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I Want My Name Back

Name: I Want My Name Back
Director: Roger Paradiso
Released: 2011
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

5.3/10

Fair

2011

Director

Roger Paradiso

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

I Want My Name Back is a documentary that excels in reclaiming Black history and ability to act. By focusing on the pioneers of 'Rapper's Delight,' the film addresses the systemic erasure of foundational contributors to Hip Hop. However, the film's scope is limited when it comes to other social identities. The narrative is heavily centered on male figures, leaving little room for gender diversity or LGBTQ+ representation within the documented story. Ultimately, the film succeeds as a study of cultural ownership and racial legacy, even if it lacks breadth in other social dimensions.

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Category Breakdown

Does I Want My Name Back have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include any specific LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. It focuses on Hip Hop history rather than exploring queer identities.

How does I Want My Name Back portray gender?

Fair

The movie centers on male protagonists Master Gee and Wonder Mike. It does not show any visible portrayal of women's ability to drive the story or challenge gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is I Want My Name Back?

Excellent

The documentary highlights the high racial ability to act of Black artists. It challenges historical narratives that often sideline the original creators of Black cultural movements.

How does I Want My Name Back represent religion and culture?

Good

The film looks at the power structures where capitalism intersects with cultural heritage. It examines the tension between underrepresented creators and the institutions that profit from their work.

Does I Want My Name Back include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no documentation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in this work.

Present on Screen

Strong focus on Black racial ability to act and the reclamation of cultural history.
Effective critique of how institutional systems and capitalism impact underrepresented creators.
Provides a nuanced look at the systemic erasure of foundational Hip Hop figures.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of women's ability to drive the story or diverse gender perspectives.
Provides no visible engagement with LGBTQ+ identities or narratives.
Does not address physical or neurodivergent disability representation.

Official Synopsis

Thirty years after recording "Rapper's Delight," Master Gee & Wonder Mike come back to reclaim their identities and rightful place in Hip Hop history.

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