Nas is adapting classic hip hop movie Beat Street into a Broadway musical - News - Mixmag
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Nas is adapting classic hip hop movie Beat Street into a Broadway musical

The rapper will be creating the music based on the film’s soundtrack alongside the original ‘Beat Street’ producer Arthur Baker

  • Words: Becky Buckle | Photo: Joe Glorioso
  • 17 June 2024
Nas is adapting classic hip hop movie Beat Street into a Broadway musical

Classic ‘80s hip hop movie Beat Street is set to be adapted into a Broadway musical by Nas.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Nas will be working on the musical elements of the upcoming show, using inspiration from the film’s original score

Released 30 years ago, the Stan Lathan-directed film follows the story of a pair of brothers and their friends trying to make it in the world of hip hop including DJing, breakdancing and graffiti.

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Based in South Bronx, New York, the Beat Street's star Guy Davis plays DJ Kenny Kirkland, Robert Taylor as Lee, John Chardiet as graffiti artist Ramon as well as Rae Dawn Chong plays Tracy Carlson a composer and choreographer.

The film’s original co-producer composer and music producer Arthur Baker will be joining Nas in the production of the stage adaptation.

Nas announced the new Broadway show at the Tribeca Film Festival where the film was shown in celebration of turning 40.

Nas shared according to The Hollywood Reporter: “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”.

Read this next: Here's what happened when hip hop legend Nas met his favourite sculptor

He added: “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 honour to breathe new life into this iconic work and celebrate its enduring legacy.”

Nas will also be celebrating the 30th anniversary of his influential album ‘Illmatic’ this year with a world tour.

The tour will begin across the UK and Europe with more dates yet to be announced. Tickets are available here.

Watch the trailer for the original Beat Street below.

Becky Buckle is Mixmag's Multimedia Editor, follow her on Twitter

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