Breaking news for hip-hop enthusiasts: Nas is collaborating with Arthur Baker to bring the iconic 1984 film “Beat Street” to the Broadway stage. The announcement came during the 40th anniversary screening of the film at the Tribeca Film Festival. 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. 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.”
The original “Beat Street” film, which centers on a graffiti artist, a DJ, and a break-dancer in the South Bronx, featured music by Harry Belafonte and Arthur Baker. Nas will not only help expand the soundtrack with new material but will also co-produce the musical alongside Baker, Michael Holman, and Richard Fearn. The creative team is expected to announce additional members in the coming weeks.
Nas, whose full name is Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, is a Grammy-winning rapper known for his profound impact on hip-hop culture. His involvement in the “Beat Street” musical adaptation is seen as a significant move to bring the essence of hip-hop to Broadway. The film was one of the first to depict hip-hop culture, showcasing elements like breakdancing, mixing, scratching, and graffiti art.
Arthur Baker, who was a co-producer, composer, and music producer for the original film, will be working closely with Nas to ensure the musical stays true to its roots while introducing new elements. Michael Holman, an associate producer of the original film, and Richard Fearn will also play crucial roles in the production.
The original “Beat Street” film was produced by Harry Belafonte and David V. Picker, with music by Belafonte and Baker. The story was written by Steven Hager, with a screenplay by Andrew Davis, David Gilbert, and Paul Golding, and directed by Stan Lathan. The film starred Rae Dawn Chong, Gus Davis, and Jon Chardiet and featured appearances by major artists of the era, including Doug E. Fresh, DJ Kool Herc, Afrika Bambataa & The Sonic Force, Us Girls, The Treacherous Three, Magnificent Force, The New York City Breakers, Rock Steady Crew, and Grandmaster Melle Mel & The Furious Five.
Set in the early 1980s, “Beat Street” follows a group of aspiring young talents in the South Bronx, including a graffiti artist, a DJ, and a break-dancer, as they navigate the challenges of urban life while pursuing their dreams in the emerging hip-hop scene. The film’s soundtrack, released in two volumes, was also produced by Baker, with Volume One becoming one of the first rap albums to be certified gold.
ShowTown Theatricals will serve as the general managers for the Broadway production, with Nathan Gehan and Jamison Scott of ShowTown Productions acting as executive producers. The collaboration between Nas and Arthur Baker is expected to bring a fresh and dynamic energy to the stage, celebrating the enduring legacy of “Beat Street” and its impact on hip-hop culture.
As the project progresses, fans of both Nas and “Beat Street” can look forward to a unique theatrical experience that honors the film’s original spirit while introducing new elements to captivate a modern audience. The anticipation for this Broadway adaptation is building, and the involvement of such influential figures in the hip-hop community promises an unforgettable production. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting venture.
