Nashawn Breedlove who acted as Lotto in 8 Mile has died at age 46. TMZ reports Breedlove died in his sleep at his New Jersey home. There is no cause of death reported.
Breedlove was also known by the rap name Ox and was featured on the soundtrack for the 2001 film The Wash.
Mickey Factz acknowledged the death, highlighting his “tenacity and aggressiveness.”
One fact has proven true in these current times: nostalgia sells. When news broke of the development of a fan-favorite Hip Hop classic film, 8 Mile, as a TV series, excitement for what is to come has steadily built up. The award-winning, semi-autobiographical film depicted the life of the young veteran rapper Eminem and his journey within the gritty Detroit music scene. A huge success during its run, it is no wonder that a reboot is underway.
Part of the growing anticipation is owed to the names involved in this project. The acclaimed rapper, movie producer, and actor 50 Cent revealed his collaboration with Eminem on the adaptation. This iconic team up of two illustrious icons has, of course, strongly built up anticipation. Soon enough, 8 Mile is expected to bring to our screens a modernized remake of a unique come-up story.
8 Mile, The Movie
The 2002 film 8 Mile was a massive hit on the silver screen. Furthermore, the film was not only a success at the box office but also in the commercial music space. Grossing about $242.9 million dollars and receiving RIAA certifications, the movie was easily one of the best films of that year. The title emanated from the name of a roadway in Detroit called 8 Mile Road. Detailing the struggles and story of Jimmy “B-Rabbit” Smith Jr. (played by Eminem) and his rise to fame, the film became a major crowd-pleaser classic.
There’s not much more alluring than a typical but well-done underdog storyline based on true events. 8 Mile was exactly that and more, as it also featured phenomenal music and performances from Eminem. The hit song off the movie’s album, ”Lose Yourself” was well received in the music scene. The track earned Eminem his first No. 1 on the US Billboard 200. The single also went on to receive the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2003.
Besides its many awards and achievements, the impact of 8 Mile was, by and large, a notable one for Hip Hop. The movie not only accentuated the Detroit rap scene but also served as a beacon of hope for aspiring artists. The thematic elements employed in the film greatly resonated with the audience two decades ago and can potentially repeat history in the newer generation with this adaptation.
What To Expect From 8 Mile
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 30: Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and Eminem attend the ceremony honoring Curtis “50 Cent” with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on January 30, 2020 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
The Power producer unveiled plans concerning 8 Mile on Big Boy TV earlier this year. He stated, “I’m gonna bring his 8 Mile to television…It’s gonna be big, I ain’t got no duds, I’m battin’ a hundred.” Considering the success of the series and spin-offs he has produced, his guarantees stand to hold some weight. When asked on how far along in the process they were, he simply responded, “We in motion.”
However, during a sit down with Men’s Health in August 2023, 50 Cent shed more insight on what viewers can expect. He promised that the upcoming television series will be “just as big as the feature film, just huge.” Following his remarks, he offered more information about why the series will stand out. 50 Cent divulged that a modern retelling of the classic story will showcase how the music business operates today. “The interest in it is because the time period of 8 Mile was capturing per the bat…” he continued. “So as we move it into modern times you’ll see things about how we function now, how technology changed the way people enter the music business.”
Release Date
Details on directing, casting, and the release date have not yet been publicly announced. Also, it’s uncertain whether the original 8 Mile cast members will have anything to do with the project. Mekhi Phifer has, however, revealed he has no interest in returning for a sequel to the hit film. Furthermore, 50 Cent and Eminem have remained reticent on any specifics. Nonetheless, details will be forthcoming later on.
The collaboration on the reboot of a classic has most certainly attracted high hopes from fans and critics alike. Many questions have been raised regarding its possibilities and potential level of success. Can the two seasoned performers and rappers transcend the feats of the 2002 film? Can a modern approach be well-executed? And will the series live up to 50’s hype?
