Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) has announced it will distribute Hurry Up Tomorrow, a suspense thriller and the first feature film by Grammy-winning, Oscar- and Emmy-nominated artist The Weeknd, also known as Abel Tesfaye. The film, linked to an album of the same name, features a score by Tesfaye and collaborator Daniel Lopatin.
Directed by Trey Edward Shults (Waves), Hurry Up Tomorrow stars The Weeknd, Jenna Ortega, and Barry Keoghan, with Tesfaye producing alongside Reza Fahim, the late Kevin Turen, and Harrison Kreiss. Executive producers include Ortega, Shults, and Michael Rapino, among others. The creative team boasts cinematography by Chayse Irvin and costumes by Erin Benach and Hannah Jacobs.
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson called Tesfaye “a visionary whose art transcends mediums.” He emphasized that Hurry Up Tomorrow offers fans a new, musically driven psychological thriller experience.
This film and album also conclude Tesfaye’s trilogy, following After Hours (2020) and Dawn FM (2022), capping a narrative arc rich with existential and self-reflective themes.
With anticipation building, fans worldwide can look forward to a release date soon for this eagerly awaited cinematic and musical experience.
Exhibiting his creative versatility, 21-year-old NLE Choppa has released a 45-minute short film, NLE Choppa Presents: The Wash, co-directed with Ben Marc. The short is a modern tribute to the 2001 cult classic The Wash, starring Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. Released through NLE Entertainment/Warner Records, it follows the recent success of Choppa’s hit single “Or What” featuring 41 and his new project, SLUT SZN.
NLE Choppa Presents: The Wash follows Choppa as he scrambles to save his struggling car wash business. In a comedic twist, he hires a bold team of female staff and revamps the service list with risqué names like “Sloppy Toppy” and “Rim Job,” adding humor to the plot. The story, driven by the cast’s natural chemistry, delivers laughs with a heartfelt message about perseverance and faith.
The film features appearances from Lil Wayne, Lou Ratchet, Sukihana, TraRags, and more, adding to the charisma and chaotic fun of Choppa’s cinematic debut.
On this day in film history, Hype Williams’ 1998 masterpiece Belly was released in theaters. Starring New York legends Nas and DMX, Belly follows the life and times of Tommy Bunds (DMX) and Sincere (Nas). The two get by as run-of-the-mill professional criminals ducking and dodging their way to their idea of a better life. While DMX’s character is fine with continuing to stick-and-move and stack as much money as possible until it catches up with him, Nas’ role is looking to better himself and move his family ‘back to Africa’.
The film’s star-studded cast included Taral Hicks, T-Boz of TLC, Method Man, AZ, the late Louis Rankin, and Oliver “Power” Grant with cameos from Ghostface Killah and Sean Paul.
Although the movie may have been poorly received by critics across the board, this movie helped shape a generation. Hype Williams’ portrayal of this side of rap culture electrified not only those who were experiencing the themes of the film; but, it reached the millennials who were soon to take the reigns of pop culture. Films like Belly created an image that was directly emulated by the next generation of rappers. Without its influence and appeal the lifestyle led by artists like Jay-Z, Dip Set, and even A$AP Mob might have not have been as glamorized.
The film also spawned one of the greatest Hip Hop movie soundtracks of all time, featuring tracks from D’Angelo, Mya, Raekwon, N.O.R.E., Jay-Z, Beanie Sigel, Memphis Bleek, Wu-Tang Clan, and the film’s stars. The soundtrack peaked at #5 on the Billboard 200 and #2 Top R&B/Hip Hop chart making it one of the highest-charting Hip-Hop film soundtracks to date. The album’s sole single “Grand Finale” featuring Nas, DMX, Method Man, and Ja Rule peaked at #63 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop singles chart.
Megan Thee Stallion is coming clean about having sex with Tory Lanez. In a conversation with Gayle King on CBS in 2022 after the shooting, Thee Stallion stated she and the jailed rapper never hooked up. In her Prime documentary, Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Own Words, she claims they did “once or twice” while drunk.
