I've been meaning to finish and release this article for a good minute. Yet as they say, life be lifing. With Michael proving audiences love a good biopic, and June being Black Music Month. I wanted to explore some artists who's life and careers and would make for a good biopic.
Now when I say biopic, I'm talking about film or a TV limited series. Long as detail, budget, and care is put into the production. Along the lines of Jacksons: An American Dream, Temptations, or New Edition Story. And less a lifetime biopic. All would be right for me, so lets get into my 5 choices.
The O'Jays
The O'Jays were a influential group of the 1970's Philadelphia sound era. A musical cousin of the Motown sound. While honing their craft trying to get their big break in the 1960's. It wasn't until they met production duo Gamble and Huff that their career turned around. Their first hit Backstabbers, parlayed into other hits like For The Love Of Money, Love Train, Used Ta Be My Girl, Give The People What They Want. And many more songs.
Original member Eddie Levert is still performing with the group today. He has experienced tragedy with sons Gerald and Sean who followed in his footsteps in the music industry. Both sons alongside his daughter Ryan have all passed. Leaving one son remaining for Eddie. A tough pill to swallow amongst a successful career.
The O'Jays were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame in 2005, Grammy Hall Of Fame, and The National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame. Legendary material for a good biopic.
Heavy D
Hip Hop is known for not truly giving artists their flowers until it's too late, and Heavy D is one of those artists. The overweight lover had a unique flow to match his wordplay, and his lighting quick footwork.
Along with his group The Boyz, they were the first artist signed to Andre Harrell's Uptown Records. Which Heavy eventually became president of. He had a hand in Diddy's rise as a music executive. Founded groups like Soul For Real and female artist Monifah. Eventually becoming Senior VP of Universal music in the mid-90's.
He wasn't a controversial artist, but Heavy D was instrumental in the party era of Hip Hop and giving heavier guys a chance.
En Vogue
In the early 90's En Vogue was a female R&B group that personified that era. Depending on who you talk to, it was TLC, En Vogue, and then SWV. Or En Vogue before TLC since they were better vocalists.
The group got their start in Oakland as a manufactured group, but quickly proved they were anything but. They embraced the new jack swing and r&b sound and influenced several other female groups. Yet, the group experienced infighting and defections, along with a rotating roster of members.
Still performing today, a biopic could introduce a new generation to these soulful sisters.
Tammi Terrell
Tammi Terrell was a Motown records singer that lived a short tumultuous life with highs and lows. She was known for partnering with Marvin Gaye and creating a trio of timeless duets. Ain't No Mountain High Enough, You're All I Need To Get By, and Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing.
Outside of her music, she experienced abusive relationships with James Brown, and later David Ruffin of the Temptations. Fighting brain tumors during this time, she collapsed into the arms of Marvin Gaye during a performance. Later passing at the young age of 24.
M.C. Hammer
For about two years in the early 90's M.C. Hammer was EVERYWHERE. On tour, late night TV, Saturday morning cartoons, commercials, sitcom appearances you name it. I wrote a article previously about how he was raps first pop star. He was on top of the world and then overnight he lost favor within the rap community, and his fortune. Eventually transitioning to a calmer life.
Now a TV-movie was made back in the early 2000's on Hammer. It starred Romany Malco and aired on VH1. It was a standard low budget TV movie biopic, but Hammer's story deserves more care, detail, and budget. We need to revisit Hammer so he can get his flowers.
