On this day in Hip Hop history, the cult classic comedy Friday soundtrack was released by 550 Music and Epic Records. The album peaked at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart, where it stood for two weeks, and #1 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop chart, where it stood for six weeks. The album was just as commercially successful as the film and was certified double platinum only two months later.
During the 90s, it seemed that every soundtrack was a hit and the Friday soundtrack followed suit. With tracks from Ice Cube, Scarface, Dr. Dre, Cypress Hill, and 2 Live Crew, the album stacked up to be an amazing compilation of original tracks and poppin’ radio singles. At the same time, the addition of a few throwbacks from The Isley Brothers, Bootsy Collins, and Rick James gave the album surprising depth and a sense of nostalgia. Dr. Dre’s original single for the film, “Keep Their Head Ringing,” was able to see great success due to this soundtrack. It ranked at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and #1 on the Hot Rap Tracks chart. It was certified gold by the RIAA in May 1995.
Chris Tucker has revealed his openness to reuniting with Ice Cube to make another Friday film. However, the actor is unsure that it will ever happen as the future of the project lies with the studios. “It’s studios, and if they got they got to want to do it, and then it’s uh producers and all that stuff, so that that’s it’s a lot, it’s a lot that goes with it. I don’t know, it has to come back right because, like I said, at this point, you know, I’m only doing stuff that I know that I could do my best and I can have a lot of fun, got to be right,” Tucker told V-103 Atlanta.
Previously, Ice Cube has spoken at length about the obstacles standing in the way of another Friday film. “I’m trying to get it out of Warner Bros., they don’t believe in the culture man. I had two scripts. I wrote one; it was the shit. They was like, ‘Yo, we don’t want Craig and Day-Day in jail, ’cause Craig and Day-Day went to jail for selling weed before it was legal! Then after they rejected it they had all these fucking movies about going to jail: Orange Is The New Black …Get Hard. So then I wrote another script, and the script was really about … the youngsters in the hood having beef with the OG’s in the hood and Craig has to come back and squash that because Smokey’s son is the new Deebo and he’s wylin!” Cube said in an interview.
Karlissa Saffold Claims Katt Williams Wanted Her To Star In “Next Friday”
However, Cube and Tucker aren’t the only ones talking about the beloved Friday franchise. In early January, Karlissa Saffold claimed that Katt Williams “shouted her out” in his Club Shay Shay interview and that he wanted her to play the role of D’Wana in Next Friday. Saffold said that she turned down the role because of the outfit they wanted her to wear. The role was eventually played by Tamala Jones. Saffold’s comments appear to stem from fans telling her that she should have played D’Wana.
However, people immediately called cap on Saffold’s claims. “Man cap I didn’t hear him say blueface momma or the name Karlissa,” one person argued. “Katt never said that I watched the whole 3 hour interview twice ,” agreed another. “LIES…KATT NEVER SAID THAT YOU HAD A POSSIBLE ROLE IN FRIDAY ,” a third added. Williams did not appear to reference Saffold in his wide-ranging interview. While Williams may have privately told Saffold about Next Friday, he did not appear to say anything to that regard on camera.
Comedian Chris Tucker has previously spoken about why he hasn’t appeared in any of the Friday sequels, even though the movie’s producer Ice Cube says that he offered Tucker $12 million to appear in an upcoming sequel. In an interview with Big Tigger on V-102 FM in Atlanta, Tucker has spoken again about the challenges that would have to be faced if he were to participate in another Friday sequel.
Tuckwer noted that the studios and producers make shooting a new Friday challenging saying, “It’s studios, and they got to want to do it, and then it’s uh producers and all that stuff,” adding, “it’s a lot, it’s a lot that goes with it.” Tucker cited he wants to be in a space where he can create while on set, as that mindset is what actually birthed a lot of the best moments in the first ‘Friday’ film.
Chris Tucker was not immune from Katt Williams’ wrath during the latter’s explosive interview on Club Shay Shay. Williams named Tucker as one of the “great people” the comedy world had lost before the release of Friday 4. While Tucker is very much alive and well, Williams lamented that “the Chris Tucker we got now is the Epstein Island Chris Tucker”. Tucker was one of the many celebrities who was revealed to have traveled at least once to the private island of Jeffrey Epstein. The first batch of unsealed names was made public on January 3, with the full list of unredacted names expected to be revealed by the end of the week. Other names include Bill Clinton, Bill Richardson, Donald Trump, Kevin Spacey, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Cameron Diaz. However, Williams’ comments appear to imply that he was previously aware of Tucker’s connection to Epstein.
