Straight Outta Compton’s success has everyone in hip-hop and Hollywood contemplating the biopic that could be the next big thing. Enter Def Jam. According to Deadline, Universal is considering a biopic on Def Jam Records and its co-founder Russell simmons, who is one of hip-hop business’ pioneers.
Word on the street is that Michael B. Jordan and Jonah Hill were mentioned as possibles to play Simmons and Def Jam co-founder Rick Rubin respectively.
The film would be based on 2002’s Life and Def: Sex, Drugs, Money, + God, co-written by Simmons and Nelson George, which chronicles Simmons’ career, particularly the creation (with Rubin) of the legendary hip hop label that defined rap in the 80s. We’re told it would focus on the early years of Def Jam, and how hip hop grew from an underground sensation into a dominant and pivotal voice of culture and change.
No deals have been put in place yet. Again, this is just an idea. However, this isn’t the first time Russell Simmons’ story was told on the big screen. See 1985’s Krush Groove, which was loosely based on Simmons’ life.
For his part, Russell Simmons is very flattered that Michael B. Jordan is being considered to portray him in a movie. I spoke with Rush, who jokingly said:
“The last time someone that handsome played me in a movie (in 1985’s Krush Groove) it ruined my life for ten years, because wherever I went, everyone was expecting Blair Underwood to show up. God only knows what the rest of my life will be like now that they are talking to someone as handsome as Michael B. Jordan. I don’t know how they’re going to mess him up enough to play me.
“I’m especially excited about Jonah Hill playing Rick Rubin, but I can’t imagine who they could get to be (music exec) Lyor Cohen.
When I look back on the story, there is a lot to tell and it involves a lot of talented people. It’s all very flattering.”
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Def Jam Biopic May Be In The Works Starring Michael B. Jordan, Jonah Hill [POLL] was originally published on hellobeautiful.com
