Empire scribes to write ‘Mother of Hip Hop’ biopic

According to THR, Empire scribes Carlito Rodriguez and Malcolm Spellman have been chosen to write a biopic on the late Sylvia Robinson. One of the most influential and pioneering producers in rap music, Robinson co-founded Sugar Hill Records and produced The Sugarhill Gang’s hit song, “Rapper’s Delight” back in 1979. A track that is often credited with popularizing hip-hop around the world.

Fox’s Empire has become quite the phenomenon since the show released earlier this year. It centres on former drug dealer turned Hip Hop mogul Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard) and his family-owned business, Empire Records. Viewers can’t seem to get enough of the turbulent Lyon clan, or the glitz, glamour and violent drama surrounding the music industry.

Pitched as “more American Hustle than music biopic”, the Robinson film will focus on the events leading to the record’s release. Paula Wagner, former Fox Music chief Robert Kraft and Stephanie Allain ( Hustle & Flow, Black Snake Moan) are set to develop the film.

Rodriguez is the former editor-in-chief of The Source, while Spellman co-owns a small record label and does some managerial work for singer Fantastic Negrito. So it’s clear these two will bring ample amounts of real world experience as they pen Warner Bros.’ answer to Straight Outta Compton.