Furthermore, Williams went after Tucker for his opposition to marijuana and his friendship with Michael Jackson. “[Chris Tucker] don’t smoke weed like that. He’s in the church. He was Michael Jackson’s best friend. Michael Jackson called him ‘Christmas.’ You ever met a man that gave you a little nickname like that?” Williams told Shannon Sharpe.
As Williams’ interview is seen by more and more people, official responses are starting to filter in. “Katt Williams is a very smart m-dget n–ga, he took shots at the top 10 comedians alive today so we can all respond and make him relevant again,” Michael Blackson wrote on X. He later clarified that he believed Williams was a “top 10 comedian of all time” but also noted that “he’s not the Katt Williams of 2005”.
Of course, Blackson and Williams are long-time rivals. However, Williams’ interview with Shannon Sharpe did present a broadside of attacks. Williams had thoughts on Cedric The Entertainer and Steve Harvey, as well as major music figures such as Diddy and Kanye. For the most part, Sharpe was happy to sit back and let Williams rant, throwing in the occasional interjection.
Michael Jackson was apparently a big 50 Cent fan, as he even tried to call The Gameso they could squash their beef. Moreover, the G-Unit mogul recently found a clip of Chris Tucker joking about the King of Pop’s love for his massive hit, “In Da Club.” Overall, Fif found it quite amusing, especially considering fans who might not have known about the connection between these two. On Sunday (August 20), he took to Instagram to share the clip in question, captioning it with “yo chris is cr*zy, who didn’t like that one LOL.” If you didn’t think that MJ was tapped in with other music during his era, then think again.
“He liked rap,” Chris Tucker said of the musical and cultural icon. “He liked that 50 Cent song ‘In Da Club,’ he liked the beat. So he’d be jamming to the beat. We’d be riding in the car and Michael would just be jamming to the beat. It’s cool until you start saying the words. That’s when it sound cr*zy.” Then, the actor and comedian imitated Michael Jackson singing along to the 2003 banger.
“[I said] ‘Michael, Michael, no! Don’t sing the words. Please,’” Chris Tucker continued of his 50 Cent fandom. “[He replied] ‘I love that song, Chris! I love that beat. I love it, Chris. That is a cold-blooded beat. Of course I wouldn’t go in the club with a bottle full of ‘bub, Chris. I wouldn’t do that! But I love that song!’ ‘It doesn’t sound right, Mike.’ ‘I know but I love it!’” If anything, this anecdote might make you wonder what other rap hits Michael Jackson was a big fan of. For what it’s worth, they don’t get bigger than “In Da Club.”
Meanwhile, much like the Thriller superstar himself, the New York MC has maintained his status as a legend within music. In fact, during his recent tour stop, he expressed shock and awe at the sight of a nine-year-old fan in the stands. Just goes to show that tracks like “In Da Club” still hold a lot of weight, and a Michael Jackson cosign can’t hurt. Regardless, log back into HNHH for the latest news and updates on 50 Cent.
At the peak of his career, Chris Tucker was among the most sought-after comedic actors in Hollywood. Today, he’s recognized as an icon who has shaped the comedy landscape. As of 2023,Celebrity Net Worth estimates Tucker’s net worth to be around $5 million.
Tucker’s Rise To Stardom And Financial Success
Chris Tucker performs; “On Stage at the Kennedy Center: The Mark Twain Prize” will air November 21, at 9 p.m. on PBS. (Photo by KMazur/WireImage)
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Chris Tucker embarked on a stand-up comedy career before landing significant film roles. His breakthrough came in 1995 when he starred in the filmFriday. His role as the talkative and hilarious Smokey made the film a hit and Tucker a household name.
Tucker’s fortunes soared further when he played detective James Carter in the Rush Hour franchise alongside Jackie Chan. The films were box-office successes, and Tucker was reportedly paid $20 million for Rush Hour 2 and $25 million for Rush Hour 3. His earnings for these films established him as one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood.
