Entertainment

Russell Simmons Plans for a Hip-Hop Musical ‘The Scenario’

Published

11 years ago

March 20, 2015

In this Feb. 6, 2015 file photo, Russell Simmons presents the Vanguard Award on stage at the 46th NAACP Image Awards in Pasadena, Calif. Simmons said Thursday, March 19, 2015, that The Scenario will feature an original story written by author and hip-hop historian Dan Charnas and aims to premiere in New York City in late 2016. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)

MARK KENNEDY, AP Drama Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — Music mogul Russell Simmons is producing a brand new stage musical that will celebrate three generations of hip-hop, from Run DMC to Kanye West.

Simmons said Thursday that “The Scenario” will feature an original story written by author and hip-hop historian Dan Charnas, author of “The Big Payback: The History of the Business of Hip-Hop.” He’s aiming to premiere it in New York City in late 2016.

“People will sing along and leave happy,” Simmons said. “So many of these songs will reach everybody in the audience. That almost never happens.”

Simmons, who won a 2003 Tony for producing “Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam,” said the new musical will have a love story, contain a fight-the-power element and be a “celebration of hip-hop.” It’s still being written and song selection will likely be a tough task.

“There are so many great songs!” he said. “Do I need something from Kurtis Blow? From Drake? I just don’t know. Jay-Z? LL Cool J?”

Simmons was one of the first players in the burgeoning hip hop scene in the 1980s. He is co-founder of the pioneering Def Jam Recordings record label, which has represented such artists like the Beastie Boys, Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, LL Cool J and Kanye West. And Simmons also created the Def Comedy franchise.

Jukebox musicals have been made with punk songs, hair metal, Abba songs and Carole King, but rap and hip-hop music has yet to produce a Broadway hit. “Holler If Ya Hear Me,” a rap musical that used over 20 Tupac Shakur songs, closed last year after less than two months.

Though Simmons never saw “Holler If Ya Hear Me,” he said he didn’t consider it to be “a celebration of hip-hop” and “I don’t see any way in the word to compare what I want to do with what they did.”

He said “The Scenario” will lean more toward a celebration of the music of hip-hop than social commentary, although “you can’t help but mention that it did more to integrate America than any other pop cultural phenomenon.”

The new musical will be produced by Simmons; Def Pictures/Jake Stein; Big Block/Scott Prisand, Scott Benson, Tom Pellegrini and Jamie Bendell; Brian Sher and Stella Bulichnikov.

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Seth Curry Makes Impressive Debut with the Golden State Warriors

Seth looked comfortable in his new uniform, seamlessly fitting into the Warriors’ offensive and defensive system. He finished the night with an impressive 14 points, becoming one of the team’s top scorers for the game. Seth’s points came in a variety of ways – floaters, spot-up three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and a handful of aggressive drives that kept the Oklahoma City Thunder defense on its heels.

Published

3 days ago

December 4, 2025

Oakland Post

Seth Curry is a point guard on the GSW team.Photo courtesy of the Golden State Warriors.

By Y’Anad Burrell

Tuesday night was anything but ordinary for fans in San Francisco as Seth Curry made his highly anticipated debut as a new member of the Golden State Warriors. Seth didn’t disappoint, delivering a performance that not only showcased his scoring ability but also demonstrated his added value to the team.

At 35, the 12-year NBA veteran on Monday signed a contract to play with the Warriors for the rest of the season.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came before Seth even scored his first points. As he checked into the game, the Chase Center erupted into applause, with fans rising to their feet to give the newest Warrior a standing ovation.

The crowd’s reaction was a testament not only to Seth’s reputation as a sharpshooter but also to the excitement he brings to the Warriors. It was clear that fans quickly embraced Seth as one of their own, eager to see what he could bring to the team’s championship aspirations.

Warriors’ superstar Steph Curry – Seth’s brother – did not play due to an injury. One could only imagine what it would be like if the Curry brothers were on the court together. Magic in the making.

Seth’s debut proved to be a turning point for the Warriors. Not only did he contribute on the scoreboard, but he also brought a sense of confidence and composure to the floor.

While their loss last night, OKC 124 – GSW 112, Seth’s impact was a game-changer and there’s more yet to come. Beyond statistics, it was clear that Seth’s presence elevated the team’s performance, giving the Warriors a new force as they look to make a deep playoff run.