For Straight Outta Compton to work, the cast has to tap into the same fury that Dr. Dre, Eazy-Motherf*cking-E, and the boys felt when they were writing “F*ck Tha Police.” After calling the Hulk, only to realize he’s not an actual person, producers for the N.W.A biopic hired professional sweaty vein-popper Paul Giamatti to play Jerry Heller, the group’s manager.
Heller was already a major figure in the music scene before working with N.W.A. He represented acts ranging form Journey to ELO to REO Speedwagon and helped Pink Floyd and Elton John in their early American tours. He cemented his musical legacy when he co-founded the label Ruthless Records with Eazy-E. Heller signed and managed N.W.A. and oversaw their rise. However, when the band broke up with Ice Cube and Dr. Dre’s departures, Heller was fingered by some as being a Yoko Ono figure and the cause of the group’s disbandment for mishandling monies. (Via)
Hopefully Giamatti will be able to perform one of those freestyles he’s well known for. “Well, my name’s Pig Vomit and I’m here to say, I’m the best darn rapper in the U.S.A.” Can someone say Best Original Song?
