Discovered by Wu-Tang Clan's RZA, Hell Razah had a promising career and gold records before he was tragically struck down with a brain aneurism. Risen traces his journey to recovery - both spiritually and physically - back to the mic.
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I consider it the spiritual sequel to "Of Mics and Men", closest thing to an official Sunz of Man documentary with the complete story from the streets to the studio. Find out who was loyal, and who wasn't in Razah's epic life story. Raz truly solidified himself as a legend with this. The trials and tribulations as the young artist rises to a lyrical monster, the downfall of his health and recovery. The transition from Hell to Heaven Razah is the truth. This is a MUST see for any Hell Razah fan. Big Thanks to Frank for seeing his vision through, the editing is top notch by the way. #PXR #GGO
Risen is a fascinating documentary -- 18 years in the making -- and follows the promising rapper Hell Razah. He was discovered by Wu-Tang Clan's RZA and has his rapidly ascending rapping career abruptly derailed by a brain aneurism, putting into question whether or not he could fully resume his career. Hell Razah then must go through endless hours of physical rehabilitation to re-teach his body to do basic things like walking and grabbing things with his hands. Risen follows Hell Razah during his recovery through his spiritual journey and new challenges as a rapper. This documentary is a must watch for any fan of rap, but is equally compelling for people looking for a great story.
A very inspiring story of perseverance and the world of hip hop! The story to Sunz of Man. I had no idea about this world and how interesting Smith's story was. The perseverance and faith that he had to overcome obstacles. Never give up. I am a fan now and will follow to see what happens with Sunz.
This is a documentary about rapper Hell Razah, one of hip-hop’s greatest MCs with his uplifting, spiritual and religious angle, originally of Brooklyn’s Red Hook group Sunz of Man, and one of the first originally signed to Wu-Tang’s record label, who hasn’t gotten yet his full spotlight, due to coming down with a brain aneurysm after his breakthrough solo album, Renaissance Child.
I thought this film was very inspirational and educational starting from the birth of hip-hop and revealing its essence and purpose. Overall, Risen is a story of personal triumph, following a very relatable subject and groundbreaking artist, Razah, who uses his life wisdom and hip-hop skills to rise up against difficult odds to find true happiness.
This was definitely one of the greatest hip-hop/human documentaries i've ever seen, as it goes into the life of Hell Razah (Born, Chron Smith) who garnered praise on the mic during his come up with Sunz of Man and the Wu-Tang Clan. It goes into his rise of his grind on mic to being one of the greatest emcees coming up, but it also talks of the downfall part of his story, the struggle with his physical, spiritual and mental health. Though tragic, throughout the hardships, Razah returns to rise again on his new journey and look at life and what awaits. It talks on everything from himself and Sunz of Man, pushing their message and the music industry politics that came with it, has alot of great guest appearances with RZA, RA the Rugged Man, Sunz of Man (P Sunn, Priest), Crooked I, Fredro Starr, and more, who speak on the emcee talents himself and the history of the come up with the Wu. This would definitely can be looked as a "spiritual sequel" to the 2019 documentary "Wu-Tang: Of Mics of Men", as it explores the outside Wu-Tang family tree. If not something to buy, definitely rent it. Its worth it!
amazing documentary and great backround story to Sunz of Man. Been a fan since 1998. Smith's story was sad but it showed how perseverance and faith you can overcome tremendous obstacles. Never give up. Looking forward to what the future holds for Sunz of Man and more music! Peace and blessings
Robert Juster and Frank Meyer’s “Risen: The Story of Chron ‘Hell Razah’ Smith” charts Chron Smith – aka Hell Razah – a musical leader within the Sunz of Man rap group rising up from the 90s and projected to properly detonate in the new millennium. Renowned for his lyrical prowess and earmarked as a long-term voice within the hip-hop community, Smith suffered an aneurysm and stroke. He kept his life, but at the expense of his original roadmap.
In “Risen…,” we first meet Smith in current day. And while physical and endurance challenges persist, we see this is a remarkable human being who has worked tenaciously and successfully to remap his intricate brain. And what comes out of it – now, like then – is elite song craft. Stay tuned.
“Risen…” is a great human-interest story done exceptionally well. Smith cohabitates with his circumstances, and finds a way to win the ass kicking contest despite fate’s attempt to tie his metaphorical legs together. Must-watch stuff. - (Was this review of use to you? If so, let me know by clicking "Helpful." Cheers!)
Even if you don't know who Hell Razah is- or even if you're not a hip hop fan, you'll still love Risen. It follows the roller coaster life of an artist as he finds a strength within him that will inspire anyone who watches. Hats off to the filmmaker for telling the kind of story that educates and lifts up its audience. This film its a perfect example of what only documentaries can provide- true stories that leave the viewers wanting to find their best selves.