What rap legend is embodied by his son in this biopic released in 2015 and staged by one of the directors of the “Fast & Furious” saga?
This group hit the headlines in the 90s, and embodied the “West Coast” spirit of American rap. Nwa means Niggaz Wit Attitudes, and revealed to the general public the legends Dr. Dre, Ice Cube or the late Eazy-E.
Dissolved in 1991, the musical collective still enjoys very popularity today. It is therefore not a surprise if a biopic, NWA – Straight Outta Compton produced by the members of the group, was devoted to him in 2015.
The story of the group told by its members
The origin of the project dates back to 2009, under the leadership of Dr. Dre and Ice Cube and the other beneficiaries of Nwa John Singleton and Peter Berg were expected to make the film, before the project was finally entrusted to F. Gary Gray (Fast & Furious 8). The latter notably carried out several clips of the two rappers in their respective solo careers.
The involvement of the members of NWA made it possible to ensure the film to remain as close as possible to the reality of the facts and to tell their story through their point of view. But the Straight Outta Compton team also had to face another major challenge: to find the right performers to embody the members of the group on the screen.
A family story
While an actor with a talent already confirmed, Corey Hawkins, was chosen to camp Dre, it was conversely a beginner actor who was selected to lend his features to Ice Cube. But there is no doubt that O'Shea Jackson Jr. was literally born to play this role, since he is none other than the son of the American rapper!
Another “son of” almost appeared in the film, since it was planned that Lil Eazy e also lends his features to his father. But it is ultimately another actor – Jason Mitchell – who played the rapper in the feature film. Let us also note the participation of Paul Giamatti in the role of manager Jerry Heller, and the short appearance of Lakeith Stanfield in the shoes of Snoop Dogg.
A huge success when it was released, the film brought back more than $ 200 million worldwide (for a budget slightly less than 30 million). NWA – Straight Outta Compton was also appointed to the Oscar for the best original scenario (amazing choice for a biopic, but let's go…). The film is considered to date as one of the best musical biopics in recent years.
Its online on Netflix this Saturday, May 31 gives us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the history of the most influential American rap group in the 90s.
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