Filming Hip Hop

Blackfilm.com is reporting that the following have been cast for various roles in the upcoming film about 1980s era rappers, the Juice Crew, called The Vapors. 

Rapper-actor David Banner will play the part of Biz Markie, Cuba Gooding Jr. will be playing Marley Marl, Evan Ross will play MC Shan, Jackie Long as Big Daddy Kane, and Idris Elba as Tyrone Williams aka Fly Ty.  This is on the heels of the announcement that Keke Palmerhas been cast as rapper Roxanne Shante.  Clifton Powell was previous announced as playing the part of hip hop DJ and radio host Mr. Magic.

The Juice Crew, founded by Mr. Magic’s on-air assistant, DJ and Marley Marl, was named after one of Magic’s aliases, “Sir Juice. Crew members included Marley Marl, Mr. Magic, MC Shan, Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie, Craig G, Tragedy Khadafi, Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, Masta Ace, Roxanne Shanté, TJ Swan, and Cool V.

David Banner has also recently starred in the films This Christmas and Black Snake Moan.

It’s reported that The Vapors will begin filming in January 2008. Furqaan Clover (Queen of Media: The Wendy Williams Story) is set to direct. Questionmark Entertainment and Marley Marl, Roxanne Shante and Big Daddy Kane are executive producers on the film while Indiefilmx.com will produce the film.