The Hip Hop Report
Episode 28: Denzel Washington, Russell Crow, Jay-Z

Video Transcript:

HIP HOP REPORT
Episode #28: Feat. DENZEL WASHINGTON – RUSSELL CROWE – JAY Z

Coming up on this episode of the Hip Hop Report. We get gangsta wit it! American Gangster that is. We’ll catch with the stars of the blockbuster movie including Denzel Washington who speaks on rappers becoming actors. Russell Crowe shares his opinion on gangsta rap vs gangster movies and Jay Z releases his American Gangster inspired CD…All That and more coming up next on the Hip Hop Report!

“AMERICAN GANGSTER” (TRAILOR CLIP)

Academy Award winning actors Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe star in the blockbuster hit American Gangster, based on the true story of 1970’s drug kingpin Frank Lucas played by Denzel and the NY detective that took him down Richie Roberts, played by Russell Crowe. Denzel explains why he took on the role of Lucas:

DENZEL WASHINGTON (quote on “WHY HE TOOK THE ROLE”)
Denzel Washington – Because they called me up and told me Ridley Scott was interested in directing it. The first time I was looking at doing it Antwaun Fuckler was directing and then when he dropped out or was let go…I dropped out. And then a year and half or two Ridley Scott was attached to it and then I like the idea of working with Ridley Scott.

A nice line up of hip hop stars also had roles in American Gangster including Common, RZA and T.I. Denzel shared his opinion about rappers pursuing acting roles:

DENZEL WASHINGTON (quote on “RAPPERS ACTING”)
Denzel Washington - I think you know people come to acting from all areas…You know. If you’re good and you’re trained and you’re good, you deserve the opportunity. If you’re good! You might not be any good.


T.I. who plays Denzel’s nephew in American Gangster was recently arrested on federal weapons charges and freed on $3 million bail and is now restricted to his home until he goes to trial. Denzel speaks on T.I.’s arrest:

DENZEL WASHINGTON (quote on “T.I.’S ARREST”)
Denzel Washington - I pray for him and hope that he’s not guilty of the charges and I hope for the best for him.

Russell Crowe who plays Detective Roberts in American Gangster was hit with the question of whether it’s fair to come down on gangster rap and not gangster movies. This is his response:

RUSSELL CROWE (quote on “GANGSTA RAP VS GANGSTER MOVIES”)
RUSSELL CROWE - He asked me how come a Hip Hop Guy can do an album and get slammed for it but you and Denzel do this movie about gangsters and you get world praises...you know? And, my answer to that was like I don’t think anybody questions you know the thing of writing a song from the perspective of what your life really is. Here it is, I grew up in this area and this happened and that happed, right. But then there is another step that happens is the glorification of the gun, the denigration of women. And, I think that is actually what the criticism or the level to most. If people are criticizing them. That’s where most are with gangster music…. There is a certain point, you know….where your experiences are one thing, but your attitude is another thing all together. So yeah tell us about what happened. Tell us the real life stuff and everything man but don’t glorify the gun man because it doesn’t get us anywhere.



Speaking of American Gangster, Jay-Z recently released his 10th album with the same name. The rap mogul says he was so moved by the movie he immediately started working on his new CD after an early screening of the film. Jay Z’s American Gangster is not the official soundtrack for the gangster flick but rather a collection of tracks inspired by scenes from the movie.. His new album features appearances by Beanie Sigel, Lil Wayne, Pharrell and former rival Nas. The first single to drop from that joint is called “Blue Magic” - Jay Z featuring Pharrell….Lets check out the video.

MUSIC VIDEO: BLUE MAGIC by JAY Z AND PHARRELL

Music Video: The Roc Boys by Jay Z

Denzel Washington’s American Gangster is in theatres and Jay Z’s American Gangster CD is in stores now.

Check us out at www.hiphopreport.net

That’s it for this episode of the Hip Hop Report…Join us again for more news more drama and all things hip hop Peace!

Production and editing by Alexander Mejia for Audio Main Frame

Media and vocal content created by The Poetess for Poetess Media

Animation created by Alfonso Amey – Animated Assassins