Def Jam Biopic Talks Heat Up, Potential Russell Simmons & Rick Rubin Actors Revealed

Written By Cyrus Langhorne

1.7k Views 4 Comments

A biopic on the evolution of Def Jam Recordings could reportedly be in the works with Hollywood stars Jonah Hill and Michael B. Jordan up for consideration.

According to reports, film giant Universal is considering putting the story of hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons and his Def Jam empire onto the big screen.

The film would be based on 2002’s Life and Def: Sex, Drugs, Money, + God, co-written by Simmons and Nelson George, which chronicles Simmons’ career, particularly the creation (with Rubin) of the legendary hip hop label that defined rap in the 80s. We’re told it would focus on the early years of Def Jam, and how hip hop grew from an underground sensation into a dominant and pivotal voice of culture and change. (Deadline)

Simmons recently reacted to buzz about Jordan portraying him in a potential Def Jam biopic.

“The last time someone that handsome played me in a movie (in 1985’s Krush Groove) it ruined my life for ten years, because wherever I went, everyone was expecting Blair Underwood to show up. God only knows what the rest of my life will be like now that they are talking to someone as handsome as Michael B. Jordan. I don’t know how they’re going to mess him up enough to play me. I’m especially excited about Jonah Hill playing Rick Rubin, but I can’t imagine who they could get to be (music exec) Lyor Cohen. When I look back on the story, there is a lot to tell and it involves a lot of talented people. It’s all very flattering.” (Global Grind)

Last summer, rap veteran Snoop Dogg revealed if he had plans to put together a biopic.

“No, I’m still creating the Snoop story. It’s still happening as we speak,” Snoop said when asked about a biopic on his life. “I don’t feel like I’m ready for that. I feel like I got more to do. When I’m able to settle down and look at it and say, ‘Okay, I want to document my life and my career and what not, then I will do it but right now I’m loving the fact N.W.A. did their thing, just letting their movie breathe and letting people get their story and success, that’s what it’s all about.” (Bossip)

Recently, Snoop’s former No Limit Records boss Master P talked about putting together his own biopic flick.

“The great thing about this movie, N.W.A. is an amazing movie and I feel like at the same time, my story, I came right after them. If you go in the history books, I came right after them and taught the world how to make money. N.W.A. was probably some of the best artists in the game at the time and those same guys from Jerry Heller to Bryan Turner to Jimmy Iovine, I dealt with all of them but in a different way. I showed the game – and I told them, ‘I’m going to open the door so artists can make money and be business men after they [enter it].” (“The Breakfast Club”)

4 Comments

Written by Cyrus Langhorne

SOHH.com Writer. You're likely to find me covering hip-hop news and music releases. Netflix is still my go-to before Disney Plus.

4 Comments

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  2. This would be a good film, but a film on the life and times RUN D.M.C. would make an even GREATER FILM

    • I would watch both of those, damn. Def Jam had so many recording artists come through and was so large though it will be a good film if done right.

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