Rapper Nas is working on a musical stage adaptation of the classic hip-hop film Beat Street.
Nas will work to expand and create new material from the film’s soundtrack for the musical, and serve as a producer on the production, alongside Arthur Baker, who was a co-producer, composer and music producer of the original film, Michael Holman, associate producer of the original film and Richard Fearn.
The musical is aiming for Broadway. Additional creative team members will be announced in the coming weeks.
Nas announced the news Friday after a 40th anniversary screening of Beat Street at the Tribeca Film Festival. This is his first foray into theater, after a career of releasing multiplatinum albums, garnering 16 Grammy nominations, as well as producing and directing film and television projects, including Showtime’s The Supreme Team.
“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,” Nas said. “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.”
Released in 1984, Beat Street follows a graffiti artist, a DJ, and a break-dancer in the South Bronx as they strive to make it in the new hip-hop scene. The film stars Rae Dawn Chong, Gus Davis, and Jon Chardiet and features music by Harry Belafonte and Baker, with appearances by some of the major artists of the era, including Doug E. Fresh, DJ Kool Herc and Afrika Bambataa & The Sonic Force. The screenplay is by Andrew Davis, David Gilbert & Paul Golding.
Nathan Gehan and Jamison Scott of ShowTown Productions are executive producers of the musical adaptation.
