In a recent interview at the Sundance Festival, recording artist Normani speaks about her rap and acting debut in Freaky Tales, a new horror-centric indie film.
Normani plays an aspiring rapper named Entice/Danger Zone, who enters a high-stakes rap battle against legendary battle rapper Symba, played by Too Short.
“It was so much fun, especially for me, I feel like I was able to get outside of myself, from what I would traditionally sound like,” the 27-year-old star told Vulture’s Jay Jurden. “Being able to tap into a whole different era, and just being educated too on the music and the influence that Oakland has.”
Freak Tales is set in 80s Oakland. The film’s plot reads: “Four interconnected stories set in 1987 Oakland, CA. will tell about the love of music, movies, people, places and memories beyond our knowable universe.”
The film is executive produced and narrated by the pioneering Oakland recording artist Too Short. “Freaky Tales” was released in 1987 on Too Short’s fourth album, Born To Mack. “My music partially influenced the story,” Too Short told TMZ. “The story being told by back in 1987, its just the music in there. It does so much to you. My music throughout the movie. I’m the narrator throughout the movie. It’s going to be a good experience.”
The film premiered at Sundance on January 18 and has received outstanding reviews. Upon reviewing the film, Entertainment Tonight rated it a B+.
Directed by Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden, Freaky Tales stars Pedo Pascal (“The Last of Us”), Jay Ellis (“Top Gun: Maverick”), Dominique Thorne (“Wakanda Forever”), Ben Mendelsohn, the late Angus Cloud (“Euphoria”), Jack Champion, and Keir Gilchrist.
In other news, Normani revealed she will finally be dropping new music this year after a year-long hiatus. During an interview with Deadline at Sundance, she said, “It’s literally the best music that I’ve ever made.”
Normani had a great conversation on Ebro in the Morning last April, during which she discussed her career, vulnerability, and genuine friendship with Cardi B, Khalid, and Doja Cat. Feel free to watch the full interview below.