Nas has plans to bring an adaptation of the hip-hop movie classic Beat Street to Broadway.
The rap legend partnered with Arthur Baker to bring this vision to life. Baker was a co-producer, composer, and music producer on the 1984 film. Nas is reportedly working to “create new material inspired by the original film’s soundtrack for the musical,” which he will also co-produce.
This news announcement was made on Friday after the 40th-anniversary screening at the Tribeca Film Festival. This will be the Queens-born rapper’s first time on Broadway. “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,” the rapper said at Tribeca. “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.”
In the movie, viewers are introduced to a DJ, breakdancer, and graffiti artist from the South Bronx trying to break into the hip-hop world. The movie starred Gus Davis, Rae Dawn Chong, and Jon Chardiet. It also has cameos from Doug E. Fresh, DJ Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, Soulsonic Force, Melle Mel & the Furious Five, the New York City Breakers, Crazy Legs, and more.
There is no information on a projected premiere date for this play at the moment.