M.I.S.S. TV Presents: Interview with Michael Rapaport

Posted on 28 July 2011 | 3 Comments

Thanks to actor-turned-director Michael Rapaport, a trip to the movies can almost feel like going to a summer concert, minus the long lines at the bathroom. His feature film, BEATS, RHYMES, AND LIFE: THE TRAVELS OF A TRIBE CALLED QUEST, documents the path of the legendary hip hop crew from the beginning to the end, and then some. With a soundtrack that brings it back, and a story that explains it all, this movie is a relief from all the usual summertime flicks, while setting a standard for hip hop docs. M.I.S.S. had a chance to sit down with the director himself to discuss his journey in film-making, and his love for the music.

We met up with Michael at the Prescott Hotel in San Francisco. Even though his flight had been delayed for hours, and he didn’t even have a chance to eat his food, he was still on point for the interview. His laid-back attitude kept our chat breezy like the Frisco weather, and his dedication to the film and the music shined with every sentence he shared.

Michael Rapaport holding the 4x5 with M.I.S.S. ladies Amanda Lopez and Artiffact

After the interview, M.I.S.S. photographer Amanda Lopez asked to take a few shots of him…with her 4×5 camera. Like a true artist, he beamed at the opportunity to be captured in time with such a vintage piece of photographic equipment. This would be his first time being filmed with a 4×5, and M.I.S.S. was more than happy to give that opportunity to him.

M.I.S.S. Amanda Lopez shoots Rapaport with a 4x5 for the first time

Later that night, Rapaport hosted a screening party at Eve Lounge in the SoMa District. As the DJ rotated A Tribe Called Quest tracks, Rapaport mingled with the crowd in the intimate space. We’re all used to seeing Michael Rapaport on the screen, but his newest venture as a director has seemed to humble him even more. Michael, thanks for kickin’ it with us and giving the box office a piece of hip hop history!