"Straight Outta Compton" Now Highest-Grossing Musical Biopic of All-Time

The filmed story of N.W.A. is straight outta record books. Thanks to consecutive weeks atop the US box-office, Universal Pictures' "Straight Outta Compton" has earned its place in history as the highest-grossing music biopic ever, with a smash box-office haul of #157 million (as of September 17, 2015). The previous champ, "Walk The Line," about Johnny and June Carter Cash, had grossed $119 million.

The film stars O’Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins and Jason Mitchell as Ice Cube, Dr. Dre and Eazy-E, and is directed by F. Gary Gray (“The Italian Job,” “The Negotiator”). The drama is produced by original N.W.A members Ice Cube and Dr. Dre, who are joined by fellow producers Tomica Woods-Wright, Matt Alvarez, Gray and Scott Bernstein.

Fil-Am Cinematographer Shoots Acclaimed “STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON”

Don't look now, but a Filipino-American contributed to the enormous critical and commercial success of Universal Pictures' “Straight Outta Compton,” which traces the rise of influential (and notorious) rap group N.W.A. The film's Director of Photography is none other than Oscar-nominated Fil-Am cinematographer Matthew Libatique, himself a life-long fan of hip-hop music.

Libatique describes to ICG (International Cinematographers Guild) Magazine, how he got involved with the film. “I was watching TV in a New York hotel room when I saw Ice Cube on Queen Latifah [the talk show], and she asked what he was doing next. When Cube said a film called `Straight Outta Compton,' I literally jumped up and grabbed the phone. For the first time in my career, I called my agent and said I really want that project.”

Ice Cube's Son Plays Dad in "Straight Outta Compton"

Casting for the key roles of a complex, emotional, real-life street drama like Universal Pictures' “Straight Outta Compton” was highly personal and took an immense effort by director F. Gary Gray. Of course, their goal when casting the five coveted roles was the full package of triple-threat performers—who could act, look the part and perform with an unfiltered intensity that channeled N.W.A. members Eazy-E, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, DJ Yella and MC Ren.

The role of Ice Cube were the first to be cast. As the early development stages of the project began to take shape, Ice Cube could easily envision his then-20-year-old son stepping into the on-screen role of Cube’s younger self. One look at O’Shea Jackson, Jr., and there’s no mistaking he is his father’s son. It’s not just the striking physical similarities between the two, but subtle nuances that genetics can’t deny—like a confident swagger that comes from a deep and strong sense of self.

REEL DEAL: Straight Outta Compton REVIEW

Rap music is one of the most recent genre of music that has been recognized by the whole world. Building the music is not an easy feat, as well are the culture and the people that are around it. And one of the pioneering group in this industry is NWA which is top-billed by Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, DJ Yella, MC Ren and Easy-E. 

Showing the groups roots from Compton, California, they engage in a uncharted market of rap particularly  gangsta rap which many expressed opposition due to language, lifestyle and supposed invocation to violence.  Despite this, the groups becomes a ht and even went on tour across the states. The conflict arises with individuals having various issues.

The movie bares individuals evenly and real as possible with the cussing, violence, drugs, and partying that made a mark to the group. They were able to assimilate the rap culture to the viewers either you are a fan or not. Though it may not be far from the present time, it does detailed effort to bring us back to the late 80s and early 90s.

One would also appreciate their contribution to the music industry which was greatly boomed and one of the most followed music genre all around the world. Though there are also a lot of contributors to this, many can attest the role of NWA and how they have changed the world.

Blockbuster "Straight Outta Compton" Goes Straight to Ayala Malls Cinemas‏

In 1987, five young men, using brutally honest rhymes and hardcore beats, put their frustration and anger about life in the most dangerous place in America into the most powerful weapon they had: their music.

Taking us back to where it all began, Universal Pictures' “Straight Outta Compton” tells the true story of how these cultural rebels—armed only with their lyrics, swagger, bravado and raw talent—stood up to the authorities that meant to keep them down and formed the world’s most dangerous group, N.W.A. And as they spoke the truth that no one had before and exposed life in the hood, their voice ignited a social revolution that is still reverberating today.

“Straight Outta Compton” will be shown exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas nationwide starting September 30.