SUNDANCE Q&A: Michael Rapaport Did Not Want to 'F--- Up' Tribe Called Quest Doc

Nearly two decades after making his film debut at Sundance in the indie drama Zebrahead -- and returning subsequently in countless indie films -- actor Michael Rapaport is back in Park City with his first effort as a documentary film director.

In Beats, Rhymes & Life (premiering January 22 at the Temple Theater as part of the U.S. documentary competition), the Bronx-born helmer chronicles the public and private dramas of the hip-group group A Tribe Called Quest. Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Rapaport comes clean about the pain of realizing his passion project, what he remembers about his first Sundance and the “bloodbath” that is independent filmmaking.

The Hollywood Reporter: How did Beats, Rhymes & Life come about?

Michael Rapaport: I've been a huge fan of A Tribe Called Quest since they started. In 2006 they performed at the Wiltern Theater in L.A. and I went backstage and said to somebody 'I want to do a documentary about these guys.' Two years later, they were the headliners of the Rock the Bells tour, so I approached them about doing it and they gave me the green light.

THR: Why is Tribe a good documentary subject?

Rapaport: Well, first, there's never been a formal, proper independently-made documentary about a hip-hop group. They were one of the first acts to seamlessly use elements of jazz--taking the records that were in their parents' record collection and putting them in hip-hop. There was a consciousness without being overbearing and fun and innocence, at the same time Public Enemy was out. Tribe's music had inclusiveness. It was definitely soulful, black music, but it was for everybody.

THR: You've said this process caused you a lot of anxiety. What was the scariest part?

Rapaport: [Laughs] When I had the green light and all the elements were laid out I thought, 'Oh s---, I have to really make this happen.' I have such respect for Tribe and so do the fans. I really didn't want to f--- this up.

THR: Were there specific music documentaries you turned to for inspiration?

Rapaport: Absolutely. Gimme Shelter. The documentary, Jimi Hendrix. The concert footage in Dave Chapelle's Block Party was amazing. Anvil was one I liked and Wilco's I Am Trying to Break Your Heart.

THR: To whom did you have to pitch the project initially?

Rapaport: I personally financed this movie out of my own pocket, so the only people I had to pitch was the group. I approached Q-Tip first because I knew him.

THR: Last December Q-Tip went public with his concerns about the film. What was he most worried about?

Rapaport: It's hard for me to say. He cares a lot about the film and I know he cares a lot about the legacy of Tribe. I think it kind of became a reality like, 'Oh shit this is coming out.' But we've gotten passed that. They do have a lot of opinions though, trust me. My big question to answer as a director was: Will a Tribe Called Quest make more music? That was sort of my mission statement throughout the film.

THR: Are you able to answer that question in the movie?

Rapaport: Yeah, we are able to answer it. You got to see it though. I got to leave some cliffhangers.