An Aspiring MC Takes On the World in New Trailer for Sanaa Lathan’s ‘On the Come Up’
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An aspiring rapper chases her dream in the new trailer for Sanaa Lathan’s directorial debut, On the Come Up, set to arrive on Paramount+ Sept. 23.
The film — based on Angie Thomas’ novel of the same name — stars Jamila C. Gray as Bri, a 16-year-old eager to make it in music so she can help her mother — a former addict struggling to hold a job — and keep alive the legacy of her late father, a legendary local MC killed by gang violence. The new trailer largely follows Bri as she tries to break into her local battle rap scene, grapples with stage fright and self-doubt, gets a taste of success, and works to find her voice.
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The clip also hints at another dimension of the film that’s explained in more detail in the official synopsis. Ultimately, Bri does score a breakout hit, but after it goes viral and stirs up all sorts of controversy, she finds herself in a classic tug-of-war between her authentic self and the persona the music industry wants her to embody.
Along with Gray, On the Come Up co-stars Lil Yachty, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Mike Epps, Gutierrez-Riley, Justin Martin, Titus Makin, Michael Cooper Jr., and GaTa. Lathan will also appear in the film, as well as Method Man.
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