The 1984 hip-hop classic Beat Street is coming to Broadway courtesy of Nash.
Nas brings Beat Street to Broadway
According to a Hollywood Reporter report, published Friday (June 14), Nas assembled a creative team to adapt the 1984 hip-hop film Beat Street in a musical. The veteran rhymer shared news of his participation at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival, where the film was screened in celebration of the film's 40th anniversary.
The entertainment publication reports that Nash will produce alongside Arthur Baker, who was involved with the original film as a co-producer, composer and music producer. Michael Holman, the associate producer of the original film, and Richard Fearn will also be part of the production team. The group plans to expand and create new musical works based on the film's original soundtrack and bring the story to life on stage.
“Beat Street it wasn't just a movie – it spread the hip-hop culture revolution across the country and the world. He left an indelible mark, inspiring generations of new artists and creating new hip-hop fans,” said Nas. THR. “It is a thrill for me to join the creative team Beat Street, bringing the raw energy of hip-hop to the Broadway fabric. It is an honor to breathe new life into this iconic work and celebrate its lasting legacy.”
In the coming weeks, additional members of the creative team will be revealed as part of the ongoing effort to bring Beat Street on Broadway.
Read more: 50 of Hip-Hop's Greatest Beats
What is the Beat Street Movie about?
Set in the South Bronx at 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) who all struggle to make their dreams come true as they navigate the emerging hip-hop scene. The film stars Rae Dawn Chong, Gus Davis, Saundra Santiago and Jon Chardiet and has music by Harry Belafonte, who produced the film based on a screenplay by Steven Hager. Veteran director Stan Lathan (Def Comedy Jam) directed the film.
His cast Beat Street It also featured many legendary hip-hop artists including DJ Kool Herc, Afrika Bambataa & The Sonic Force, Doug E. Fresh, Treacherous Three and Melle Mel (of Grandmaster Flash & The Furious 5 fame) performing the title track on the soundtrack of the film.
Read more: 30 hip-hop songs that inspire you to be grateful
Watch the official trailer for Beat Street and more below.
