New Jack City Is A Crime Classic That Deserves More Respect

 

Hard to believe today is the 35th Anniversary of New Jack City. The early 90's crime drama starred Wesley Snipes, Ice-T, Chris Rock, Allen Payne, Judd Nelson, Michael Michele, Christopher Williams, and Mario Van Pebbles who also directed. Along with a soundtrack that matched the vibe of the era making it a "fresh" crime film. It was the perfect blend of film, music, and the culture.

Within the Black community it is a well revered film, reaching legendary status. However its not often included in the conversation with other classic crime dramas, which in itself is a crime.

When the top crime dramas of all time are bought up, of course you'll get The Godfather films minus the third one, Scarface, Heat, Usual Suspects, Pulp Fiction, Goodfellas, and Chinatown to name a few. All damn good iconic crime films. New Jack City absolutely deserves to be in the conversation on a CONSISTENT basis. Here are some reasons why.

First alot of people don't realize since it was distributed by Warner Bros, but it actually was an independent film. Mario Van Peebles directoral debut, was self financed before someone had a finished product and convinced Warner to pick up the tab. A true behind the scenes story of the American Dream.

Speaking of the American dream, it has the classic tale of people achieving their version of the dream. Albeit in a very unlawful and cruel way but they achieved it. The rise of the Cash Money Bros and then their downfall precipitated by ego and betrayal is displayed in the film.

Nino Brown as far as drug kingpin characters is right up there with Tony Montana. Street smart with some business acumen, egotistical, selfish, and ruthless. Wesley Snipes portrayal of Nino sparked several copycat characters throughout film and TV since 1991.

There's the corresponding storyline of a cop played by Ice-T tired of the politics, budget and red tape, bending the rules to get after Nino. While also trying to help a former addict played by Chris Rock turn his life around. All major components of life during that time and crime in general.

The film touched on all the ways the drug epidemic destroys lives and even had a message at the end. You don't see that in movies anymore. It had for sure two well shot action scenes, the famous wedding shootout and the warehouse shootout between the cops and CMB.

Throw in some all time classic lines, I mean everyone knows "Sit Yo Five Dollar ass down!" and where it came from. There are other dialogue gems in the film, but that one takes the cake. 

35 Years later its time the film is truly recognized across the board, for the crime masterpiece it is and its legacy be shown the proper respect it deserves.

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New York Undercover Legacy 30 Years Later

 

In the early 90's TV network Fox was catering to teenagers and the urban community to fill a void the big three weren't fulfilling, and help build their network. They had show's like Beverly Hills 90210 and Melrose Place for one side of the aisle. For the hipper side of the aisle they had In Living Color, Martin, and Living Single. In 1994 legendary cop TV producer Dick Wolf and legendary record executive Andre Harrell collaborated for a hip new cop television drama. And a show named Uptown Undercover better known as New York Undercover was born.

September 8, 1994 New York Undercover aired on Fox Thursday Night's alongside Martin and Living Single. The show was notable for showcasing two minority cops as partners Det. Eddie Torres a Puerto Rican cop played Michael DeLorenzo, and Det. JC Williams a Black cop played by Malik Yoba. The show took the DNA of 80's cop drama Miami Vice and enhanced it for a new generation. Det. Williams and Det. Torres were hip young cops, in tune with the fashion and music of the streets while they saved New York City from it's worst criminals. They truly cared about one another and their families and bickered like brothers do.

What really helped make the show was not just the clothes or the dialogue and swagger of the characters. It was the music, including the theme song and instrumentals that were composed by Mr. James Mtume of the group Mtume (Juicy Fruit). Many episodes featured music of stars of the time whether it was a guest character, playing themselves involved in a storyline or performing at the nightclub Natalie's. A who's who of artist appeared on the show.

We're talking artist like Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan, Boyz II Men, New Edition, Tevin Campbell, Usher, Gladys Knight, The O'Jays, Levert, Montell Jordan, Aaliyah, Biggie Smalls. It goes on and on, not to mention Ice-T's in my opinion classic scene chewing run as Danny Cort in excellent 90's run as a TV villain. 

30 year's later, New York Undercover is still adored and revered for the pulse it had on the culture at the time.  Between the action and drama, the stakes the character's were up against. And then the fashion and music of hip hop which is slowly turning into a global phenomenon at the time. The series is a classic and can be relived through streaming services Peacock and Prime, and has shown up on BET recently. It's a reason for that, because the show was that damn good and is following getting the flowers it deserves. 

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