Frank Lucas

Today In Hip-Hop History: Jay-Z Dropped His ‘American Gangster’ Soundtrack 17 Years Ago

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tumblr 4b41fd4a2a74b9905959ebd21c3ee691 aa7cf1c2 640

On this date in 2007, Jay-Z released his American Gangster album, which also served as the soundtrack to the movie of the same name with Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe.

It was a conceptual album that was inspired by the film of the same name. The album spawned hits like “I Know”, “Roc Boys (And The Winner Is)”, and “Blue Magic”. Guest features include Idris Elba, Lil Wayne, Beanie Sigel, and Nas. The album features production from Diddy, The Neptunes, Just Blaze, and The Hitmen.

American Gangster debuted at number one on Billboard 200, selling 425,861 copies in the first week. This album tied Jigga with Elvis Presley for second-most number one albums. It was a commercial success and viewed as a good follow-up from Hov’s 2006 album Kingdom Come.

What was your favorite song from the album?

The post Today In Hip-Hop History: Jay-Z Dropped His ‘American Gangster’ Soundtrack 17 Years Ago appeared first on .

First Look: Rome Flynn Joins “Godfather of Harlem” as Frank Lucas

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First Look: Rome Flynn Joins "Godfather of Harlem" as Frank Lucas

MGM+ has unveiled a first look at actor Rome Flynn in his role as rising crime boss Frank Lucas in the hit drama series “Godfather of Harlem.” Flynn joins the critically acclaimed series in its fourth season, stepping into the prominent role previously held by Denzel Washington in the 2007 film “American Gangster.”

Created by Chris Brancato and the late Paul Eckstein, “Godfather of Harlem” is inspired by infamous crime boss Bumpy Johnson, portrayed by Forest Whitaker. The series explores Johnson’s return to Harlem in the early 1960s after 11 years in prison, only to find his neighborhood in disarray and new powers rising. Set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement, the show delves into the collision of the criminal underworld and politics of the era.

The released photo captures Flynn exuding a potent mix of charisma and danger, perfectly encapsulating Lucas’ rise to power during the 1960s and 1970s. With Flynn stepping into the role, the show promises to expand its rich depiction of Harlem’s tumultuous history.

In Season 4, Bumpy Johnson continues his bloody war for control of Harlem against New York’s Mafia families, while contending with the emergence of a potential rival in Frank Lucas. Following Malcolm X’s (Jason Alan Carvell) tragic death, Bumpy must also grapple with his daughter Elise’s (Antoinette Crowe-Legacy) involvement with the Black Panthers. The new season is set to deepen the show’s exploration of power, loyalty, and survival in a changing world.

The post First Look: Rome Flynn Joins “Godfather of Harlem” as Frank Lucas first appeared on The Source.

The post First Look: Rome Flynn Joins “Godfather of Harlem” as Frank Lucas appeared first on The Source.

‘Godfather Of Harlem’ Will Expand on Drug Lord Frank Lucas’ Origin Story In Season 4

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MGM+ Renews Fourth Season of 'Godfather of Harlem'

Daytime Emmy-winner Rome Flynn, known for his role as Zende on “The Bold and the Beautiful,” has secured a new recurring role in season 4 of “Godfather of Harlem” on MGM+. According to Deadline, Flynn will portray none other than real-life gangster Frank Lucas.

The hit series explains Flynn’s character as “a country boy from North Carolina who ventured to Harlem and, after initial friction with gangster Bumpy Johnson (Forest Whitaker), eventually rose to become Bumpy’s fierce defender and right-hand man.” Unlike Denzel Washington’s portrayal of Lucas in “American Gangster,” 

Flynn will depict an earlier part of Lucas’s life, starting ten years before the film’s events, so we can call this Lucas’ origin story of sorts from the perspective of the series storytellers.

“Godfather of Harlem” follows the story of crime boss Bumpy Johnson, played by Forest Whitaker, who returns to Harlem in the early 1960s after 11 years in prison to find his neighborhood in disarray. In the fourth season, Flynn’s character, Frank Lucas, emerges as a new gang leader challenging Bumpy Johnson.

As expected, Flynn expressed his excitement about joining the show, stating, “I’m filled with gratitude! Thrilled to be a part of the ‘Godfather of Harlem’ universe and breathe new life into the legend of Frank Lucas. I have so much admiration for Forest Whitaker. Working opposite him, led by the brilliant creator Chris Brancato, is truly a gift. An actor’s dream.”

“Godfather of Harlem” co-creator Chris Brancato praised Flynn, saying, “When I saw Rome’s audition, I immediately knew we’d found our man – equal parts charming and ruthless, savvy and suave. Rome is a wonderful actor who can go toe-to-toe with Forest Whitaker and our other great performers.”

Since leaving “The Bold and the Beautiful,” Flynn has taken on notable roles in “How to Get Away with Murder,” “Chicago Fire,” “Raising Dion,” “Dear White People,” “NCIS: New Orleans,” “MacGyver,” and more. Congrats on the continued success!

The post ‘Godfather Of Harlem’ Will Expand on Drug Lord Frank Lucas’ Origin Story In Season 4 first appeared on The Source.

The post ‘Godfather Of Harlem’ Will Expand on Drug Lord Frank Lucas’ Origin Story In Season 4 appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip-Hop History: Jay-Z Dropped His ‘American Gangster’ Soundtrack 16 Years Ago

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JAY Z's'AmericanGangster'WasReleasedYearsAgoToday

On this date in 2007, Jay-Z released his American Gangster album, which also served as the soundtrack to the movie of the same name with Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe.

It was a conceptual album that was inspired by the film of the same name. The album spawned hits like “I Know”, “Roc Boys (And The Winner Is)”, and “Blue Magic”. Guest features include Idris Elba, Lil Wayne, Beanie Sigel, and Nas. The album features production from Diddy, The Neptunes, Just Blaze, and The Hitmen.

American Gangster debuted at number one on Billboard 200, selling 425,861 copies in the first week. This album tied Jigga with Elvis Presley for second-most number one albums. It was a commercial success and viewed as a good follow-up from Hov’s 2006 album Kingdom Come.

What was your favorite song from the album?

The post Today In Hip-Hop History: Jay-Z Dropped His ‘American Gangster’ Soundtrack 16 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today In Hip-Hop History: Jay-Z Dropped His ‘American Gangster’ Soundtrack 16 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.