Universal Pictures Considering A Def Jam Records Biopic

Thanks to the record-breaking box office smash Straight Outta Compton, Universal are now considering returning to the hip hop world for a new biopic, however this time centred on the story of Def Jam Records and its co-founder, Russell Simmons.

As Deadline reports, the potential film would be based on the 2002 book which chronicles Simmons' life, Life & Def: Sex, Drugs, Money & God, and focus on the creation of the now iconic music label and how it took the genre from an "underground sensation" to one of the most popular forms of music today. 

While no deals are in place yet, it is believed that actor Michael B Jordan (Fantastic Four and the upcoming Rocky spin-off, Creed) will portray Simmons, while hugely famous star Jonah Hill would take on the role of co-founder Rick Rubin.

In 1984, Simmons and Rubin launched Def Jam in their college dorm room and went on to help build the careers of some of rap's biggest names including Jay Z, Beastie Boys, Nate Dogg and LL Cool J and today boast worldwide talent such as Kanye West, Rihanna and Justin Bieber. 

The project is still in its early stages but it would be hard to argue that given the reception that the NWA biopic has received and the promising cast in mind that this wouldn't be a story film and music fans want to see on the big screen.

Speaking to Global Grind, Simmons said he would be flattered to have his story told and to be portrayed by Jordan. 

"God only knows what the rest of my life will be like now that they are talking to someone as handsome as Michael B. Jordan. I don’t know how they’re going to mess him up enough to play me," Simmons said. 

“I'm especially excited about Jonah Hill playing Rick Rubin, but I can’t imagine who they could get to be (music exec) Lyor Cohen. When I look back on the story, there is a lot to tell and it involves a lot of talented people. It’s all very flattering."

Meanwhile, Universal are reportedly also considering going ahead with a sequel to the NWA biopic, even though an unofficial spin-off has commenced production. 

And if that wasn't enough, hip hop duo Outkast may also be working on their own film with rapper Big Boi revealing in a Reddit Q&A that it could be on the cards.

In response to a fan's question about a potential musical biopic, Big Boi simply wrote, "Me and 'Dre were just discussing this over Labor Day. Stay tuned."