Chuck Berry Archives - The Playlist

First Listen: Beyonce, Mos Def, Nas & Jeffrey Wright Sing For ‘Cadillac Records’

Rodrigo Perez — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 13:48:00 +0000

We didn’t care much for “Cadillac Records,” the Chess records biopic seemed to be the 101, greatest hits of the Chicago label’s history and while that works in some cases, especially if you’re not an expert in the story (which we’re not), but it’s like the script’s beat points were lifted from Wikipedia. It also doesn’t help that the film is kind of cornball-ish (the voice over makes you want to strangle yourself), ham-fisted melodrama (the guy who plays Little Walter is just too over-the-top).

Continue reading First Listen: Beyonce, Mos Def, Nas & Jeffrey Wright Sing For ‘Cadillac Records’ at The Playlist.

Trailer: Can ‘Cadillac Records’ Be This Year’s ‘Dreamgirls’?

Rodrigo Perez — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:06:00 +0000

“Cadillac Records,” the film that charts the rise and fall of seminal R&B label, Chess Records, starring Beyoncé Knowles, Mos Def and Jeffery Wright, and Adrien Brody (as Etta James, Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters and R&B magnate Leonard Chess, respectively) has itself a trailer.

The synopsis: “In this tale of sex, violence, race and rock and roll in 1950’s Chicago, “Cadillac Records” follows the exciting but turbulent lives of some of America’s musical legends, including Muddy Waters, Leonard Chess, Little Walter, Howlin’ Wolf, Chuck Berry.”

“Cadillac Records” comes out December 5 and is likely hoping to be this years, “Dreamgirls,” but Oscar talk so far is non-existent.

Continue reading Trailer: Can ‘Cadillac Records’ Be This Year’s ‘Dreamgirls’? at The Playlist.

‘Cadillac Records’ Coming Out December 5, Soundtrack Featuring Beyonce, Mos Def, Nas, Jeffrey Wright & Solange Hits December 2

Rodrigo Perez — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 21:22:00 +0000

Something to add to the Oscar season perhaps? Hey, don’t scoff, “Dreamgirls,” did it. Maybe not entirely successfully, but the musical movie sure stuck its foot in the door.

“Cadillac Records,” chronicles the rise and fall of Chicago 1950’s R&B record label (Chess Records) is now set for a December 5 release and could be this year’s “Dreamgirls” if it’s lucky. Either way, they’ll be a ton of classic songs in the film.

Continue reading ‘Cadillac Records’ Coming Out December 5, Soundtrack Featuring Beyonce, Mos Def, Nas, Jeffrey Wright & Solange Hits December 2 at The Playlist.

Mos Def To Play Chuck Berry In ‘Cadillac Records’ R&B Film

Rodrigo Perez — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:08:00 +0000

It was only a few weeks ago that we saw pictures of Beyoncé as Etta James in the film, “Cadillac Records,” chronicling the rise and fall of the titular estimable Chicago 1950’s R&B record label.

Now rapper/actor Mos Def has been cast to play o.g. rocker Chuck Berry according to Variety. Actress Gabrielle Union has been tapped to play Geneva Wade, the girlfriend/wife of Muddy Waters to be played by Jeffery Wright. The film centers around R&B magnate Leonard Chess (played by Adrien Brody) and the estimable 1950’s Chicago R&B record label Chess Records (in the film transposed to Cadillac Records).

Continue reading Mos Def To Play Chuck Berry In ‘Cadillac Records’ R&B Film at The Playlist.