One of the benefits of having so many streaming services is that we are seeing new features and TV shows from filmmakers that might not have been given a chance previously. Or at least, they wouldn’t have such a high-profile first project such as Sanaa Lathan’s directorial debut, “On the Come Up,” which is debuting on Paramount+.
As seen in the teaser for “On the Come Up,” the film is based on the novel by Angie Thomas, who also wrote “The Hate U Give,” and tells the story of a young Black girl who tries to make a name for herself in the local rap battle scene. However, when something causes a video of her to go viral, she has to figure out if she needs to stay true to herself or sell out for the fame.
The film stars Jamila C. Gray, Sanaa Lathan, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Lil Yachty, Method Man, Mike Epps, GaTa, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Titus Makin Jr., and Michael Anthony Cooper Jr. As mentioned, “On the Come Up” is directed by Sanaa Lathan. She’s probably best known for her decades-long acting career, which includes her breakout role in “Love & Basketball.” However, last year, she dipped her toes into directing as one of the filmmakers showcased in the anthology feature, “With/In.” Now, she’s making her feature directorial debut in the YA drama.
“On the Come Up” doesn’t have an official release date yet from Paramount+. You can watch the teaser below.
Here’s the synopsis:
Bri (Jamila C. Gray), a young black girl, attempts to take the battle rap scene by storm in order to do right by the legacy of her father—a rapper whose career was cut short by gang violence—and to help her family climb out of poverty. But when her first hit song goes viral for all the wrong reasons, she finds herself torn between the authenticity that got her this far and the false gangsta role that the industry wants to impose upon her. Based on the New York Times #1 best-selling YA novel by Angie Thomas (who also penned The Hate U Give), On The Come Up is punctuated by the comedic talents of Mike Epps, hip hop heroes like Method Man and Lil Yachty, and the lyrical prowess of Rapsody.