June 18th 2024.
Nas, the Grammy Award-winning rapper, has joined forces with a talented creative team to bring a musical adaptation of the 1984 cult classic "Beat Street" to the bright lights of Broadway. The thrilling announcement was made at the Tribeca Film Festival on Friday, June 14, during the 40th anniversary screening of the iconic film. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Nas, whose real name is Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, revealed that the musical will build upon the original film's storyline while incorporating new material to complement its electrifying musical numbers.
As a producer, Nas will be responsible for expanding on the beloved soundtrack of "Beat Street" and creating new tracks specifically for the Broadway production. He will be working alongside Arthur Baker, who served as co-producer, composer, and music producer for the original film, as well as Michael Holman, the associate producer of the film, and Richard Fearn. ShowTown Productions' Nathan Gehan and Jamison Scott will serve as executive producers for the musical, with more creative team members to be announced in the coming weeks.
For Nas, this project marks his first foray into the world of theater, following a successful career in directing, composing, and producing films and television shows. Some of his notable works include Showtime's "The Supreme Team" and Netflix's "The Get Down."
In a statement, Nas expressed his excitement for the opportunity to bring the raw energy of hip-hop culture to Broadway through "Beat Street." He also acknowledged the film's impact in spreading the revolution of hip-hop and inspiring generations of artists and fans. "It's an honor to breathe new life into this iconic work and celebrate its enduring legacy," he added.
For those unfamiliar with the film, "Beat Street" follows the journey of a graffiti artist, a DJ, and a break-dancer in the South Bronx during the rise of hip-hop in New York City. Starring Rae Dawn Chong, Gus Davis, and Jon Chardiet, and featuring music by Harry Belafonte and Baker, the film quickly became a classic in hip-hop culture. It also featured guest appearances by prominent artists of the era, such as Doug E. Fresh, DJ Kool Herc, and Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force, further solidifying its place in the history of hip-hop.
The soundtrack of "Beat Street" also played a crucial role in shaping the genre and introducing it to a wider audience of fans. With music from Grandmaster Melle Mel & the Furious Five, Jazzy Jay, the Treacherous Three with Doug E. Fresh, Afrika Bambaataa, and more, the soundtrack celebrated the first wave of hip-hop icons.
In recent news, Nas was also honored at the Gordon Parks Foundation Awards alongside his wife, singer-songwriter Kelis. The couple was recognized for their contributions to the arts and philanthropy. With his involvement in "Beat Street" and other projects, it's evident that Nas continues to make a significant impact in the world of entertainment.
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