In response, Ceasar McDowell, CEO of Unite the People, who represents Lanez, stated to TMZ: “The fact that Megan lied about her sexual relationship with Tory obviously makes her an unreliable witness. If someone lies in front of millions of people, how can you trust what they say any other time?”
In Lanez’s appeal, he notes “previous false statements made by Megan.”
Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words provides an intimate look at the life of the Houston-born rapper, revealing the woman behind the persona. The documentary follows Megan as she rises to stardom, navigating fame, grief, pressure, and success. It captures her most vulnerable moments, allowing fans to connect with Megan Pete more deeply.
Produced by Amazon MGM Studios, TIME Studios, Roc Nation, and Nneka Productions, the 112-minute film is directed by Nneka Onuorah. Co-producers include Carmen Cee and Mackenzie Hill, with executive producers Loren Hammonds, Desiree Perez, and others.
Paramount+ has announced that The French Montana Story, an exclusive documentary following the rise of Moroccan-born hip-hop star French Montana, will premiere on November 19 in the U.S. and Canada and on November 20 in the U.K. and Australia. The film, produced by Live Nation Productions for MTV Entertainment Studios and directed by Mandon Lovett, provides an intimate look at Montana’s journey from hardship to stardom.
The documentary delves into Montana’s life as he navigates the challenges of growing up in the Bronx. After being abandoned by his father, Montana’s single mother was left to support him and his two younger brothers. The film captures the family’s immigrant story, highlighting a mother’s strength and a son’s determination to overcome life’s obstacles to pursue his American dream. In the words of Montana, “It’s the first blueprint of an immigrant’s music dream, proving that anything is possible and it’s not about the awards, it’s about what we learn from the losses and sacrifices.”
In addition to directing by Lovett, The French Montana Story is executive produced by Michael Rapino and Ryan Kroft for Live Nation Productions, alongside French Montana himself under his Montana Entertainment banner.
Funk Flex calls out Shyne over the trailer for his documentary, The Honorable Shyne. Hitting the airwaves, Flex called Shyne a liar, referencing Shyne blaming Diddy for how the 1999 Manhattan nightclub shooting went down.
“When somebody tries to say they the scapegoat or they was used… it’s been bothering me,” said Flex on Hot 97. “And I’m gonna keep it a buck. Shyne, I love you bro, and I know what you’ve been though—no I don’t—but you’re a liar. You’re a stone-cold faced liar, Shyne.”
You can hear the full rant below.
DJ Funk Flex goes off on Shyne’s new Hulu documentary trailer, calling him a liar and says he’s going to expose Shyne for claiming he was the scapegoat in the 1999 NY club shooting involving Diddy. pic.twitter.com/ta5DoQ1ttP
Andscape, Disney-ESPN’s platform focused on Black culture, debuted The Honorable Shyne trailer. The new documentary feature will premiere exclusively on Hulu on Nov.18th.
The documentary, directed by Marcus A. Clarke, chronicles the remarkable life of Moses “Shyne” Barrow, a Grammy Award-winning musician who transitioned from rap stardom to political leadership.
Shyne’s rise in the late 1990s was abruptly halted when he was convicted in a high-profile New York nightclub shooting involving rap mogul Sean “Puffy” Combs. While Combs was acquitted, Shyne was sentenced to ten years in prison in 2001. After his release, Shyne returned to his native Belize and pivoted from music to politics, ultimately becoming the Leader of the Opposition Party.
The film showcases Shyne’s journey of redemption and transformation, providing an intimate look at his evolution from an incarcerated rapper to a leader working to create a brighter future for Belize.
Produced by Jason Perez, The Honorable Shyne features executive producers Dwayne Bray, Talitha Watkins, and others, with co-executive producers David Dennis Jr. and Justin Tinsley. The documentary promises an inspiring narrative of resilience and purpose.
