Last night (June 12), stars, moguls, industry executives and fans filled Alice Tully Hall Star Theater at Lincoln Center for the New York City premiere of Ice-T’s new documentary, Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap.

The likes of Busta Rhymes, Fabolous, Ne-Yo, Treach from Naughty By Nature, Dana Dane, MTV and Shade 45’s Sway, members of the Ultramagnetic MCs and Raekwon all walked the red carpet, while others such as Public Enemy’s Chuck D, Salt from Salt N Pepa and Lauryn Hill headed right to their seats.

(It was Hill’s first public appearance since surprising close to 60,000 fans at Met Life Sunday in New Jersey as part of Summer Jam on June 3). Hill came out with Nas at the concert.

Ice-T , who directed the documentary and also interviews MCs ranging from Eminem, Dr. Dre, Common and Kanye West to Dana Dane, Treach and Grandmaster Caz in the film, arrived with his wife CoCo and addressed the audience before the screening. The spectators were overflowing to the point that some people had to stand and sit on the steps.

As movie progressed, the audience applauded, laughed and cheered.

In the portion where Eminem appeared, the megastar said that along with his daughters, hip-hop was his whole world.

“It gave me a voice, gave me a outlet, gave me strength,” Em said. “If it wasn't for rap I wouldn't be able to bounce back. This is the one thing I have that I think I can do well.”

Other highlights in the film included KRS-One telling a humorous story about how getting dissed at a show caused him to become an MC and Kanye West recounting losing his first ever rap battle. Dr. Dre also gave some insight as to why he has become arguably the most successful hip-hop producer ever.

The Art of Rap debuts in theaters on Friday, June 15.—Shaheem Reid

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