Tamala Jones is also a sporadic bright spot as Diamond's pregnant girlfriend who doesn't completely trust him but wants to start a family. It's impossible to understand why she stays with him, though. She — and all the other women in this movie — are treated as property, verbally abused and neglected.

Pras should stick to rapping, because acting apparently is not his forte. The scenes in which he's performing onstage or in the recording studio are the only ones that are interesting on any level.

"Turn It Up" is rated R for strong language and violence and some drug content. Running time: 87 minutes. Motion Picture Association of America rating definitions:

G—General audiences. All ages admitted.

PG— Parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

PG-13— Special parental guidance strongly suggested for children under 13. Some material may be inappropriate for young children.

R— Restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

NC-17— No one under 17 admitted.