American Gangster Archives - The Playlist

Antoine Fuqua Calls ‘American Gangster’ “Heartbreaking” & The Film That Got Away

Ned Booth — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 17:25:00 +0000

Antonie Fuqua is in the midst of a career renaissance right now. After “The Guilty,” “Infinite,” and “The Day Sports Stood Still” last year, his Amazon Prime Video show “The Terminal List” dropped in July. Fuqua’s documentary series, “Legacy: The True Story Of The LA Lakers,” also hits Hulu on August 15.

Continue reading Antoine Fuqua Calls ‘American Gangster’ “Heartbreaking” & The Film That Got Away at The Playlist.

‘American Gangster’ Prequel Series In The Works, Kendrick Lamar May Provide Music

Kevin Jagernauth — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 18:45:35 +0000

“American Gangster” is like a lot of Ridley Scott films — functional, passable, entertainment that doesn’t really leave much of an impression. Certainly, no one has been asking for more, but if you’re one of the few who asked themselves, what was going on in Harlem before Denzel Washington‘s Frank Lucas took power, well, now you’ll have your answer.

A prequel series in development from “Narcos” co-creator Chris Brancato.

Continue reading ‘American Gangster’ Prequel Series In The Works, Kendrick Lamar May Provide Music at The Playlist.

Russell Crowe Is The Baddest Man Alive In RZA’s ‘The Man With The Iron Fist’

Oliver Lyttelton — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 17:22:00 +0000

We’ve known for a little while now that hip-hop renaissance man, and erstwhile Wu-Tang Clan member RZA was set to follow up his long-gestating directorial debut “Wu-Tang Vs. The Golden Phoenix” (of which there’s still no sign…) with the kung-fu flick “The Man With The Iron Fist” — the project’s been in the works for years, and it finally got the greenlight a few months back from Universal, with a $20 million price tag. But we figured it would be a pulpy, grindhouse flick, full of actors pulled from the stables of RZA’s friends Quentin Tarantino and Eli Roth (who’s producing the film).

Continue reading Russell Crowe Is The Baddest Man Alive In RZA’s ‘The Man With The Iron Fist’ at The Playlist.

Ridley Scott: A Neccesary Reevaluation

Rodrigo Perez — Fri, 14 May 2010 15:25:00 +0000

Ridley Scott is, in some circles anyhow, a god. Practically treated as royalty with laudatory genuflection from certain film enthusiasts — generally genre fetishists — he has turned in two unimpeachable cinema touchstones, “Blade Runner” and “Alien,” plus a few other arguable modern semi-classics including “Black Hawk Down” and “Gladiator” (at least in some people’s minds). But his track record overall? Scott’s batting average isn’t exactly amazing across the board, and while he has major peaks, his work can be frustratingly uneven for someone who is clearly and masterfully talented.

Continue reading Ridley Scott: A Neccesary Reevaluation at The Playlist.

Josh Brolin Starrer ‘Cartel’ Cancelled By Universal A Month Before Shooting

Oliver Lyttelton — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 14:57:00 +0000

The streets of Hollywood are, obviously, littered with unmade, overdeveloped scripts, but it’s relatively rare for a film to have the plug pulled once a film’s been given the greenlight — the more money that gets spent in pre-production, the more disappears down the drain, never to be seen again, if something doesn’t get made and released. Which is why it’s a fairly big deal that Universal just shut down work on “Cartel,” a Josh Brolin-starring drugs drama that was only five weeks away from shooting down in Mexico City.

Continue reading Josh Brolin Starrer ‘Cartel’ Cancelled By Universal A Month Before Shooting at The Playlist.

‘Body Of Lies’ Is No Oscar Contender, But Russell Crowe Shines In Subversive Anti Leading-Man Role

Rodrigo Perez — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:15:00 +0000

A surprisingly engaging thriller, Ridley Scott’s “Body Of Lies,”was far more compelling film than we expected and certainly about a million times better than the film’s terrible poster which does a real disservice to the movies quality which is pretty top-notch, if yes, a little been-there-done that.

A well-crafted cat and mouse game of intrigue, while the film doesn’t say anything tremendously deep about terrorism, international politics or Middle Eastern affairs, it doesn’t really attempt to and sticks closely to trying to entertain and stir which it exceeds at.

Continue reading ‘Body Of Lies’ Is No Oscar Contender, But Russell Crowe Shines In Subversive Anti Leading-Man Role at The Playlist.

Goodfellas 3? Martin Scorsese & Robert De Niro Reteam For The Organized Crime Mob Film, ‘Paint Houses’

Rodrigo Perez — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 03:27:00 +0000

We say “Goodfellas 3,” cause “Casino,” was practically, part 2, no? [ed. someone is screaming heresy somewhere, but let’s face facts people] Variety reports that Marty Scorsese and Bobby DeNiro are reteaming again for another organized crime mob film called, “I Heard You Paint Houses” (mob slang for contract killings.)

Paramount is abetting the plan and Steve Zaillian, the writer behind the grossly overrated (and not very good, “American Gangster” is writing the script.