The Honorable Shyne premieres on Hulu on Nov. 18th.
Andscape, Disney-ESPN’s platform focused on Black culture, debuted The Honorable Shyne’s trailer. The new documentary feature will premiere exclusively on Hulu on Nov.18th.
The documentary, directed by Marcus A. Clarke, chronicles the remarkable life of Moses “Shyne” Barrow, a Grammy Award-winning musician who transitioned from rap stardom to political leadership.
Shyne’s rise in the late 1990s was abruptly halted when he was convicted in a high-profile New York nightclub shooting involving rap mogul Sean “Puffy” Combs. While Combs was acquitted, Shyne was sentenced to ten years in prison in 2001. After his release, Shyne returned to his native Belize and pivoted from music to politics, ultimately becoming the Leader of the Opposition Party.
The film showcases Shyne’s journey of redemption and transformation, providing an intimate look at his evolution from an incarcerated rapper to a leader working to create a brighter future for Belize.
Produced by Jason Perez, The Honorable Shyne features executive producers Dwayne Bray, Talitha Watkins, and others, with co-executive producers David Dennis Jr. and Justin Tinsley. The documentary promises an inspiring narrative of resilience and purpose.
The Honorable Shyne premieres on Hulu on Nov. 18th.
Pharrell Williams gives an arrangement of flowers at his NYC Piece By Piece Premiere
The New York City red carpet premiere of Piece By Piece, held on Wednesday, October 9th, at Jazz at Lincoln Center, was an unforgettable evening filled with stars, nostalgia, and unexpected moments. Among the celebrities in attendance were Pharrell Williams, A$AP Ferg, Pusha T, N.O.R.E, Bianca Lawson, Teddy Riley, and Nigel Sylvester. However, one of the most touching moments of the night came when Pharrell paused an interview to give journalist Courtney Brown her well-deserved “flowers” for the role she played in his early career.
Courtney Brown and Pharrell Williams
During the red carpet interview, Pharrell surprised Brown, a former music industry insider who spent years with Pharrell in the studio, by taking the microphone and reflecting on the pivotal influence she had on his journey. In an emotional tribute, Pharrell said, “So, y’all gotta understand. Courtney was there in the very beginning. She was there when Rob discovered Kelis and introduced her to me, you were her best friend. But what I will say is The Source is so lucky to have this person that not only knows about rap music but music period. I know this because I was there, I remember you asking all of the questions then—I should have known that this is what you were gonna do, but I didn’t.”
Courtney Brown and Clipse
Pharrell continued, praising Brown’s deep curiosity and knowledge about music culture, adding, “You asked all the most amazing questions, always so inquisitive about culture. If there was something I wasn’t up on, you were like telling me all about it. I heard about the A$AP crew through you. So many things I learned through you. I really did. And so I just want to make sure that I give you flowers—not flowers, but an arrangement—a bouquet of everything I know of you that I experienced myself.”
For Brown, who spent her early years in the industry as Kelis’s best friend and a fixture in Pharrell’s studio sessions, the moment was both surreal and heartwarming. She recalled watching Pharrell’s journey from those early days in the studio, where he would juggle working on multiple songs at once, his creativity and talent already evident.
Producer Teddy Riley and Courtney Brown
The premiere of Piece By Piece was a testament to Pharrell’s remarkable career, from his roots as a young producer to becoming a global superstar. The film, directed by Academy Award-winner Morgan Neville, is a unique LEGO®-animated biopic that delves into Pharrell’s evolution as an artist, producer, and cultural icon. Featuring appearances by Gwen Stefani, Kendrick Lamar, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Busta Rhymes, Jay-Z, and Snoop Dogg, the movie explores Pharrell’s journey with vibrant, joyful storytelling.
