Hip Hop legend Ice Cube and Academy Award-winning artist Common have partnered up with VH-1 for Behind the Movie: Exploring Chicago with the Cast of Barbershop: The Next Cut.
The event takes place at a Chicago college and premieres Monday, April 11 at 10 p.m. on the network. It features a variety of topics relevant to young people—from relationships and artistic expression to gun violence.
Overall, the episode focuses on the importance of barbershops involved with community activism. The dialogue is led by Common, Ice Cube and VH-1’s Sway Calloway, along with local college students and grassroots organizers personally impacted by gun violence.
A few celebrities and cast members are also included in the segments as they visit local barbershops and other Chicago South Side locations discussing these challenges, including Liz Dozier, Ryan Henry, Vic Mensa, Anthony Anderson, Cedric the Entertainer, Deon Cole, Regina Hall, Eve, and Nicki Minaj. As the film’s producer, Ice Cube wants to ensure the film does more for the community than just “entertain.”
“Along with comedy, the story touches on relationships and gang violence,” Cube said. “This partnership with VH-1 is the perfect way to expand this conversation.”
Calloway hosts the special and introduces it as the first VH-1’s new “Behind The…” series, exploring all aspects of pop culture and politics. It is expected to reach more people because it touches on some major issues in society.
Not to mention, it also shows the growth and leadership skills of Common and Ice Cube, two artists who once had “rap beef” years ago. They’ve clearly come together for a greater cause to help their communities and had fun doing it.
Stay tuned for next week’s premiere of the Chicago Town Hall Special emphasizing young adults’ hopes and challenges across the country with the cast of Barbershop.