Continue reading Goodfellas 3? Martin Scorsese & Robert De Niro Reteam For The Organized Crime Mob Film, ‘Paint Houses’ at The Playlist.

Common Cast In Upcoming PG-13 Version of ‘Terminator 4’

Rodrigo Perez — Tue, 06 May 2008 10:35:00 +0000

Socially unconscious (ha) rapper Common is working at a fast clip. Later this year, the lyricist will release his 10th album Invincible Summer, but that’s not slowing down his burgeoning acting career. The Chi-town rapper (now a Brooklynite) has been cast in “Terminator 4” which is scheduled to hit theaters on May 22nd 2009.

Common, aka Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr., will star as a freedom fighter in the inner circle of protagonist John Connor who will be played by Christian Bale.

Continue reading Common Cast In Upcoming PG-13 Version of ‘Terminator 4’ at The Playlist.

Oscar Snubs 2008: ‘Wild,’ Gangster, Jolie, Eddie Vedder Denied

Rodrigo Perez — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 15:36:00 +0000

Ok, we’re going a little overboard with the Oscar coverage. This will be the last one for a while.

What films got snubbed? Well, “snubbed” is a relative and fairly subjective term.

“Into the Wild,” really made a comeback at the SAG awards, but both Sean Penn as director, the film itself and Emile Hirsch all got locked out. In fact, it was snubbed nearly everywhere and we figured it would at least score an Best cinematography nod (maybe it’s all those lefty causes of Penn’s that piss people off).

Continue reading Oscar Snubs 2008: ‘Wild,’ Gangster, Jolie, Eddie Vedder Denied at The Playlist.

‘American Gangster’: Another Perfectly Soulless Ridley Scott Movie

Rodrigo Perez — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 22:30:00 +0000

Where does one start with Ridley Scott? The guy is a master technician, his films are immaculately executed and shot, but what was the last film of his that you really cared about? “Blade Runner”? “Alien”? Sure “Blackhawk Down” and “Gladiator” are arguably strong movies, but do either really resonate with you deeply?

Perhaps this is a subjective argument, the problem with “American Gangster” more than anything is that it’s less a story than it is a “movie” (and make sure the quotations are in place).

Continue reading ‘American Gangster’: Another Perfectly Soulless Ridley Scott Movie at The Playlist.

Jay-Z’s ‘American Gangster’ Leaks: Jigga Wha!

Rodrigo Perez — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 22:34:00 +0000

What rhymes with cease and desist? Ask Mylifemyhiphop.com who have leaked the entire inspired-by American Gangster album by Jay-Z.

Course the files are WMA’s and not Oink-approved 190kpbs Mp3s (but what do those guys know, they’re in jail), but hey, if you want to hear it you want to hear it, right?

Hard to judge off the top, as we’re just listening, but so far they’re definitely more Black Album crack music than Kingdom Come Volvo-driving soccer-mom rap (thank god).

Continue reading Jay-Z’s ‘American Gangster’ Leaks: Jigga Wha! at The Playlist.

‘American Gangster’ Leaks Early Online; Crowe/RZA Collabo Was Apparently Nixed

Rodrigo Perez — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 18:30:00 +0000

Some file sharers out there have Russell Crowe, Denzel Washington and “American Gangster” director Ridley Scott seeing red as their tentpole fall film has leaked online already (it’s not due in theaters until next week).

The leak comes courtesy of a Oscar DVD screener (stupid Academy members) and apparently is not of the highest quality, but in this post-Oink world it is a worrisome sign for the movie industry.

RZA/Russell Crowe Heartfelt Soul-Grunge-Hop Jam Not Meant To Be
Meanwhile, the StarPulse is reporting that the world was robbed of the chance to hear a Russell Crowe/RZA collaboration because studio executives decided their “jamming demo” track wasn’t up to snuff (gee, with Russell Crowe on the hook?

Continue reading ‘American Gangster’ Leaks Early Online; Crowe/RZA Collabo Was Apparently Nixed at The Playlist.

American Gangster First Single Leaks; Jay Goes On ‘Gangster’ Tour

Rodrigo Perez — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 13:51:00 +0000

The first single from the real “American Gangster” soundtrack (the soundtrack, not Jay-Z’s inspired-by album) is fresh out of the oven. Sung by nu R&B soulman Anthony Hamilton, the track is pretty, well… soulful. Mikey likes it, it’s nice.

Meanwhile, Hova is going on a quick 5-city tour of his American Gangster, “I’m Not Retired” album. He’s also backing Nas’ N*gga album title decision which fits since Escobar has been announced as a guest on the Gangster track “Success.”

Continue reading American Gangster First Single Leaks; Jay Goes On ‘Gangster’ Tour at The Playlist.

Jay-Z Making His Own ‘American Gangster’ Hip-Hop Musical?

Rodrigo Perez — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 16:40:00 +0000

Jay-Z is so inspired by this “American Gangster” movie that he not only came out of retirement (again) to record an inspired-by album, but he also plans to make his own film (Man, Ridley Scott should really be taking all of this as a huge compliment).

