The life of best-selling author Kody "Monster" Scott is coming to the big screen. Bay area rapper Saafir will portray Scott in the Billy Wright-directed film, titled Can't Stop, Won't Stop.
Scott chronicled his life as a child and young adult growing up in Los Angeles as an Eight-Tray Crips gang member in the book Monster: The Autobiography of an L.A. Gang Member from prison.
He will narrate the feature via footage of him shot over the years.
In addition to Saafir, who was in the 1993 Hughes Brothers drama Menace II Society, former Death Row Records rapper the Lady of Rage will appear in Can't Stop, Won't Stop, as Scott's mother Birdie Scott.
The role marks a return to film for the female rapper, who also after appeared in the film Next Friday.
For Wright, Can't Stop, Won't Stop, will serve as a fitting tribute to his friend Scott.
"In the realm of Hip-Hop culture, Kody is an iconic figure," Wright said. "He is the 'American Gangster' of our generation. As a personal friend of Kody's, this is a project we envisioned years ago. I owe it to him to not only complete it, but to continue to give him a voice. With a 6th grade education, Kody taught himself in prison, just like Malcolm X, and then went on to write a best selling novel. He is a role model for how to live and how not to live. His real life encapsulates what Hip-Hop imagery is all about."
Despite the acclaim he received from the book, Scott has encountered legal trouble.
The author, also known as Sanyika Shakur, was arrested Mar. 7, after being listed as one of the Los Angeles Police Department's and the FBI's "Top 10 Most Wanted Gang Members."
Still, Wright believes his film will resonate with moviegoers by bringing Scott's novel to life.
"I fee, I will represent the book visually. With Kody as narrator, the story becomes even more compelling."
One person influenced by Scott, who saw his gang experience first hand, is his son Lil Monster (born Sanyika Kashir Shakur Scott).
"Seeing my father once portrayed a negative life, I vowed that I would always bring a positive light to the entertainment business and my family name," said Lil Monster, who is working with rapper Lil Sneak on an album to be released this year.
"Living in the new millennium and being surrounded by gang activity, I feel that I can bring unity between all my peers," Lil Monster said.
Lil Monster's first album with Lil Sneak is titled The Come Up.
"This album is based on our dad's lifestyles and what we want to tell others about those experiences. The second movement is a film also called, The Come Up. We believe that because both of us were raised by fathers who were gang members and how we learned to survive in a negative atmosphere, that we have a message as young adults that is positive and constructive. We will send that positive message in our lifestyle and careers."
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Scott chronicled his life as a child and young adult growing up in Los Angeles as an Eight-Tray Crips gang member in the book Monster: The Autobiography of an L.A. Gang Member from prison.
He will narrate the feature via footage of him shot over the years.
In addition to Saafir, who was in the 1993 Hughes Brothers drama Menace II Society, former Death Row Records rapper the Lady of Rage will appear in Can't Stop, Won't Stop, as Scott's mother Birdie Scott.
The role marks a return to film for the female rapper, who also after appeared in the film Next Friday.
For Wright, Can't Stop, Won't Stop, will serve as a fitting tribute to his friend Scott.
"In the realm of Hip-Hop culture, Kody is an iconic figure," Wright said. "He is the 'American Gangster' of our generation. As a personal friend of Kody's, this is a project we envisioned years ago. I owe it to him to not only complete it, but to continue to give him a voice. With a 6th grade education, Kody taught himself in prison, just like Malcolm X, and then went on to write a best selling novel. He is a role model for how to live and how not to live. His real life encapsulates what Hip-Hop imagery is all about."
Despite the acclaim he received from the book, Scott has encountered legal trouble.
The author, also known as Sanyika Shakur, was arrested Mar. 7, after being listed as one of the Los Angeles Police Department's and the FBI's "Top 10 Most Wanted Gang Members."
Still, Wright believes his film will resonate with moviegoers by bringing Scott's novel to life.
"I fee, I will represent the book visually. With Kody as narrator, the story becomes even more compelling."
One person influenced by Scott, who saw his gang experience first hand, is his son Lil Monster (born Sanyika Kashir Shakur Scott).
"Seeing my father once portrayed a negative life, I vowed that I would always bring a positive light to the entertainment business and my family name," said Lil Monster, who is working with rapper Lil Sneak on an album to be released this year.
"Living in the new millennium and being surrounded by gang activity, I feel that I can bring unity between all my peers," Lil Monster said.
Lil Monster's first album with Lil Sneak is titled The Come Up.
"This album is based on our dad's lifestyles and what we want to tell others about those experiences. The second movement is a film also called, The Come Up. We believe that because both of us were raised by fathers who were gang members and how we learned to survive in a negative atmosphere, that we have a message as young adults that is positive and constructive. We will send that positive message in our lifestyle and careers."
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