During a recent interview with Men’s Health, 50 Cent teased his new Eminem series, 8 Mile. The series is a new take on the iconic 2002 film, and according to Fif, it’ll be just as huge. Earlier this year, he stopped by Big Boy’s Neighborhood to share the news. “I’m gonna bring 8 Mileto television,” he revealed, “We in motion.” The series is yet to have an official release date, but fans are certainly looking forward to it.
Things appear to be running smoothly so far, based on the recent interview. “I’m developing the 8 Mile film into a series,” 50 Cent told Men’s Health. “So this sh*t is expected to be just as big as the feature film, just huge. It’ll be huge. The interest in it is because the time period of 8 Mile was capturing per the bat, so as we move it into modern times you’ll see things about how we function now, how technology changed the way people enter the music business.”
50 Cent then went on to explain how the industry has changed with the rise of new technology. “When you leave them out there and they reach the audience before they reach the record company? Because if you got a computer and you got a decent microphone in front of it,” he explains. “You can buy the beat from YouTube, record your record…soon as you do that, you’re in the music business. It’s just how much interest are you generating.”
8 Mile is a biographical film that is loosely based on the early career of legendary Detroit MC, Eminem. The film, set in the mid-90s, follows Jimmy Smith Jr. a.k.a B-Rabbit (played by Eminem), a struggling young white rapper trying to carve out his lane in a genre created and defined by the African American experience. The film’s title is taken from 8 Mile Road, a highway that separated the primarily African American-inhabited city of Detroit and the largely white suburbs, north of Eminem’s stomping grounds.
The loosely based autobiographical film proved to be a Blockbuster hit, bringing in more than $200 million at the box office. The movie stands as one of hip-hop’s best autobiographical movies, partly due to Eminem’s incomparable career. Another reason why the movie is so iconic is because of the incredible plot and the cast ensemble that brought it to life. Mekhi Phifer, Brittany Murphy, Michael Shannon, Anthony Mackie, Kim Basinger, Omar Benson Miller, and Taryn Manning took on supporting roles in Eminem’s theatrical debut. 8 Mile also features cameos from rapper Obie Trice and Xzibit.
A majority of the cast went on to have stunning careers in Hollywood. Sadly, several actors who starred in the film passed away. De’Angelo Wilson, who portrayed Jimmy’s best friend DJ Iz, unfortunately, died from an apparent suicide in 2008. Brittany Murphy, who played Jimmy’s love interest, Alex, was pronounced dead in 2009 after suffering health complications related to pneumonia and amenia. The director of the film, Curtis Hanson, passed away from natural causes in 2016. Here is what the cast members have been up to after the success of the 8 Mile film.
Marshall “Eminem” Mathers – Jimmy a.k.a B-Rabbit
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 13: Eminem performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
What is there to say about Eminem that hasn’t already been said? Eminem is widely regarded for taking hip hop from the urban communities and inner cities to the suburban communities of America. His skill as a rapper, his influence, and the commercial success of his albums made him one of the greatest and best-selling rappers of all time. Global record sales for the Detroit native stand at around 200 million records.
Eminem dropped eight number-one solo albums, a chart-topping soundtrack for 8 Mile, and two greatest hits compilation albums since 2002. His latest LP, 2020’s Music to be Murdered By debuted at number one on the Billboard Chart, moving 279,000 units in the first week. He has won 15 Grammys, an Academy Award for “Lose Yourself,” 8 American Music Awards, and 17 Billboard Music Awards in the span of his career.
Eminem is the CEO of Shady Records, which he launched with his long-time manager Paul Rosenberg in 1999. He also has his own SiriusXM channel, Shade 45. Most recently, he took inspiration from the 8 Mile soundtrack to launch Mom’s Spaghetti Restaurant which he opened in 2021. Marshall has had a long-standing relationship with Nike and the Air Jordan brand. He occasionally releases limited edition Eminem sneakers based on iconic names such as the Air Force 1, the Jordan IVs, and the Air Max 90s.
Anthony Mackie – Papa Doc, Final Rap Battle Opponent
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 20: Anthony Mackie attends the UK Film Premiere of “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” at Westfield London on March 20, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Anthony Harvey/Getty Images)
8 Mile was actually Mackie’s first movie. He has starred in commercially successful and critically acclaimed movies like Million Dollar Baby and The Hurt Locker. He is also famously known for playing the late Tupac Shakur in Christopher “The Notorious B.I.G” Wallace’s biographical film, Notorious. The New Orleans native has also portrayed Martin Luther King Jr. in the HBO drama, All The Way.
Mackie has, in recent years, achieved global superstardom, thanks to his portrayal of Falcon and the new Captain America in the blockbuster machine that is the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Eventually, this led to a starring role in the Disney+ series, Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
Mackie has also been busy on the Netflix streaming platform appearing in the sci-fi series, Altered Carbon (2020). He has also starred in and produced the sci-fi movie, Outside the Wire (2021). The Marvel superstar has a new dramedy movie on the platform titled, We Have a Ghost. Mackie inked a deal to reprise the role of the new Captain America in the fourth sequel of the Captain America movies.
Taryn Manning – Janeane, Jimmy’s Ex-Girlfriend
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 11: Actress Taryn Manning attends a screening of “Karen” at Silverspot Cinema on August 11, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
Manning is an actress and singer who most notably portrayed Tiffany “Pennstatucky” Doggett in Netflix’sOrange is the New Black. She also played the character of Cherry in Sons of Anarchy and Nola in the hip-hop-inspired drama film Hustle & Flow. The Virginia native frequently made cameos in other popular TV series like NYPD Blue, CSI: Miami, Boston Public, Hawaii Five-0, and Law & Order.
She has two chart-topping singles in the United States. “Send Me Your Love” reached number one in 2012, and “Turn It Up” number 21 in 2011. Taryn is currently filming a horror film titled The Skulleton where she will reportedly star alongside Tyrese Gibson.
Michael Shannon – Greg Buehl, Jimmy’s Former Classmate & Stephanie’s Boyfriend
TORONTO, ON – SEPTEMBER 11: Actor Michael Shannon arrives at the premiere of “Machine Gun Preacher” at Roy Thomson Hall during the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival on September 11, 2011 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Michael is one of the few Hollywood thespians to achieve success on the big screen, the silver screen, and on stage. His career took off with appearances in Groundhog Day, nearly a decade before 8 Mile. Michael went on to star in critically acclaimed films such as Lucky You, Revolutionary Road, and The Broken Tower. He has also had his own fair share of blockbuster films such as Bad Boys II, Machine Gun Preacher, Bullet Train, and the comic book movie Man of Steel where he plays the antagonist, General Zod.
Michael’s latest TV pursuit is his portrayal of George Jones in the American drama miniseries George & Tammy. The show airs on Showtime and co-stars Jessica Chastain as Tammy Wynette. He has also starred in Waco, Little Drummer Girl, Nine Perfect Strangers, and Little Demon. The Kentucky native also has an active career on the theater stage. He has performed in over 30 plays between 1991 and 2023. Michael has won two Screen Actors Guild Awards for his role in the drama series, Boardwalk Empire.
Kim Basinger – Stephanie, Jimmy’s Mother
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 19: Kim Basinger attends the Last Chance for Animals’ 35th anniversary gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on October 19, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images)
Basinger moved to Los Angeles and transitioned into acting after a brief career in modeling in New York. Her global fame came when she appeared in Playboy magazine in 1983. That same year, she starred in her breakout role as Bond girl, Domino Petachi, in the James Bond sequel Never Say Never Again, alongside Sean Connery. After 2002’s 8 Mile, Basinger appeared in popular movies such as The Nice Guys (2016) and Fifty Shades Darker (2017).