Chris Tucker during 2002 ShoWest Gala Awards at Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc)
Despite his high earnings, Tucker faced financial challenges. His reported net worth of $5 million in 2023 may surprise fans who remember his high-profile roles and massive paychecks. Mismanagement of finances, combined with tax issues, led to a significant decline in his net worth.
In 2014, Tucker’s financial difficulties became public when the IRS filed a $2.5 million lien against him. Despite these setbacks, the star has remained resilient. He has managed to negotiate his financial issues and continues to work in film and stand-up comedy.
Chris Tucker with Sponge Bob Square Pants during Nickelodeon’s 15th Annual Kids Choice Awards – Backstage Creations Talent Retreat Day 2 at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, United States. (Photo by J. Vespa/WireImage)
So, what contributes to Chris Tucker’s $5 million net worth in 2023? A significant portion comes from his continued work in stand-up comedy. Tucker returned to his roots and has been performing on various stages, including a Netflix special in 2015. His live performances contribute substantially to his current net worth.
Tucker’s film residuals also form part of his income. Although he has not been as active in Hollywood, the films he made continue to generate revenue. Tucker receives a portion of these earnings, which adds to his net worth.
Despite past financial troubles, Tucker continues to maintain his wealth through real estate. He owns a home in Florida, which he purchased for $6 million in 2007. This property contributes to his net worth and represents a smart investment in an appreciating asset.
In conclusion, Chris Tucker’s financial journey is a tale of success, struggle, and resilience. From achieving peak earnings in Hollywood to navigating financial issues, Tucker’s story is a testament to his tenacity.
Today, Tucker’s estimated net worth of $5 million reflects his continued success in stand-up comedy, film residuals, and real estate investments. This figure may not match his past peak earnings, but it represents Tucker’s ability to rebound and sustain his career despite past financial setbacks.
Chris Tucker’s net worth in 2023 is not just a figure—it’s a story. It’s a story of a star who rose to fame, faced challenges, and came out stronger. It’s a story of resilience, and it’s a story that continues to inspire.
Chris Tucker and Martin Lawrence are both trending on Twitter, as fans have been debating who has the funnier films for a hypothetical “movie Verzuz.” Both comedic actors have been in numerous classic films such as Bad Boys, Friday, Money Talks, Rush Hour, and Rush Hour 2, among many others.
The viral debate ensued after the Twitter account, AuxGod, posed the matchup. Fans on both sides of the argument quickly began sharing their favorite clips from the two comedians.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 06: Chris Tucker (L) and Martin Lawrence attend the 47th AFI Life Achievement Award Honoring Denzel Washington After Party at Sunset Tower Hotel on June 06, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for AFI)
One fan argued in favor of Lawrence: “Martin. Not even a contest. Martin was way bigger than Chris was. The man had his own show. He also blew up before Chris so his head start helped. Love both of them though. These were some my favs growing up.” Another user agreed with them while adding, “I own every season of Martin, and have seen every episode who knows how many times and it’s just as funny as it was when I was a kid. Chris is hella funny but stuck to a specific role. I could say the same for Martin but it just seemed more obvious with Chris.”
Others defended Tucker. “I love Martin but DO NOT EVER compare him to the most NATURALLY TALENTED COMEDIAN. Chris Tucker just different fr,” one wrote. Another fan argued, “Chris Tucker could do Big Mama’s House but Martin Lawrence couldn’t do Fifth Element.”
Fans Debate Chris Tucker & Martin Lawrence
As for their respective filmographies, Martin Lawrence has appeared in the Bad Boys franchise, Black Knight, A Thin Line, Blue Streak, and more. He also had his own TV series, Martin. Chris Tucker, on the other hand, starred in the Rush Hour franchise, Friday, Money Talks, and Jackie Brown, among others. Check out fans’ opinions on the debate below.
Agreed. I own every season of Martin, and have seen every episode who knows how many times and it’s just as funny as it was when I was a kid. Chris is hella funny but stuck to a specific role. I could say the same for Martin but it just seemed more obvious with Chris.
Several comedians kept the 90s and 2000s filled with non-stop laughter, and Chris Tucker was one of them. He began to make his mark in 1992 when he performed on the HBO comedy Def Comedy Jam. This short stint would eventually open doors for his film debut and mainstream success. Although he’s appeared in crime thrillers and drams, Chris Tucker’s movie roles often utilize his unmatched comedic chops.
