On November 13, Harlem rap star Jim Jones performed in what will be
his last performance of the Damon Dash and J. Kyle Manzay produced “Hip
Hop Monologues: Inside The Life And Mind Of Jim Jones”, an Off-Broadway
musical that revolves around the life and music of Jim Jones. The
two-day only play pulled in a packed audience of fans, media, and
celebrities such as Juelz Santana [click to read], Busta Rhymes [click to read], and Malik Yoba.
A bold venture by Jones, “Hip Hop Monologues” proved to be an
interesting mix of music, off-beat acting, and humorous wisecracks.
Jimmy‘s
journey begins when he is bombarded by groupies, media, and his
homeboys in his native Harlem. The festivities are cut short when a
game of dice is interrupted by gunfire. The crooked cops have it in for
our Hip Hop protagonist and an innocent Jones is linked to the shooting
and placed in jail.
The Dipset Capo is given a second chance by a generous judge, played by Dr.
Benjamin Chavis, but in order to receive his second chance he must
complete three important tasks which include: attending a sex addicts
anonymous meeting, talking to the children, and last but not least
apologizing to women.
The rest of the play begins to unfold as Jones attempts to take on
the three tasks handed to him by the judge while also dealing with fake
friends, relationship problems, and more.
“Hip Hop Monologues”
has several surprise plot progressions. For example, a sex scene with Jim and
one of his side chick’s is almost immediately followed by a tribute to
Stack Bundles creating a bizarre segue. And a heartfelt apology from
Jim Jones to the women who are offended by his music is followed by a
song with a chorus that proclaims, “This is for my bitches.”
With the birth of Jones‘ son we have our happy ending and Jones is
soon joined onstage by fellow rapper Juelz Santana for a musical finale
that is a little too reminiscent of Saturday night at the club,
champagne and all.
No matter how people may perceive Jim Jones‘ theatrical debut, the
celebrity reporter character in the “Hip Hop Monologues” said it best, no matter
what Jim Jones will continue to, “Speak his mind and defy the odds.“
The two-day performance of “Hip Hop Monologues” precedes the release of Jones’ upcoming album, Pray IV Reign, which will be released shortly.
Rehearsal sessions from the monologues can be viewed [click here].
