Nas has revealed plans to bring the classic hip-hop film Beat Street to Broadway as a new musical, with Arthur Baker, the producer of the original film. The 1984 film depicted hip-hop culture in the South Bronx of New York, highlighting the scene’s breakdancing, DJing and graffiti. The stage adaptation will feature new material from Nas based on the film’s soundtrack, alongside his role as producer.
Baker, who worked as co-producer, the composer and music producer on the original film, is also set to produce the musical. Nas unveiled his plans during a screening of the film at the Tribeca Film Festival, highlighting it as an opportunity to “bring the raw energy of hip-hop into the fabric of Broadway”. He added that Beat Street “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.”
Still active in music, Nas recently announced his 15-date tour throughout Europe to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his iconic 1994 album Illmatic. The shows are set to run throughout October and November, and each show will feature Nas performing the breakthrough album in full. He will perform across venues in Europe, including the House of Culture venue in Helsinki, eventually concluding the tour at Stadthalle Offenbach in Germany on November 8, before heading to the UK.
The artist will begin his UK shows at the O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester on November 10, before additional shows in Edinburgh and Wolverhampton. His tour will finish with Nas performing his closing show at the historic Royal Albert Hall in London on November 15. Nas has been suggested as an option to receive Diddy’s honorary key to New York City if the honour is rescinded. Council member Justin Brannan named Nas as the ideal replacement, calling him the “G.O.A.T.” (greatest of all time)
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