June 18th 2024.
Nas, the iconic Grammy Award-winning rapper, has recently announced a new project that is sure to excite fans and bring a fresh new take on a beloved classic. Along with a talented creative team, Nas will be bringing a musical version of the 1984 cult classic "Beat Street" to the Broadway stage.
The announcement was made at the 40th anniversary screening of "Beat Street" at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 14th. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Nas shared his excitement for the project and revealed that the musical will not only expand on the film's plot, but also introduce new material that will complement the beloved musical numbers.
Nas, whose real name is Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, will be taking on the role of producer for the musical and will also be in charge of expanding on the film's soundtrack. This means that fans can expect to hear some new and original tracks written by Nas himself. He will be joined by Arthur Baker, who was a co-producer, composer, and music producer for the original film, as well as Michael Holman and Richard Fearn.
In addition to the talented creative team, the musical will also be executive produced by Nathan Gehan and Jamison Scott of ShowTown Productions. While other members of the creative team have yet to be announced, fans can look forward to hearing more updates in the coming weeks.
This project will mark Nas's first foray into the world of theater, following various successful ventures in directing, composing, and producing films and television shows such as Showtime's "The Supreme Team" and Netflix's "The Get Down." When asked about his involvement in the musical, Nas expressed his excitement, stating, "Beat Street wasn't just a film - it spread the revolution of hip-hop culture throughout the country and the world. It left an indelible mark, inspiring generations of young artists and creating new hip-hop fans alike."
He continued, "It's a thrill for me to join the creative team of Beat Street, bringing the raw energy of hip-hop into the fabric of Broadway. It's an honor to breathe new life into this iconic work and celebrate its enduring legacy."
For those who may not be familiar with "Beat Street," the film follows the journey of a graffiti artist, a DJ, and a break-dancer in the South Bronx as they navigate the emerging hip-hop scene in New York City. Starring Rae Dawn Chong, Gus Davis, and Jon Chardiet, with a soundtrack featuring music by Harry Belafonte and Baker, the film quickly became a classic in hip-hop culture.
With special appearances by prominent artists of the era such as Doug E. Fresh, DJ Kool Herc, and Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force, "Beat Street" helped shape hip-hop culture and introduce the genre to a growing audience of fans. The soundtrack also featured some of the first wave of hip-hop icons, including Grandmaster Melle Mel & The Furious Five, Jazzy Jay, and the Treacherous Three with Doug E. Fresh, just to name a few.
It's clear that Nas's involvement in this musical will bring a fresh and exciting take on a beloved classic, and fans can't wait to see what he has in store. This is just one of many exciting projects that Nas has in the works, and we can't wait to see what else he has in store for us.
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