Indie Director Announces Film Based Around Life Of Former Gang Member Monster Kody
Published: Tuesday - March 20, 2007
Words by Jay Casteel
Kody "Monster" Scott (Photo: Samy Davis)
Ten years after the release his critically acclaimed independent film, "Dead Homiez," former gang member turned filmmaker Billy Wright is back with yet another film about the gritty reality of South Los Angeles' street life.
His new film, "Can't Stop, Won't Stop," is a tribute to his friend and homie Kody "Monster" Scott, bringing the infamous Los Angeles gang member's life to the screen, with Kody as narrator.
Perhaps one of America's most original of gangsters, Kody, a.k.a. Monster Kody, a.k.a. Sanyika Shakur has received international notoriety. Monster Kody authored Monster: The Autobiography of an L.A. Gang Member from prison, which was a detail of his life as a child and young adult growing up in Los Angeles as an Eight-Trey Crips gang member. A best-selling author some 14 years ago, Kody was recently listed as one of the L.A.P.D.'s and the FBI's "Top 10 Most Wanted Gang Members." He was arrested earlier in March.
"In the realm of hip-hop culture, Kody is an iconic figure," acknowledges Wright. "He is the 'American Gangster' of our generation. As a personal friend of Kody's, this is a project we envisioned years ago. I owe it to him to not only complete it, but to continue to give him a voice. With a 6th grade education, Kody taught himself in prison, just like Malcolm X, and then went on to write a best-selling novel. He is a role model for how to live and how not to live. His real live encapsulates what hip-hop imagery is all about."
"I feel like those who needed Kody's book the most, those actually 'in the life', missed the point of the book or didn't read it at all. So with 'Can't Stop, Won't Stop,' I will represent the book visually. With Kody as narrator, the story becomes even more compelling," continued Wright.
Wright's film, "Can't Stop Won't Stop," is slated to begin shooting in Los Angeles on Tuesday (March 20). Kody will narrate the project via footage of him shot over the years. Rapper Saafir, from the Bay Area, will portray Kody, per the narration. Saafir, whose latest CD is Good Game: The Transition on ABB Records, is most noted for his memorable performance in the 1993 Hughes Brothers film, "Menace II Society."
Other cast members include female rapper, Lady of Rage, last seen on screen in "Next Friday," who will play Kody's mother, Birdie Scott.
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