Mekhi Phifer – Future, Jimmy’s Best Friend
Mekhi Phifer at the season 3 premiere of Apple’s “Truth Be Told” held at Pacific Design Center on January 19, 2023 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)
The New York native is largely known for starring as Dr. Gregg Pratt in the medical drama series, ER. He had numerous appearances on the big screen in films like Honey, and Dawn Of The Dead. Still, the actor is more known for his roles in TV. Besides ER, Mekhi has had recurring roles in TV shows including Fox’s Lie to Me, British sci-fi series Torchwood, Showtime’s House of Lies, and Love, Victor which is on the Hulu streaming platform.
Evan Jones – Cheddar Bob, Jimmy’s Friend
Evan Jones during “8 Mile” Westwood Premiere at Mann Village Theatre in Westwood, California, United States. (Photo by SGranitz/WireImage)
Evan has had a low-key acting career compared to his 8 Mile co-stars, though his credits are quite expansive. Since 8 Mile, he starred in several films including The Book of Eli alongside Denzel Washington, Seth MacFarlane’s comedy, A Million Ways to Die in the West, 50 Cent’s Den of Thieves, and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Volume II. He has made episode cameos on ER, House, CSI: NY, Hawaii Five-0, Criminal Minds, and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow. Evans’ last appearance in a movie was in 2018 with his roles in Den of Thieves, Hotel Artemis, and the TV movie Cagney and Lacey where he played a detective.
Omar Benson Miller – Sol George, Jimmy’s Friend
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 24: Omar Benson Miller speaks during the “True Lies” exclusive screening and Q&A with cast and creators at WonderCon 2023 at Anaheim Convention Center on March 24, 2023 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Chelsea Guglielmino/Getty Images)
From Spike Lee’s Miracle of St. Anna (2008) to Eleventh Hour, Omar Benson Miller continued to have a thriving career post-8 Mile. He’s had long-standing roles in popular TV series such as CSI: Miami (playing Walter Simmons) and Ballers (playing Charles Greane). Omar has repeatedly reprised the voice of Raphael, both in animation and in film, from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Franchise. He currently stars in the action-thriller television series True Lies. Shortly after 8 Mile, he also appeared in 50 Cent’s autobiographical movie, Get Rich or Die Tryin’ as Karlo.
It’s looking to be a massive 2023 for 50 Cent. His “green light gang” continues o dominate the television arena, but fans have asked the mogul when he will return to music. Fif teased that in 2023, the world will receive new tunes, and while speaking with Big Boy’s Neighborhood, he revealed a few plans he has for the future.
“I’m gonna bring 8 Mileto television,” said Fif. Big Boy questioned if Em was aware of his idea. 50 Cent confirmed he’s already spoken with the Detroit icon about the series.
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The surprise announcement caused a firestorm of questions. “We in motion,” Fif added. “It’s gonna be big. I’m working. I ain’t got no duds. I’m batting 100.
50 Cent also said, “I think it should be there for [Eminem’s] legacy because it’s important to me that they understand it.”
Recently, TMZ caught up with 8 Mile star Mekhi Phifer and asked if there would ever be a sequel to the 2002 film. Phifer thwarted any hopes.
“Sometimes it’s just best to leave it alone. Once you make it a classic, no reason to fool around with it.” He further stated, “It could be interesting, but I wouldn’t be in it, and I’m sure Eminem wouldn’t be in it either.”
Elsewhere in Big Boy’s interview with 50 Cent, he detailed what fans can expect in 2023. According to Fif, as soon as he revealed his plans for new music, the phone calls poured in.
“I got a text from Em that he had already spoke to [Dr. Dre] and he got some crazy stuff for me to go hear,” Fif said. “This is my process. I’ll go make something, the best music I can get my hands on. And when I feel real good about it, I bring it to put pressure on Dre to offer me something. ‘Cause he’ll have some. Always has.”
“He’ll be playing it, it’s his song on the record. He’ll be like, ‘Take that off here. This gon’ be good. Watch.’”
Check out more from 50 Cent on Big Boy’s Neighborhood below.
