As Black History Month is well underway, depictions of Black culture are abound all over the state. With more and more representation in the media, the Netflix of Black media is on the raise as the Urban Movie Channel (UMC) continues to grow, bringing forth multiple offerings in February.

UMC was created by Robert L. Johnson, Chairman of RLJ Entertainment and founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), to be an urban-focused subscription streaming service that features quality content that showcases feature films, documentaries, original series, stand-up comedy, and other exclusive content for African American and urban audiences. The streaming service continues to release new content across the spectrum, including dramas like “Blackbird,” starring Academy Award winning actress and comedian Mo’Nique, Isaiah Washington, and directed by Patrik-Ian Polk, and “Playin’ For Love,” starring and directed by Robert Townsend as well as live stand-up specials like Martin Lawrence Presents: 1st Amendment Stand Up and Comedy Underground Series, and performances featuring Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx and comedic juggernaut Kevin Hart.

We’ve got four titles streaming on UMC, and you can check them out with a free trial today.

I Want My Name Back

In 1979, the Sugarhill Gang released the single "Rapper's Delight." An instant hit, it brought hip-hop music to the masses, and inspired generations of talented young rappers. Rife with corruption, the powers that be at Sugarhill Records erased the names of original writers and band members, making millions as the artists who wrote the music never saw a dime. Now, after three decades of injustice, the original members of the Sugarhill Gang break their silence about the swindle that cost them everything. Check out the trailer here.

Soulja Boy: The Movie

Yall better start respecting Big Soulja! Young Draco! Soulja Boy! After starting the year off laying out the evidence of his impact in hip hop over the course of the past last decade, go behind the music and discover the unknown story of the man of the moment. One of the world’s most successful hip hop stars with “the biggest comeback of 2018,” watch as Soulja Boy takes viewers on a journey through his rise to stardom. Check out the trailer here.

Bound: Africans vs. African Americans

Bound is a hard-hitting documentary that addresses the little-known tension that exists between Africans and African Americans. The film uses personal testimonials to expose this rift, then takes viewers on a journey through the corridors of African and African American historical experiences as it illuminates the moments that divide and bind Africans and African Americans. Check out the trailer here.

You Belong to Me: The Rube McCollum Story

In 1952, Ruby McCollum - a prominent and wealthy Black woman - killed a white doctor in Florida after suffering years of sexual abuse tied to practices in the Jim Crow South. Remarkable secrets and terrible truths were revealed during her trial and incarceration, which paved the way for change in our society. Check out the trailer here.

In a commitment to creatives across the Black community, Black Texas will be providing honest reviews of content streaming on UMC, and we hope that you’ll support these creatives as well. Stay tuned!