Categories
FM Cinema FM News Trending

Suge Knight Expounds On Details Of Upcoming Show

It’s official: a Suge Knight biopic is on its way, and Knight has recently revealed some new details. And let’s say what is in store will surely be scintillating and eye-opening.

But How is Knight Spearheading This?

Suge Knight sits behind bars in a California State Penitentiary for those who don’t know. However, not even the penitentiary is stopping Knight from doing some things. Recently it was announced that BLK Prime would be featuring an upcoming Biopic on Knight. The announcement was intriguing, for sure. Because it is no secret to hip-hop fans that Suge Knight has gained widespread notoriety, not for the best reasons. Secrets, rumors, and scandalous musings stick to Knight like a dark shadow. So, the last thing many expected was a biopic. But it’s happening. And Knight has taken a little time to speak on the details himself.

Knight Talks Biopic Detail

Although Knight will remain incarcerated, he still is highly contributory to the series. According to TMZ, in Knight’s sit-down, he explained he is providing his voice for voice-over purposes. TMZ notes,

“Suge told them he plans to provide voice-over for the series like Ray Liotta did as Henry Hill in “Goodfellas.”

So, think of dramatized narration. But that’s not all Knight had to say about the show. He went on to provide a breakdown for potential viewers.

The Suge Knight Biopic: A Series with Some Depth

This isn’t an ordinary one-and-done type series. Knight’s story will be told throughout ten seasons. Each season will focus on different content. Season 1 will focus on Tupac and his affiliation with Death Row. Season two will shift to another legend, the Notorious BIG. Season three will focus on Knight’s tumultuous ties with P. Diddy. Of course, he couldn’t forget about Dre. Dre will serve as the focus for season four. And season five will shift the spotlight to the incomparable Snoop Dogg.

What About the Rest?

But that’s only five seasons! That is correct. The other five seasons will focus on more generalized themes rather than laser-focus on one person. Those episodes will broach topics specific to Knight’s involvement in the industry and his road to perdition. Those topics include the escalation of East and West coast tensions, the N.W.A era as well as the infamous Crips and Bloods. And finally, the series will cover the topic of Knight’s road to the big house, from trial proceedings to conviction and sentencing.

Knight Promises True Grit

When it comes to Knight, there are a lot of stories there. If Knight is willing to tell them, then, there is a base willing to listen. No doubt many will tune in to satisfy their curiosity or hankering for authentically gritty drama. And one thing the former label owner doesn’t deny is the brutal nature of Death Rows’ underpinnings.  Essentially, he admits to being instrumental in developing the harsh, raw, and foreboding environment of Death Row Records that was more gangsta than anything. But according to Knight, Pac and Snoop had no problem thriving in the gangsta environment. Nevertheless, he does acknowledge those crazy times took their toll on the company.”

In Conclusion

The show is expected to air in the fall of this year. Production is slated to begin this summer. The series will air on Blk Prime. So, for those wondering if it’s worth their time if there will be more polish and shine than truth. There is no need to worry. Knight assures Blk Prime will keep his story intact, regardless of how brutal it translates across the medium. That says a lot.

Written by: Renae Richardson

Categories
FM Cinema

Eddie Murphy Is In Negotiations To Play George Clinton In Biopic

Eddie Murphy‘s third act has been a delightful experience. Deadline reports that the 2007 Academy Award nominee is currently in talks to play music legend George Clinton. The Nutty Professor star was not on my list of possible actors to star as the Parliament-Funkadelic frontman. However, this project appears to be a genuine passion project for the legendary comedian.

Eddie Murphy Must Discuss Rights Before Portraying George Clinton

In addition to Murphy producing, the team will begin searching for a writer after they have negotiated for rights with the “Flash Light” singer. There are no studios attached to the project. However, due to the actor’s three-picture deal with Amazon, it would not be a surprise to see them competing for the film.

