O’Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell, Ice Cube, DJ Yella, And F. Gary Gray At The STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON Press Conference

In one week from today, the extraordinary film, STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON, opens in theaters.

In 1987, five young men, five young men—Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, DJ Yella  and MC Ren – 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, 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. (Trailer)

On Sunday, WAMG attended the press conference for STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON, the new biopic from director F. Gary Gray (FRIDAY, THE ITALIAN JOB) about the rise and fall of rap group N.W.A.

Joining Gray were the film’s young cast Corey Hawkins (Dr. Dre), Jason Mitchell (Easy-E) and O’Shea Jackson Jr. (Ice Cube), as well as original N.W.A members Ice Cube and DJ Yella.

The film so far has been well received by critics and fans at early screenings, and Sunday’s conversation with the filmmakers and cast provided a great look inside what it took to bring this story to the big screen.

From the perspective of the actors, these were intimidating “roles of a lifetime” and they spent a lot of time preparing for their performances. Said director Gray, “not only did I have these guys spend time getting to know each other and bonding, I also had them go into the studio and actually record the entire Straight Outta Compton album. I wanted the story and the music to become part of them  – we needed that authenticity.”

As for how the young actors prepared, they each had their own methods. O’Shea Jackson Jr. is the real life son of Ice Cube, but grew up with the solo career of his famous father. “I didn’t grow up with the N.W.A. Ice Cube, so I really knew nothing about that part of his life. I did a lot if research and watched a lot of old N.W.A. videos and interviews to study his style and mannerisms back then.”  In speaking to Dr. Dre, Corey Hawkins got the advice “don’t worry about looking like me or sounding like me. There are tons of guys who look and sound like me. Just play the role and feel it. Then you will look like me and sound like me.” The preparation was a bit different for Jason Mitchell. “Because Easy-E is no longer with us, I couldn’t get that direct feedback. I was constantly watching videos of him to get it right.” As it turned out, as soon as Mitchell stepped in front of the camera, he was so spot-on that many told him it was as if they were seeing a ghost – “for me, that was the highest compliment and it meant so much to me.”

In a brief conversation I had with director Gray, I was dying to ask him about the film’s obvious villain, Suge Knight and the irony of where he is now and where they are now. “We shot the movie over a year ago, and at that time, we had no idea how things were going to turn out.” (Suge Knight is currently facing a very long prison term for violent crimes he has committed and is completely bankrupt.)

While friendship, talent and ambition brought these five guys together, the greed that can so easily accompany fast money ultimately tore them apart.

The anniversary of the album ‘Straight Outta Compton’ is August 8th.

Almost 20 years later, the friendship among N.W.A has been repaired and is stronger than ever, which was more than evident throughout the filmmaking. The accomplishments and legacy of the group were celebrated daily, as Cube, Dre, Yella and Ren remembered their time together so many years ago with Eazy-E.

“The film looks back at the record and it’s a piece of art. It’s okay to love the movie and still have a problem with the group. We’ve been in the business and doing films for 20 years and to deliver this kind of movie shows a different creative level – it’s all about being real,” commented Ice-Cube.

Dr. Dre said, “N.W.A was a perfect starting point for all of us to meet and to be able to collaborate. It is the root of this incredible tree of life. For me, it’s all about inspiration. I was having a conversation with Cube recently about how this filmmaking process has inspired me to return to the studio. I want to get back to the core of what I love to do. Everything about me is music-based, even the headphones. In retrospect, I wouldn’t change anything, the bad or the good.”

See STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON in theaters August 14.