If you’ve ever been curious about belly, now is your chance to get the inside scoop. The film was written and directed by Hype Williams, who is well-known for his music video directing. In this article, we’ll give a comprehensive rundown on the film’s cast and what it’s about.
Belly movie cast is an American crime drama that tells the story of two best friends trying to find “respect” in a dangerous game of gangs and drugs in New York City. It stars rappers Nas and DMX in their film debut, alongside Taral Hicks, Method Man, and R&B singer T-Boz.
What all I learned about Belly Movie?
1. The film was written and directed by Hype Williams
He is well-known for his music video directing. In this article, we’ll give a comprehensive rundown on the film’s cast and what it’s about.
2. The movie’s plot
Belly is an American crime drama that tells the story of two best friends trying to find “respect” in a dangerous game of gangs and drugs in New York City. It stars rappers Nas and DMX in their film debut, alongside Taral Hicks, Method Man, and R&B singer T-Boz.
It is set against the backdrop of crime that takes place within gang culture in urban America. It follows a day in the life of a mob boss’ son, Belly, who tries to make it back home while being pursued by ruthless bounty hunters.
3. The production budget was $5 million dollars
In January 1998 an estimated $5 Million USD was spent on movie production.
4. The cast
Nas and DMX in their film debut, alongside Taral Hicks, Method Man, and R&B singer T-Boz. Of the cast members only three of them are credited on the film’s website. Nas has a line as well as a small role in the movie. DMX has a role in the beginning of the film when he plays one of Belly’s enemies. He also has a small line saying “Somebody hit me” at 0:03:58 but it isn’t heard clearly by many people in the movie theater – though it is heard clearly on some videos and DVDs such as “The Return of The Wild Bunch” which was released years later.
5. Belly is the first Nas film
Belly is the first screen appearance of rapper and former member of the legendary rap group Wu-Tang Clan, Nas. The film was an opportunity to cement his solo career as well as a chance to get noticed by top executives at a major record label.
6. DMX features in Belly
DMX features in Belly. His first feature film role, from his album “It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot”. The role marked DMX’s return to music after being absent for about a year following his last album, Flesh of My Flesh . Interestingly enough, DMX was arrested the day after this movie premiered at the Toronto Film Festival.
7. Taral Hicks’ breakout movie role
Taral Hicks’ breakout movie role. She has been in just a few movies such as “Paradise”, “Eve’s Bayou”, and “Kazaam”. She has also made guest appearances in TV shows such as “The Parkers” and “Martin”. Taral was an original member of the R&B trio TLC. She is also a member of the supergroup Lil’ Sis along with friends Kim Fields and Keisha Spivey.
8. DMX had to do his own stunts
DMX had to do his own stunts. After DMX was arrested for negligence of a minor, director Hype Williams gave him a second chance. He replaced Chris Thomas and took on the movie.
9. Taral Hicks and DMX dated
Taral Hicks and DMX dated. Though they were not together while doing the movie Belly they were together after the movie was over. They have been married since 2002 and have three children – two daughters, Taylar and Dominiqiue, and a son, Mason. The family currently resides in Los Angeles, California but used to live in New York City.
10. DMX is a long-time film fan
DMX is a long-time film fan. He reportedly wrote the script of the movie “A Man Apart” which was released in 2003, two years before his Belly debut.
11. Nas was originally not cast
Nas was originally not cast. However, after Matthew Modine dropped out, Hype Williams gave Nas a chance to be in the movie – and it worked out pretty well for him.
12. At the time of filming, DMX and Nas were signed to a record deal
At the time of filming, DMX and Nas were signed to a record deal. Their albums at the time were “It’s Dark…and Hell is Hot” by DMX, and “I Am…” (stylized as I AM. for Nas) by Nas. The film’s success could lead to both rappers signing with a major record label (“Quiet Storm Records” for DMX).
Conclusion:
Belly is an American crime drama that tells the story of two best friends trying to find “respect” in a dangerous game of gangs and drugs in New York City. It stars rappers Nas and DMX in their film debut, alongside Taral Hicks, Method Man, and R&B singer T-Boz.
It is set against the backdrop of crime that takes place within gang culture in urban America. It follows a day in the life of a mob boss’ son, Belly, who tries to make it back home while being pursued by ruthless bounty hunters.