According to Allhip-hop.com Hova wants to make it like a rap musical (is that a first?)

“What I really plan to do is shoot [American Gangster, the album] as a movie.

Continue reading Jay-Z Making His Own ‘American Gangster’ Hip-Hop Musical? at The Playlist.

Jay-Z Switching Up Gangster Tracklist Or Did Itunes Jump The Gun?

Rodrigo Perez — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 13:43:00 +0000

Remember when ITunes unveiled Jay-Z’s American Gangster tracklist and album cover?

Well either Itunes jumped the gun, Def Jam fed them bogus information, or Jay just keeps switching things up. A bunch of music journalists, including people from Vibe and Entertainment Weekly got a taste of the new inspired-by the-soundtrack disc and it appears either Hova has changed song titles or is still tinkering with the album and adding new tracks.

Continue reading Jay-Z Switching Up Gangster Tracklist Or Did Itunes Jump The Gun? at The Playlist.

Real American Gangster Soundtrack Also Drops November 6

Rodrigo Perez — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 13:32:00 +0000

Ew, we used drop in that verb way all the indie sites do. Shame on us.

Anywoo, we just told you that Jay-Z’s cover and tracklist were revealed for his American Gangster inspired-by-the-movie album. According to a DefJam press release, American Gangster the real soundtrack to the Ridley Scott film of the same title, also comes out on November 6 (just like Hov’s album).

The album includes tracks by Bobby Womack (“Across 110th Street” apparently now the de rigeur we’ve got trouble in black American anthem), the Staple Singers, Anthony Hamilton (his track “Do You Feel Me?” is the album’s first single), Sam & Dave, John Lee Hooker and despite director Ridley Scott’s insistence that Jay-Z shouldn’t be used in the film because the movie is a 1970’s period piece, a 1991 Public Enemy song, “Can’t Truss It” (from Apocalypse 91…The Enemy Strikes Black).

Continue reading Real American Gangster Soundtrack Also Drops November 6 at The Playlist.

Jay-Z Unveils American Gangster Cover & Tracklist

Rodrigo Perez — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 01:09:00 +0000

The roving eye of the kids at Pitchfork doesn’t always sleep. Their news section astutely noticed that the tracklist for Jay-Z’s American Gangster album (inspired by the Ridley Scott “American Gangster” movie, but not the soundtrack to the film – that’s mostly ’70s soul & R&B like Bobby Womack, the Staple Singers and Sam & Dave) was up and available at ITunes.

“American Gangster” the film stars Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, and features small cameos by Common, RZA and T.I.

Continue reading Jay-Z Unveils American Gangster Cover & Tracklist at The Playlist.

Jay-Z’s ‘American Gangster’ Single Leaks

Rodrigo Perez — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 13:51:00 +0000

What’s a Monday moring without a prominent leak?

“Blue Magic” is a Pharrell produced track from Jay-Z’s upcoming inspired-by the Denzel Washington/Russell Crowe/ Ridely Scott film “American Gangster” album. Due in theaters November 2, “Gangster’ also features rappers T.I., Common and RZA in supporting roles. The album, American Gangster, is due November 6.

Update: There’s also a “Blue Magic” promo video currently on YouTube.

Download: Jay-Z featuring Pharell – “Blue Magic”

Continue reading Jay-Z’s ‘American Gangster’ Single Leaks at The Playlist.

Jay-Z Records Album Inspired By Ridley Scott’s ‘American Gangster’

Rodrigo Perez — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 13:01:00 +0000

Ok, first Jay-Z “retired” and then when no one was looking recorded an entire album (2006’s Kingdom Come). It was terrible (what did you expect? It had Coldplay’s Chris Martin, aka instant hip-hop buzzkill).

Then again, when no one was the wiser, Jay-Z quietly did his own thing and then recorded a whole album’s worth of material inspired by the upcoming Ridley Scott film, “American Gangster” according to the New York Times.

The album – which is due November 6 – came together quickly over the last several weeks after Jay-Z was shown a screening of the film that stars Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe and his hip-hop brethren, Common and T.I.

Continue reading Jay-Z Records Album Inspired By Ridley Scott’s ‘American Gangster’ at The Playlist.

Ridley Scott Nabs Common, RZA, T.I. and Public Enemy Producer For “American Gangster”

Rodrigo Perez — Tue, 08 May 2007 19:29:00 +0000

I seen the RZA with his afro out, and I was like, ‘Man, he look so ’70s!’ ” – Common

Not only are rap menagerie, Common, T.I. and Wu-producer RZA starring in the upcoming Ridley Scott film, “American Gangster” (starring Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington), the hip-hop troika will also be contributing to the soundtrack according to an MTV interview with the crochet-hat aficianado Common.

However, the real revelation is that legendary Public Enemy beatmaker Hank Shocklee is scoring some of the movie and producing the soundtrack.

Continue reading Ridley Scott Nabs Common, RZA, T.I. and Public Enemy Producer For “American Gangster” at The Playlist.