S. Samuel
Rap mogul Jay-Z may feel like he is experiencing déjà vu with reports claiming the platinum-selling rapper is writing new music for Roc Nation princess Willow Smith to sing in the upcoming Annie remake musical film.
Young Hov, widely known for sampling the musical’s “Hard Knock Life” anthem in the 1990s, is signed on to steer the upcoming film’s soundtrack.
Jay-Z is writing new songs for Will Smith‘s pop star daughter Willow to sing in the movie version of stage musical Annie. The rapper, who signed the “Whip My Hair” singer to his record label last year, has signed on to take charge of the soundtrack for the film. It’s not the first time he has dabbled in the musical’s tunes – his 1998 hit “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)” sampled the song “It’s the Hard Knock Life” from the original musical. Actress and Oscar-winning screenwriter Emma Thompson is writing a new script for 11-year-old Willow’s film musical. (WENN News)
Last summer, Jada Pinkett-Smith confirmed speculation suggesting they had partnered up with Jay for the flick.
“He’s very professional, he’s a good partner, and we are about to do a movie with him, the Annie joint with Willow [Smith], so he’s a good partner…You know, we just have great teams and we have great partnership. It’s all about partnering. And that’s the thing that I’ve learned about being in this business. You can’t expect to do great things by yourself that you have to be able to partner up with people.” (“Great American Morning Show”)
In January 2011, Jigga officially tagged Will Smith and Jada for a joint business venture.
Will Smith, Jada Pinkett-Smith and their partners at Overbrook Entertainment have formed a joint-venture with Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter to develop and produce major motion pictures. The partnership between Will and Jada and Jay-Z began when the three decided to invest in the beauty line Carol’s Daughter. Their next venture together was when they joined forces again to co-produce the Broadway play “Fela!” Since then, Willow Smith, who is managed by Overbrook’s Miguel Melendez, has signed to Roc Nation and released first single “Whip My Hair.” (Billboard)
Following the announcement, reports claimed their first focus was on creating an Annie remake.
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith are planning to produce a remake of the 1982 film “Annie” starring the couple’s 10-year-old daughter, Willow. The film, which is based on a Broadway musical, tells the story of an orphan adopted by a wealthy man. Overbrook Entertainment, the Smiths’ company, announced today that it had formed a joint venture with rapper Jay-Z to develop and produce “Annie” and potentially other feature films. Jay-Z will serve as a producer on “Annie.” (Wall Street Journal)
No further details have emerged as of now.
Check out some recent Jay-Z footage below:
