Streets Is Watching (film)

Streets Is Watching is a 1998 direct-to-video crime drama film directed by Abdul Malik Abbott and executive produced by Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter. It is essentially a long-form music video compilation featuring songs from Jay-Z's first two albums, Reasonable Doubt and In My Lifetime, Vol. 1.

The film weaves a narrative around several music videos and original scenes depicting a day in the life of street hustlers in Brooklyn, New York. Jay-Z stars as a fictionalized version of himself, leading his crew through drug deals, robberies, and violent confrontations. The plot focuses on the dangers and consequences of the street life, highlighting themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the struggle for survival.

Key music videos featured include "Streets Is Watching", "Friend or Foe '98", and segments of other tracks. The film served as a visual representation of Jay-Z's lyrical content and established his persona as a streetwise figure. Despite being a low-budget production, Streets Is Watching has gained a cult following among fans of Jay-Z and 1990s hip-hop culture, offering a glimpse into the era's aesthetic and social realities.