A stage adaptation is in the works based on the 1984 film “Beat Street.” The new musical is being produced by Arthur Baker, Michael Holman, Richard Fearn and Grammy Award-winning rapper Nas.
The film “Beat Street,” which featured a story by Steven Hager and a screenplay by Andrew Davis, David Gilbert and Paul Golding, chronicles the aspirations of various artists (including a graffiti artist, DJ and breakdancer) in the South Bronx. The movie is considered groundbreaking in its mainstream depiction of hip-hop culture: breakdancing, mixing, scratching and graffiti art.
“‘Beat Street’ wasn’t just a film — it spread the revolution of hip-hop culture throughout the country and the world,” Nas said in a statement. “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.”
Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, known professionally as Nas, is a 16-time Grammy-nominated rapper. In 2021, he won the Grammy for Best Rap Album for “King’s Disease,” his 12th studio album. Additionally, Nas won a 2016 Sports Emmy for directing the ESPN documentary short “Survival 1.”
Additional creative team members will be announced.
ShowTown Theatricals will provide general management.
Nathan Gehan and Jamison Scott of ShowTown Productions will serve as executive producers of “Beat Street.”
