Pioneering ’80s hip-hop consortium the Juice Crew are getting their due via the rap biopic “The Vapors.”
Directed by first-time feature-filmmaker Furqaan Clover, the cast of the film is starting to take shape according to Blackfilm.com. Academy Award winner (yes, it’s true) Cuba Gooding Jr. will play Marley Marl, “The Wire”s Stringer Bell (Idris Elba) will tackle the role of Tyrone Williams aka Fly Ty (Cold Chillin Records impresario) and Memphis rapper David Banner will portray the indelible Biz Markie.
Others set to portray the legendary crew include, Clifton Powell as hip hop DJ and radio host Mr. Magic, Evan Ross as MC Shan, and “Idlewild”s Jackie Long as Big Daddy Kane (Powell is some badass casting, Gooding Jr. on the other hand hasn’t turned in a good performance in over a decade – ok maybe the “American Gangster” turn was decent).
Still to be cast are Juice Crew members Craig G, Tragedy Khadafi, Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, Masta Ace TJ Swan, and Cool V and presumably Bronx-Crew adversaries KRS One and members of Boogie Down Productions (the two famously feuded in the ’80s). Keke Palmer has already been has been cast as Marley Marl protégé, Roxanne Shanté (who was famously dissed by UTO in the track “Roxanne, Roxanne” and then shot back with “Roxanne’s Revenge“).
Think this is potentially a bad idea? Well, it’s a little late now; filming starts in January. Will we get the real dirt? Hard to say, Marley Marl, Roxanne Shante and Big Daddy Kane are executive producers of the film, but let’s hope for the best.
Watch: Marly Marl – “The Symphony”