As Brown watched the film, she was moved to tears, reminiscing about the many moments she shared with Pharrell during the early days of his career. She reflected on his unique style and creativity, and how he introduced his N.E.R.D. and “Skateboard P” to the world. The film beautifully captures Pharrell’s sensitive, introspective side, showcasing the doubts and fears that only a true empath like him could reveal.
Pharrell’s tribute to Brown on the red carpet was a fitting reminder of the impact they had on one another. His heartfelt words, combined with the inspiring narrative of Piece By Piece, made it clear that Pharrell’s journey is not just about his individual success but also about the people who influenced him along the way.
As Pharrell concluded his tribute, he reflected on the significance of the film, saying, “And that is the reason why we did this film—because it gives me a platform to give flowers to all the things that have influenced me, all the people, all the situations, all the moments, and you were definitely one of those people. Harlem once again. Thank you for everything.”
Piece By Piece is now in theaters, offering a captivating blend of LEGO animation and Pharrell’s iconic music. The film is a must-see for fans of all ages, as it celebrates the creative genius of Pharrell Williams and the people who helped shape his extraordinary career. Prepare to be inspired by this one-of-a-kind cinematic experience, which merges breathtaking animation with an exploration of Pharrell’s journey from a small-town dreamer to a global icon.
Watch the lost audio files of the interview below.
Watch the trailer for Piece By Piece below.
In theaters now!
photos by: Shots By Sean Bell
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Rap superstar Megan Thee Stallion tells the story for the first time about what her life was like following the 2020 shooting incident involving Tory Lanez and the pressure she was under at the time, which caused her to have a mental breakdown.
Megan recently dropped the trailer for In Her Words documentary, which explains how “the global superstar recovers from a 2020 shooting incident and grapples with the perils of fame (among other things).”
In a clip from the trialer, she says, “I think I really forgot who I was, and when life started really getting crazy, I didn’t have [my mother]. That’s when I started getting the backlash. The shooting. The betrayal. I was definitely getting a little too engulfed in social media…I had really had, like, a real breakdown.”
She added, “I want people to understand how this affected me. I want people to see how I feel. I been through so much I can’t give up.”
The trailer was first announced by RocNation and TIME Studios back in 2022, however, the doc is slated to premiere on October 31 via Amazon Prime Video.
“We are thrilled to be able to work with Roc Nation to share Megan’s story with the world,” TIME Studios’ co-head of documentary Loren Hammonds said in a statement. “Millions of people are familiar with her as an entertainer, but this series will give her a chance to share her truth as never before.”
Kenya Barris’ Khalabo Ink Society and Cole Bennett’s Lyrical Lemonade are collaborating on a new documentary exploring the life and career of Chicago rapper Chief Keef. Directed by Bennett and produced by Barris alongside Khalabo’s Jeremy Allen, the film will chronicle Chief Keef’s meteoric rise, his 10-year political exile from Chicago, and his recent return to the city.
The documentary will highlight Chief Keef’s pivotal role in creating Drill Rap, a genre that revolutionized hip-hop and left a lasting impact on both the music industry and Chicago’s cultural landscape. Viewers will also get a glimpse into Chicago’s segregated neighborhoods and gang violence, providing context for Keef’s journey. The film will delve into how Keef became both a voice for the city’s marginalized youth and a scapegoat for political figures looking to address gang violence.
Widely regarded as the “King of Drill Music,” Chief Keef was more than a rapper to his community—he was a symbol of hope for young people in underserved areas. As he developed a new sound that captured the raw realities of life in Chicago, he gave a voice to their shared struggles. However, for local politicians, Keef’s music made him a convenient target for controversy.
Cole Bennett, founder of Lyrical Lemonade, brings his unique vision to the project. Known for his innovative music videos, Bennett has worked with artists like Juice WRLD, Eminem, and Post Malone. His blend of bold visuals and cutting-edge techniques has made Lyrical Lemonade a powerhouse in the hip-hop world.
In addition to Barris and Allen, the film’s executive producers include Jake Millan, Krista Worby, Emile Geneve, and Idris Dykes.
