Rap Icon Nas has announced his involvement in bringing the 1984 hip-hop film classic Beat Street to the Broadway stage. The news was revealed during the 40th-anniversary screening of the film at the Tribeca Film Festival, where Nas, also known as Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, shared his excitement about joining the creative team for the musical adaptation.

Orion Pictures 1984

Though the full creative team and production timeline have yet to be disclosed, the musical will be produced by Arthur Baker, Michael Holman, and UK-based tech investor Richard Fearn. The adaptation aims to expand on the original film, incorporating new material alongside its iconic musical numbers. Notably, Holman was an associate producer of the original film, and Baker served as its co-producer, composer, and music producer.

In his statement, Nas highlighted the cultural significance of Beat Street, saying, “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. 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.”

Orion Pictures 1984

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