Nipsey Hussle‘s music played an essential role in Jonathan Majors preparing for his role as Damian “Diamond Dame” Anderson in the new film Creed III.
In an interview with SlashFilm, Majors revealed that in order for him to get into the mindset of Dame, he needed to listen to the type of music that the hardened boxer would most likely listen to.
AD LOADING...
According to the actor, the late Nipsey Hussle’s catalog — along with that of fellow West Coast rap legend 2Pac — allowed him to tap into his character’s mental space, while also honing his L.A. dialect for the movie.
“All of Nipsey’s stuff was really helpful. They’re from the same area, Dame and him, so that’s cool,” Majors said. “There’s also dialect work, and so he’s rapping in his L.A. sound. The things he’s talking about are things that resonate with the world that Dame comes from, so that was very helpful.”
AD LOADING...
He continued: “There’s other songs that come from your subconscious that touch you in a way that can align you. You write that song next to the top of the page or whatever, and there’s playlist upon playlist upon playlist. Those can curate it into ‘This is that scene’ or ‘This is that moment.'”
The latest entry in the popular boxing movie franchise, Creed III tells the story of Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) facing off against his childhood best friend, Dame. The film was released on March 3 and has reportedly already grossed over $105 million at the box office.
The film’s soundtrack was executive produced by J.Cole and Dreamville Records. The 18-track project, also released on March 3, boasts contributions from the entire Dreamville camp including Cole, J.I.D, EarthGang, Ari Lennox, Bas, Lute, Cozz and Omen.
Other appearances come from Big Sean, Kehlani, EST Gee, Syd, Tierra Whack, REASON, Symba, Blxst, Westside Boogie, Buddy, SiR, Morray, BJ The Chicago Kid, Mereba, Black Sherif and more.
J. Cole’s sole track on the album, “Adonis Interlude (The Montage),” samples Dr. Dre’s “The Watcher” from his 2001 album and finds the North Carolina MC putting his spin on the opening line of the original rapping: “Things ain’t the same for young Jermaine.”
Cole also references the rumored title of his upcoming album, The Fall Off, hinting that the project could be his last.
AD LOADING...
“Just cop ‘The Fall Off’ and he’ll explain/ Is it the end of the chapter? Happily ever after?/ Bet this gon’ be the year that fulfill his reign, man,” he raps.
