The classic 1984 hip-hop film “Beat Street” is coming to Broadway with Nas’ sponsorship.
Nas will bring Beat Street to Broadway
According to a report published by The Hollywood Reporter on Friday (June 14), Nas has assembled a creative team to adapt the 1984 hip-hop movie “Beat Street” into a musical. The veteran Rhythm shared news of his attendance at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival, which screened the film to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
According to the entertainment publication, Nas will serve as a producer alongside Arthur Baker, who worked on the original film as co-producer, composer and music producer. Michael Holman and Richard Fein, associate producers on the original film, will also be part of the production team. The team plans to expand and create new musical compositions based on the film’s soundtrack and bring the story to the stage.
“Beat Street was more than just a movie, it spread a revolution in hip-hop culture across the country and around the world. It left an indelible mark, inspiring generations of young artists and creating new ones. Hip-hop fans,” Nas told The Hollywood Reporter. “I’m excited to join the creative team at Beat Street to bring the raw energy of hip-hop into the fabric of Broadway. I’m honored to breathe new life into this iconic production and celebrate its enduring legacy.”
In the coming weeks, additional members of the creative team will be revealed as part of the ongoing effort to bring Beat Street to Broadway.
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What is the movie “Beat Street” about?
Set in the South Bronx during the birth of hip-hop, “Beat Street” tells the story of three aspiring young artists: a graffiti artist, a DJ and a B-boy (break dancer), as they Struggling to realize their dreams in the emerging music world. The film stars Rae Dawn Chong, Gus Davis, Saundra Santiago and Jon Chardiet and is produced by The score is by Harry Belafonte, who produced the film from a script written by Steven Hager. Veteran director Stan Latham (Def Comedy Jam) directed the film.
The cast of Beat Street also includes many legendary hip-hop artists, including DJ Kool Herc, Afrika Bambataa & The Sonic Force, Doug E. “famous”) to the soundtrack of the film.
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Watch the official trailer for Rhythm Street and more below.