You are missing out if your parents have not played Parliament-Funkadelic non-stop since you were born. George Clinton is among the most iconic musicians of all time. His music is what forms the basis of hip-hop, dance, and modern R&B. Moreover, he is one of the most exciting figures in show business. It seems Murphy is the kind of actor who can take on a role like this and prove the skeptics wrong once again.

Career Comeback

Aside from his outstanding performance in the 2019 film Dolemite is My Name for his portrayal of Blaxploitation star Rudy Ray Moore, Murphy has seen a comeback in his career. Coming 2 America, the sequel to his comedy classic of the same name, did better than anyone expected. Furthermore, Murphy will appear alongside Jonah Hill in Kenya Barris’ film You People, which Barris and Hill co-wrote.

There is also news that Beverly Hills Cop 4 is set to film this summer. As a point of reference, Beverly Hills Cop premiered in 1984, and the third film appeared a decade later. Therefore, nearly 30 years have passed since we last saw Axel Foley. Eddie Murphy is in the phase of his career where he has the freedom to do whatever he wants. However, he is old enough to know better, and this is leading to some exciting work.

Written by Nikiya Biggs

Follow and like FMHipHop on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube!

Categories
Trending

Afeni Shakur Biopic In Development, Produced by Jasmine Guy With Support From Estate

Apart from being the mother of acclaimed rapper Tupac, Afeni Shakur was a Black Panther Party member, activist, and author. It seems she’ll finally be receiving some credit.

Afeni Shakur gets her flowers

A biopic about Afeni Shakur is soon on the horizon. The film, titled Peace, Love & Respect; the Afeni Shakur/Panther 21 Story, will document the late icon’s life from 1969 to Tupac’s birth in 1971. Shakur has starred in movies before. Specifically, Black Panther star Danai Gurira brought her to life in her son’s biopic All Eyez On Me in 2017. Unlike All Eyez On Me though, this upcoming movie will focus solely on Afeni. Similar to the Tupac biopic, Peace, Love & Respect, the Afeni Shakur/Panther 21 Story will showcase how her adversity led to greatness.

Jasmine Guy, mostly known for her role as Whitley on A Different World, recently spoke to Variety (Feb. 17) about the project. “I was honored when Afeni asked me to author her biography. Now, I have the opportunity to honor her life and her legacy on the screen, and I am very excited to share her remarkable story this way,” she said.

The Harlem Nights actress had a long history with Afeni Shakur. She wrote the activist’s 2004 biography Afeni Shakur: Evolution of a Revolutionary. In the book, she touched on subjects matching those planned for the movie, especially Afeni’s time in the Black Panther Party and experiences in jail. Activist and educator Jamal Joseph is serving as the film’s writer/director.   Moreover, he has personal experience with the famous New Yorker. NYPD arrested 21 Black Panthers in 1969 for conspiracy to plant explosives. Joseph and Shakur were among the lineup. He subsequently spent six years at Leavenworth Penitentiary, while Shakur defended herself in court and was acquitted in 1971.

Afeni Shakur lived a life of challenge, power, rebelliousness, genius and beauty,” he said.

“This is an origin story of a fierce, sexy, trailblazing, woman in Blackness Super Hero!”

Afeni Shakur continues to touch lives

Peace, Love & Respect; the Afeni Shakur/Panther 21 Story has the added advantage of full support from the subject’s estate. In the past, certain biographies conflicted with the deceased subjects’ families. Films like Nina and Aaliyah: the Princess of R&B, based on Nina Simone and Aaliyah Haughton respectively, suffered from production issues due to lack of estate support.

Dina Lapolt is an entertainment lawyer who closely collaborated with Shakur’s estate for years. She is co-producing the biopic and had plenty to say to Variety about her personal connection to the venture.

“My mother was very much a part of the civil rights movement — she taught me about Afeni and how she was arrested as a member of the ‘Panther 21,’” she recounted. In addition to her personal connections, she also expounded on how their actions impacted both black and women’s rights.

