starring: Pam Grier, Booker Bradshaw, Robert DoQui, William Elliott, Allan Arbus, Sid Haig
Air Date(s): 5/3, 5/4, 5/16, 5/21, 5/27
The third film from Jack Hill to star Pam Grier, Coffy is the film that lit a fire underneath the Black community for its stellar depiction of a strong Black woman as the film’s protagonist. Hellbent on avenging her sister’s descent into heroin addiction while cleaning up the city overall, Grier’s Coffy goes on a violent run that would make Frank Castle proud. It also features Roy Ayers on the soundtrack, which is a treat in and of itself.
Dear White People (2014)
Director: Justin Simien
Starring: Tyler James Williams, Tessa Thompson, Kyle Gallner, Teyonah Parris, Brandon P. Bell, Malcolm Barrett, Dennis Haysbert
Air Date(s): 5/3, 5/8, 5/17, 5/19, 5/31
Justin Simien’s Dear White People does a phenomenal job of exploring America’s race issue through different members of a Black house at a predominantly white university. Boasting a strong cast that features everyone from Tyler James Williams to Teyonah Parris, it was Tessa Thompson who felt like the true standout in this piece, wearing Sam’s conflicts on her sleeve throughout the film.
Fear of a Black Hat (1993)
Director: Rusty Cundieff
Starring: Rusty Cundieff, Larry B. Scott, Mark Christopher Lawrence
Air Date(s): 5/7, 5/30
A cult classic, especially among hip-hop heads who love satire, Rusty Cundieff’s Fear of a Black Hat may be the rap Spinal Tap. The film is a mockumentary following N.W.H. (“Niggaz With Hats”) through their time as a group, hilariously sending up tropes from the rap scene while telling a tale of friendship and the ties that bind (your favorite rap group). This is what Cundieff was working on before the release of 1995’s Tales From the Hood.
The Cotton Club (1984)
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Starring: Richard Gere, Gregory Hines, Diane Lane, Lonette McKee, Bob Hoskins, James Remar, Nicolas Cage, Allen Garfield, Fred Gwynne
Air Date(s): 5/13, 5/26
Did you know that the legend Francis Ford Coppola has a musical crime drama starring Richard Gere in his catalog? That’s right, 1984’s The Cotton Club didn’t work at the box office, but it won critics over, even making the Best Of 1984 lists for both Siskel and Ebert. It’s not exactly La La Land for the early ‘80s, but Coppola soaked The Cotton Club in the sights and sounds of the late 1920s/early ‘30s, which was all about that jazz. Memorable performances more than make up for a meager plot, and honestly, as this film goes on, there’s more than enough going on with its cast of characters to keep you thoroughly entertained.
Blue Hill Avenue (2001)
Director: Craig Ross Jr.
Starring: Allen Payne, Andrew Divoff, Clarence Williams III, William Forsythe
Air Date(s): 5/17
While many films detailing what crime in cities like Los Angeles or New York is for Black people, Blue Hill Avenue takes viewers to the South End of Boston through an engaging story and dynamic acting performances. Allen Payne is one actor in particular who always delivers, and aside from Jason’s Lyric, Blue Hill Avenue is one of the films in his career where he’s truly been able to deliver as a lead. If you don’t watch anything else on Complex TV in May, be sure to watch Blue Hill Avenue.
Hendrix (2000)
Director: Leon Ichaso
Starring: Wood Harris, Billy Zane, Dorian Harewood, Christian Potenza, Vivica A. Fox
Air Date(s): 5/18, 5/27
Have you already seen Michael and are itching for another music biopic based on an iconic Black artist? The 2000 TV movie Hendrix may be up your alley, although be warned: due to copyright issues, you won’t hear many of Hendrix’s greatest hits in this biopic. It stars Wood Harris, star of The Wire and Paid in Full, with Billy Zane and Vivica A. Fox amongst the cast.
Phat Beach (1996)
Director: Doug Ellin
Starring: Jermaine Hopkins, Coolio, Brian Hooks
Air Date(s): 5/19, 5/31
You read that right: in May, you will have two chances to watch 1996’s Phat Beach, the greatest hip-hop beach movie of all time. It’s one of the few titles to star Jermaine “Huggy” Hopkins, who real ones remember as Steel in Juice, with the one and only Coolio making a cameo appearance. If you love the hijinks of the Wayans Bros. or films like House Party, Phat Beach was the progression of that vibe. You gotta respect a cult favorite as it turns 30!
