“Our art is a reflection of our reality.” – Ice Cube (Jackson Sr.)
N.W.A. rose to prominence as a bookend to the eclectic 80’s in Los Angeles – and to say that is an understatement. The rap group’s meteoric influence in the early 90’s was truly more than a once-a-generation affair, leading to supreme commercial success for founders Ice Cube and Dr Dre. At the time, the streets of Compton, California, were among the most brutal in America. In an era in which abusive authority was seen as rampant, N.W.A. provided an explosion which sparked a muzzled populace. The five youngsters were accused of igniting a cultural war.
As a result, if there’s one thing that is readily apparent in this trailer for Straight Outta Compton, it’s intensity. The air is heavy with raw, unabashed angst. Contempt screams out of every frame, curated by Friday director F. Gary Gray, who seems a wise choice to helm the volatile tone.
Also, don’t be fooled into thinking that CGI wizardry is behind the appearance of Ice Cube in the trailer – the founder is being played by his actual son: O’Shea Jackson Jr., who definitely looks the part at least. O’Shea is supported by Corey Hawkins (Dr Dre), Jason Mitchell (Eazy-E) and Paul freakin’ Giamatti (Jerry Heller).
It might also be pertinent to mention the disruption in the promotion of this film, as in January the real Suge Knight was arrested in an alleged hit-and-run, consequently charged with murder and is awaiting a bail hearing on March 20th.
Buckle up nation; this could be a big one when it drops on August 14th.
Hashvin Sandhu
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