A Tribe Called Quest Film Gets Theatrical Release Date

Michael Rapaport's controversial A Tribe Called Quest documentary has finally received a theatrical release date.

The acclaimed actor and first-time director has revealed to Billboard that the long-awaited 'Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest' will be opening in New York City and Los Angeles in July, before continuing to make a limited run on July 22.

Rapaport -- a longtime Tribe fan who has appeared in hip-hop film classics like 'Zebrahead,' 'Higher Learning' and 'Poetic Justice' -- has had a rough-and-tumble relationship with the group as of late, after frontman Q-Tip publicly criticized him for refusing to honor his edit requests, and withdrew his support of the film.

Following its successful screening at Sundance and subsequent acquisition by Sony Pictures Classics, it appears that Tribe are finally back on board with the doc, and Rapaport seems positive about the experience, ultimately.

"The differences Tip had, I think, came down to the fact that he's an artist and a perfectionist who is always in control," Rapaport explained. "He was the leader of Tribe. But I'm making the movie and I have to make the final decisions. He's accustomed to making all of the decisions. I have thought about it a lot and if somebody made a movie as interpersonal as this about me, I don't know that I'd be pleased with someone else making the decisions. To me, it's a love letter to the band."

'Beats, Rhymes & Life' will be screening later today (April 27) at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Following its official opening on July 8 in New York City and L.A., 'Beats, Rhymes & Life' will continue a staggered national release, opening in 32 major cities from July 22 to August 12. Check out the full list of dates here.