Nas to adapt classic hip-hop film ‘Beat Street’ into new Broadway musical

Nas is set to adapt the classic hip-hop film Beat Street into a new musical for Broadway, alongside the producer of the original film Arthur Baker.

• READ MORE: Nas – ‘King’s Disease III’ review: hip-hop great delivers compelling conclusion to his album trilogy

Beat Street was released in 1984 and depicted the hip-hop culture of the time in the South Bronx in New York, showcasing the breakdancing, DJing and graffiti synonymous with the scene.

And now, as noted by The Hollywood Reporter, legendary NYC rapper Nas will be working on a new stage musical adaptation of the film which is aiming for Broadway.

Nas will be creating new material for the show based on the film’s soundtrack and will serve as producer. Baker, who was a co-producer, composer and music producer on the original film, will also produce the musical.

Nas announced his involvement this week at a screening on the film at the Tribeca Film Festival. “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,” he said.

“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.”

Nas is set to go on tour later this year to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his iconic 1994 album ‘Illmatic’.

Set to run throughout October and November, 15 shows are lined up, and each live date will see the American rapper and East Coast legend perform the breakthrough album in its entirety.

The dates kick off with the run of European shows, starting at the House Of Culture venue in Helsinki on October 22 and eventually wrapping at the Stadthalle Offenbach in Germany on November 8.

He then heads to the UK, beginning with a stop at the O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester on November 10, followed by shows in Edinburgh and Wolverhampton. The stint wraps up with a closing performance at the historic Royal Albert Hall in London on November 15.

Find any remaining tickets to the UK shows here.

Last month, Nas was also a name that was suggested as an option to receive Diddy’s honorary key to New York City, in the event that Diddy’s honour is rescinded.

New York City mayor Eric Adams has faced pressure from various council members to take back the symbolic key they gave Diddy amidst growing controversy and multiple sexual abuse lawsuits against the rap mogul.

Council member Justin Brannan said that Nas would be a perfect replacement for Diddy, calling the Queensbridge rapper the “G.O.A.T.” [greatest of all time].

The post Nas to adapt classic hip-hop film ‘Beat Street’ into new Broadway musical appeared first on NME.