As his breakout television shows BMF starring and Power Book II: Ghost return for new seasons this month, rapper 50 Cent stopped by REAL 92.3 FM’s show Big Boy’s Neighborhood to discuss each show (which he serves as an executive producer) on and more. As he chatted with host Big Boy, 50 revealed that he would be adding yet another television series to his lengthy production resume.
As the pair talked about 50’s relationship with fellow rapper Eminem and their performance at Super Bowl LVI in 2022, 50 declared a television series version of Eminem’s biopic 8 Mile was underway.
“I wanna bring… I’m gonna bring 8 Mile to television,” 50 said. The mogul confirmed that his dear friend was aware of his plans before continuing, “We in motion. It’s gonna be big. I’m working. I ain’t got no duds.” This news served as a surprise to the host as just days ago actor Mekhi Phifer shot down the idea of a sequel as the film’s anniversary approached.
When asked about the potential for a remake of the film, Phifer replied, “Sometimes it’s just best to leave it alone. Once you make it a classic, no reason to fool around with it,” he said. Phifer ended with, “It could be interesting, but I wouldn’t be in it, and I’m sure Eminem wouldn’t be in it either.”
But 50 Cent creatively disagrees telling Big Boy, “I think it should be there for [Eminem’s] legacy because it’s important to me that they understand it.”
8 Mile is a classic when it comes to hip-hop movies. The story is loosely based on Eminem’s early days as a rapper in Detroit, before his rise to fame. The song “Lose Yourself” which was featured in the movie was also Em’s first Academy Award win for Best Original Song. TMZ caught up to Mekhi Phifer, who played Jimmy’s friend Future, where they asked him about the possibility of there being a sequel to 8 Mile.
“Sometimes it’s just best to leave it alone. Once you make it a classic, no reason to fool around with it,” he said. Phifer also confirmed that there never was a discussion about possibly doing a second movie. “I think leave the classics alone and it’ll be all good,” Phifer added.
The interviewer then asked if it would be interesting to show what happened after Jimmy finally made it and become a big time rapper. “It could be interesting, but I wouldn’t be in it and I’m sure Eminem wouldn’t be in it either,” Phifer said.
Phifer had revealed on The Breakfast Club in 2014 that he once thought about passing on the role as Future because he thought it was “cheesy.”
“It was interesting because when it first came up I was like, it sounded cheesy,” he said. “I was like, ‘Nah.’ And I was due to start ER actually right before the movie started. And I was like, ‘Nah, I’m just gonna start the show, man.’”
Eminem has been revisiting his past lately. I’m personally still not over the nostalgic reunion of Dr. Dre, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, and 50 Cent for last year’s Emmy-winning Super Bowl halftime performance.
In recent months, Eminem candidly reflected on his past drug addiction with XXL and his 2007 overdose with Paul Rosenberg. His Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction speech included mention of his nearly fatal 2007 overdose — joking for his daughter, Hailie, to “plug your ears because drugs were f*cking delicious.” He also took the time during that speech to thank, one-by-one, over 100 of his formative rap influences.
“Sometimes it’s just best to leave it at one,” Mekhi Phifer said when asked by TMZ why there hasn’t been an 8 Mile sequel. “Sometimes it’s just best to leave it alone. Once you make a classic, no reason to fool around with it.”
Phifer added there has not been any conversation about a potential sequel. Will it ever happen? “Probably not,” he said. And does Phifer think that’s a mistake? “No. Like I said, leave the classics alone, and it’ll be all good. Let’s just live with the 8 Mile.”
Phifer was pressed on whether it could be “more interesting” to see what would happen after the events that transpired in the original, but he held firm: “Yeah, but you know, the story that we told is the story. It could be interesting, but I wouldn’t be in it, and I’m sure Eminem wouldn’t be in it, either.”
8 Mile was loosely based on Eminem’s Detroit upbringing. Em played Jimmy “B-Rabbit” Smith, a blue-collar worker with rap aspirations, and Phifer played Jimmy’s close friend, Future. Kim Basinger and the late Brittany Murphy also starred. “Lose Yourself” won an Oscar for Best Music, Original Song.
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