In 1995, Tucker starred alongside Ice Cube in Friday, which has grown to become a cult classic favorite. Despite his iconic role as Smokey, he famously turned down $12 million to appear in the sequel because he didn’t “want to represent everyone smokin’ weed.” Ice Cube enlisted Epps for Next Friday instead — a move that Cube deemed a blessing in disguise, claiming Epps to be a funnier comedian than Tucker. After the success of Rush Hour in 1998, Tucker became a household name and one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars.
His career also features numerous hosting performances. Tucker has hosted three NAACP Awards ceremonies, as well as the BET Awards in 2013. He has also appeared in several music videos of major stars, from Mariah Carey, to Michael Jackson, and Tupac Shakur. At the heart of it all, Tucker is a comedian, and these are the 7 funniest roles he’s taken on in movies.
7. House Party 3
House Party 3 was released in 1994 and features a large ensemble cast of popular African American stars. Chris Tucker made his official film debut as Johnny Booze in the comedy. House Party 3 served as the third in the five-part franchise. After stealing the scene in Def Comedy Jam, Tucker was tapped to appear in the star-studded film and he didn’t disappoint. Even though he had a minor role, Tucker and his character Johnny quickly became a fan favorite.
Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker are a titan duo, thanks to the Rush Hour movies. In 2007, Inspector Lee and Detective Carter returned with their usual formula of slapstick action and hilarious moments. Much like the previous two installments, Rush Hour 3 was a huge financial success, and Tucker earned a staggering $25 million for his role in the movie. Rush Hour 3 saw the duo heading to Paris to uncover a secret relating to the Chinese triads. You may not laugh as loud as in the previous movies, but Chris Tucker’s comedic timing is still a standout. For several years, Chan and Tucker have been in talks to reprise their roles in a fourth installment.
5. Money Talks
Money Talks was released in 1997 to lukewarm reviews. However, Tucker was as funny as ever in the action comedy. He starred alongside Charlie Sheen as a car wash hustler named Franklin who owed a mobster money. Sheen took on the role of James Russell, an investigative reporter and Franklin’s ticket out of prison. Money Talks became a huge commercial success upon its release, despite the critical panning. However, the movie also planted the seed for Tucker’s relationship with director Brett Ratner. This partnership on Money Talks led to Chris Tucker’s starring role in the Rush Hour movies.
After the overwhelmingly positive reception of Rush Hour in 1998, Tucker’s career reached new commercial heights. As a result, he notably negotiated a whopping $20 million salary for the sequel. It all proved to be a winning strategy, however, because Rush Hour 2 became an even bigger commercial success than its predecessor. Chris Tucker’s list of movies he’s starred in has been financially profitable, but Rush Hour 2 takes the cake. It is the highest-grossing movie in his catalog. As expected, Tucker kept the jokes coming in the popular sequel.
3. Silver Linings Playbook
Silver Linings Playbook is the most critically acclaimed movie in Chris Tucker’s filmography. Although Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence were the main stars, Tucker’s comedic supporting role was praised. The comedy-drama was especially heartwarming for the actor’s fans and well-wishers because it was his first film appearance in half a decade. In Silver Linings Playbook, Tucker starred as Danny McDaniels, a happy-go-lucky man with anxiety disorder. With limited screen time, Tucker still delivered his witty charms that delighted many viewers.
In 1998, Chris Tucker was propelled to great fame off the success of Rush Hour. Tucker quickly became a household name after starring in the hilarious buddy cop comedy. Alongside Jackie Chan, the actor delivered several hilarious moments that made for timeless comedy gold. Besides becoming a critical darling, Rush Hour also performed really well at the box office. This commercial success eventually led to the release of Rush Hour 2.
1. Friday
While Friday was not a box office powerhouse like the films in the Rush Hour franchise, it’s one of the most acclaimed of all Chris Tucker’s movies. The buddy stoner comedy stars Ice Cube and Tucker as a pair of slackers who wind up owing a drug dealer money. Friday marked a shift in Hip Hop movies of the 90s. By providing a more comedic approach to the genre, Ice Cube served to show a softer and lighter side to the portrayal of the hood in film.
