Nas is spearheading the Broadway adaptation of the classic hip-hop film Beat Street to introduce classic hip-hop to a new generation.
The award-winning entertainer, joined by the creative team, announced the upcoming Broadway show at the film’s 40th anniversary screening at the Tribeca Film Festival. Beat Street was released in 1984 and starred Rae Dawn Chong, Gus Davis, and Jon Chardiet. A roster of Hip Hop legends made cameos in the film, including Doug E. Fresh, DJ Kool Herc, Afrika Bambataa & The Sonic Force, Us Girls, The Treacherous Three, Magnificent Force, The New York City Breakers, Rock Steady Crew, and Grandmaster Melle Mel & The Furious Five.
The “Beat Street” musical is being produced by Arthur Baker, Michael Holman, and UK-based tech investor Richard Fearn. The stage adaptation will expand on the original film, adding new material to complement its iconic musical numbers.
Holman, an associate producer of the original film, and Baker, its co-producer and composer, bring their expertise to the new project. For the stage musical, ShowTown Theatricals will serve as general managers, with Nathan Gehan and Jamison Scott of ShowTown Productions as executive producers.
Rap’s greatest acts, like Ice-T, LL Cool J, and Ice Cube, have credited the classic film with inspiring their careers.