“The free breakfast programs, the medical facilities, the newsletter, information about where to go for access to education — that was run by women,” she said. Lapolt showed a great appreciation for women in powerful positions during the interview. She revealed her intentions to have an all-black production team. “I foresee a Black woman director, screenwriter, or Black woman production company, that would be our dream. That would be our goal.”

Indeed, it’s hard to imagine this film won’t be great. In the meantime you can pick up Afeni Shakur: Evolution of a Revolutionary by Jasmine Guy at your local library and learn more about the black power icon.

RELATED STORIES:

Tupac’s Sister Accuses Executor Of Family’s Estate Of Embezzling Millions

Eminem honors Tupac with Museum Visit

 

Follow FMHipHop on TwitterInstagram, and Facebook!

 

Categories
Trending

Suge Knight Sells Life Rights, Gets Biopic Deal

While Suge Knight may be in prison for voluntary manslaughter, that does not mean that he is resting on his feet. Instead, the 56-year-old has just sold his life rights for a biopic. He is in prison for another 25 years. The rap mogul has time for a personal project.

On December 20, Deadline reported that Knight has partnered with Steve Whitney and his production company TSW Films. The publication stated that Knight signed over his life rights for an upcoming biopic. Knight explained why he chose TSW Films in an interview with Deadline.

How Knight’s Biopic came to be

“Over the last 30 years, there has been so much talk about Compton, me, the inner cities, and Death Row – A lot of talk. Even when it comes to making my movie there has been so many imposters saying they have my rights, or they got the deal – that was, and is, all talk. I jumped off the porch in my neighborhood at a young age but never forgot where I came from. Most people try to ride for the hills, I made it and tried to bring as many people to the hills with me and feel that I was successful at it.”

“I met a guy named Mike Klein that was with Ruthless. David Kenner was on the phone with Michael Harris, and they took a meeting with Jerry Heller and during [the] process of taking that meeting, they were trying to sell [Dr.] Dre back to Ruthless behind my back. Mike Klein told me about it, and I respect him for it – We became friends. So, when it came time to do a real movie and tell the truth about it he introduced me to Steve Whitney. Now, Steve, Mike, and I, and the woman that has my back, are making this movie. Taking it to the next level!”

Whitney has also praised Suge Knight’s contributions to music. “During the golden era of rap and hip hop, all roads led through Suge Knight,” said Whitney. “That era helped define a new brand of music and culture that changed the world.”

No immediate details on the project yet, but there will be plenty to come. Stay with FMHipHop for more!

Written by Justin Acosta

Twitter: @hahalacka

Categories
FM News

Yasiin Bey Steps Back from Thelonious Monk Biopic

Courtesy: AP

Yasiin Bey steps back from Thelonious Monk biopic amid the family’s disapproval.

Yasiin Bey steps back from a biopic on jazz great Thelonious Monk despite being announced as its star. As a result of complaints from Monk’s estate, he will not portray him. The artist formerly known as Mos Def responded Thursday morning via Instagram that he will not play Monk since the family did not authorize the project.

“Let me be clear, if the Monk Estate is not happy with it, then neither am I.”

According to Bey, the estate was involved in the film’s production. However, that was not the case. “To be clear, I was given every indication by the production company that the family was on board. It was one of my primary questions.”  Upon learning of the disapproval, he pulled out of the project. Continuing, Bey stated he would be willing to do the film, but only if the family approves it. 

No Involvement by the Monk Family

Yasiin Bey was cast as the star of the film on Monk’s life.  Shortly after the announcement, however, T.S. Monk —Thelonious Monk’s son condemned the film in a fiery email to Pitchfork. “This project and its announcement are totally unauthorized! I hate the script and I control the music in Thelonious’ catalogue, There is no involvement by anyone in the Monk family with this project, and we actually condemn the effort.” 

Bey expressed his desire to move forward. “Perhaps another time,” he hoped. “Under better auspices, but not right now.”

Jupiter Rising Films, the film’s production company, has not yet commented on this latest development.  

Sharon Garza | IG: @MizShazo