Source: Tidal
Hype Williams Says He Considered Jay-Z for a Leading Role in "Belly"
Photo Credit: Jamie McCarthy for Okayplayer
Jay-Z could've had a starring role in Belly.
During a panel at ComplexCon over the weekend, legendary director Hype Williams reconnected with Nas and T-Boz for the 20-year anniversary of Belly.
Hype revealed some fun facts about the making of the movie, saying that Jay-Z was seriously considered to play DMX's role as Tommy.
"Everybody pressed for it to be Hov," Hype said during the interview. "But at the time, Hove didn't pop yet. He wasn't Jay-Z." He continued, "We were working with Def Jam and it was logical for it to be him.”
At one point, Hype also announced that there will be a re-release of the Belly soundtrack with new songs ahead of the film's theatrical re-release in 2019.
READ: Watch Hype Williams’ Full Red Bull Music Festival Lecture
Check out some clips of the moment below.
\u201c1998 JAY-Z & Nas as co-stars would've been something \n\nHype Williams says JAY-Z was considered to play Tommy 'Buns' Bundy in "Belly"\n\n#ComplexCon \n\n\ud83d\udcfd https://t.co/e7Y3OXBxjH\u201d— JAY-Z Daily (@JAY-Z Daily) 1541396294
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\u201cit was a dream to bring together Belly cast @Nas @TheRealTBOZ & director @HypeWilliams on their 20th anniversary, sharing stories and some surprise announcements #ComplexConversations #ComplexCon\u201d— marksperl (@marksperl) 1541455403