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2. The participants who succeed in The Hip Hop Project are the ones who use their admiration and envy for each other's work to push themselves on. When you are around someone who is excellent at what they do, does it shut you down or motivate you? Is there at least one person in your life that helps you strive for more, as "iron sharpens iron" (Proverbs 27:17)?
3. "The criminal mind is a creative mind," says Rolle. "It's all where you put that energy." Are there criminal or delinquent minds—particularly young ones—in your community who could benefit from an opportunity to redirect their energies? How could you be a part of the solution?

The Family Corner

The Hip Hop Project was originally rated R for language. There are 17 occurrences of the "f" word, and an R rating is usually given when there are more than two usages of the word. Ruskin (the director) and Rolle (the "star") appealed the rating, mainly "to allow teenagers access to see this film because they are the ones who need it most," said Rolle. "After years of working with teens, I know you have to reach them when they are young. Just as I didn't have a parent to take me to the movies when I was a teenager, many of the young people who would benefit most from this film would have been denied access if the R rating stood." They won the appeal, on the basis that the "positive images and inspiring message" of the film justified exposing young people to its content—and it is now rated PG-13. Other than the language (which also includes frequent use of the "n" word and other profanity, mostly in the context of song lyrics), there is no violence or sex in the movie, and the film does present many redemptive themes and storylines.

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• Past the Popcorn

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