The first time I saw “Straight Outta Compton” in theaters, I remembered being completely blown away. After five more visits to see it on the big screen, my feelings hadn’t seemed to change. Even this last week, upon the movie’s home-viewing release, I still watched the film on my laptop completely engrossed in this piece of cinematic art.

As a music industry major, I may have a slightly different take on the film. Despite its stellar acting, cinematography, and writing, this film supports an even stronger connection to Los Angeles history, music history, and the cultural significance and development within the music industry.

Film, like every other artistic venture, has the ability to comment on social and cultural events that have helped shape history. “Straight Outta Compton” interestingly enough uses two intertextual forms of art as a vehicle for social change and education, and to portray an integral part of musical history alongside the evolution of the city of Los Angeles.

One of the most poignant parts of the film, in my opinion, is when the audience is shown various clips of newscasters, religious leaders, and parents commenting on the danger and violence that is supposedly “glamorized” by the rappers of the time, i.e., Ice Cube, Easy-E, and so on. I laugh every time I see this scene because it reminds me so much of the arguments often associated with my other favorite musical genre: electronic dance music. People seem to be terrified by any kind of music that makes people think, feel, and actually listen.

The “golden age” rappers and DJs such as Cube and Dr. Dre were some of the most socially provocative individuals within a demographic that was highly underrepresented and misunderstood in society. This film shows not only the struggles and ups and downs of the society they lived in but also almost satirizes the ignorance behind commentators who reflect on the time as one of violence due to the lyrics of these artists.

Throughout history, it has been shown how influential the media is. Similarly, people who seek an oppressive force against marginalized communities tend to rebel against media outlets that let voices, like those of the N.W.A. rappers and DJs, be heard and understood.

As you can tell from this article so far, I am extremely inspired by the social and economic constructs behind the controversial music. I deal with it on a daily basis with EDM and rap even more so. All anyone can see is drugs, sex, violence, and danger. People whose minds don’t understand the stories and social change behind every piece of music (including “controversial” genres) become ignorant to the problems surrounding us every day.

The film “Straight Outta Compton” challenges all of these current stigmas. It's incredible to see the history of Los Angeles unfold in a story following music entrepreneurs and incredible artists. From the Rodney King incident to the beginning of “Aftermath” by Dr. Dre, this film highlights the importance of individuals that defied all laws of society with talent and constant struggles. It shows the evolution of the artists both personally and professionally as they become leading men in the music business.

Music and social culture cannot be anything but completely interconnected and synonymous. This film uses one of the largest-grossing art forms as a medium to tell the stories of some of the most influential people in music and Los Angeles cultural history. It's true, I do love the film “Straight Outta Compton,” but not because of the celebrity behind the story. I love this film because of its ability to puncture the minds of the ignorant, to see the music and social world as greatly impacted by these individuals, and to be open to the social change music and art integrate.