If you like music (which you do, because you’re human), you won’t want to miss the true story told in the upcoming movie "Straight Outta Compton." Take a minute to reflect on 1988. The birth of the Internet, no smart phones, and no social media; the radio and a vinyl record were your best friends. The power of music was significant. Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, and Easy-E, a few members of the gangsta rap group N*ggaz Wit Attitude, took full advantage of their skills and forever changed the world of music.
N.W.A. knew what they were talking about. They verbalized the harsh realities of living in the hood of South Central L.A. through brutally honest rhymes, powerful enough to cause riots, police involvement, and a lasting impact on the residents of Compton, CA, and eventually the entire country. N.W.A. made their presence known. They were young, they spoke the truth, and they would not back down on communicating their beliefs. N.W.A. was soon to be known as the world’s most dangerous group.
The story of how some of the greatest rappers in the game became who they are today is told in a true, raw, factual motion picture, and I could not be more excited. Not only does their road to fame intrigue me, after doing some research, I found some interesting details about the movie that will make it that much better to watch.
There’s a relative among us.
Ever wonder why the guy who plays Ice Cube looks so much like him? That’s because its his son. In an interview with Jimmy Kimmel, Ice Cube was asked if his son had to audition to be in the movie. His response was, “Hell yeah, man. He had to win the part, you know what I’m saying? I ain't giving up nothing for free.” Kudos to you, dad. O’Shea Jackson Jr. not only gets to be a lead in a heavily anticipated film, but he gets a taste of what his father went through to make it big. It didn’t come easy.
The film is being produced from within.
It is impossible to compress an entire legacy into a two and a half hour movie, but it helps when two of the N.W.A members are co-producing the film. Dr. Dre and Ice Cube helped make their reality come to life on screen by making sure each scene was as accurate as possible. Each N.W.A. member who was around during their reign was on set putting their two cents in, and for that, we thank you.
The truths no one thinks about.
The group has been split up for years, but they were known by most people back then. What people don’t always realize is the dangerous road the men traveled on to get to where they are now. From discrimination, to arrests, to threats from the federal government, the men of N.W.A refused to give up their art. They communicated their way of life the best way they could; through music.
The powerful biopic premieres this upcoming Friday, August 14. So this weekend when “you’re crusin’ down the street in my ’64,” take a trip to your local theatre. You don't want to miss this one.