Mike Epps versus Chris Tucker is a debate between two titans of the Black comedy in the 1990s. Epps got his big acting break in 2000’s Next Friday, playing Day-Day Jones, the sidekick to Ice Cube’s Craig Jones. Meanwhile, Tucker got his break in the first Friday film in 1995. Later in the decade, Tucker would become well-known for his starring role in the Rush Hour films alongside Jackie Chan.
Both men had a crucial role in the Friday franchise. Furthermore, both men had helped define comedy for a generation of people. But who was funnier? There are arguments for both but now Ice Cube has weighed in on the debate.
HOLLYWOOD – JUNE 8: (US TABS AND HOLLYWOOD REPORTER OUT) (L-R) Actors Ice Cube, Cedric The Entertainer and Mike Epps attend the after party for the premiere of the Paramount Pictures’ film “The Honeymooners” on June 8, 2005 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
“Mike, to me, is funnier, just as a pure comic,” Cube said. Furthermore, he acknowledged that they wouldn’t have had Epps’ Day-Day if Tucker hadn’t left the Friday franchise after the first film. “Yeah, I’m glad he didn’t do it,” Cube said. “‘Cause we wouldn’t have Mike.” Furthermore, Tucker was reportedly offered $12 million to reprise his role as Smokey but declined over “religious reasons.” Cube elaborated on this, explaining that, “Yeah, we wanted him,” he said. “He turned it down. You’ll hear a thousand different stories, but we wanted to pay him $12 million to do that movie and he turned it down. He said it was for religious reasons…He didn’t wanna cuss and he didn’t wanna smoke weed on camera.”
Meanwhile, Tucker gave his own version of events in 2021. “I never really told people this ’cause I kinda forgot about it … I didn’t want to represent everybody smoking weed,” he said. “I kind of made it more personal than a movie … I wanted to move on because when I did something, I never wanted to do it again. Back then, I was all about going to the next level. I had a good sense of like, ‘OK, now it’s time to go do an action movie.’”
Ice Cube showcased his range as an actor when Friday dropped. The iconic stoner comedy dropped in 1995 and boasted a star cast including Chris Tucker in the supporting role of Smokey, the late John Witherspoon as Willie Jones, and Tiny “Zeus” Lister Jr. as Deebo. Unfortunately, in recent years, both Witherspoon and Lester Jr. have passed away, along with several other members of the cast, such as Bernie Mac, Reynaldo Rey, and Yvette Wilson.
During a recent appearance on GQ, Chris Tucker reflected on his first “co-starring role,” praising director Gary F. Grey and recounting his experience alongside several of his cast mates. “Tiny Zeus Lister, I don’t know if I mentioned him when he passed away. One of my good friends, the legendary Tiny Zeus Lister, who played Deebo. Casting him as like, the big villain coming like the shark from Jaws,” he said. Lister Jr. passed away at 62 in 2020 from hypertension and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Chris Tucker Looks Back At “Friday”
Along with Tiny Lister, Tucker also reflected on working alongside the talents such as Witherspoon, Bernie Mac, Rey, and Wilson. “The legendary iconic John Witherspoon,” Tucker continued, “and Bernie Mac. Those guys, comedy legends and gods, man. You had Reynaldo Rey, and Yvette Wilson. So many legends that was in this movie that passed away. I’m so, so honored to have worked with them.”
Chris Tucker only appeared in the first Friday film before Mike Epps took over in the supporting role as Craig’s cousin, Day Day. However, fans have undoubtedly hoped that Smokey would return to the screen. During a recent interview with Audacy’s V-103, he said that he’d be willing to join the cast ofLast Friday as long as the script’s to his liking. “I love that they did two more after the one I did. If it’s possible, if it comes together right, I would try to do it. I’m a perfectionist, I’m sorry. If it ain’t gonna be great – I don’t believe in ‘some movies are good, some are not.’ Nah, I’m going all the way; I want it to be great.”
,” agreed another. “LIES…KATT NEVER SAID THAT YOU HAD A POSSIBLE ROLE IN FRIDAY 
,” a third added. Williams did not appear to reference Saffold in his wide-ranging interview. While Williams may have privately told Saffold about Next Friday, he did not appear to say anything to that regard on camera.
