Recently, Chicago clothing brand Enstrumental hosted an exclusive screening event of the urban hip-hop classic Juice to celebrate its 25th anniversary and to launch their latest project called “The Juice Project” . The invite-only event was hosted by Fake Shore Drive’s Andrew Barber and included a Q&A with actor Khalil Kain, who played Raheem in film.
Juice is a undoubtedly one of the greatest hip-hop films of all-time. The 1992 Ernest Dickerson-directed film featured Tupac Shakur (Bishop) in his first starring movie role along with lead actors Omar Epps (Q), Khalil Kain (Raheem) and Jermaine Hopkins (Steel). The film tells of the story of 4 friends navigating through the streets of Harlem, NY with hip-hop serving as the backdrop. This year marks the film’s 25th anniversary and to celebrate, a special edition DVD/Blu Ray was released that features cast and crew interviews, never-before seen footage and an alternate ending for the film.
Following the screening of the film, Andrew Barber from Fake Shore Drive and Dwamina Drew (Founder of Enstrumental) sat down with Khalil Kain to discuss the film and its affect in urban culture. During the talk, Khalil Khan reflected on life on set, how hip-hop played a part in the film, and what it was like working with a young, hungry, and unknown 19 year old Tupac Shakur. “We shot the film is 6-7 weeks.” Khan says. “We were working and I was in it, you know we had sort a formed a nice camaraderie, we were up in Harlem, trailers, inviting all your people to come and hang out, it was good time.” When asked about his experience working with Tupac at a time when he was a virtually unknown talent to mainstream audiences, Khalil admits that if it wasn’t for Tupac, he probably wouldn’t have gotten the role of Raheem. “I don’t think I would have been in this movie without Pac,” he admits. “During the audition process he was bringing it so hard in the room that I was watching and thought to myself that if I wanted to be in this movie, I better start throwing fire like that”.
“Enstrumental’s “The Juice Project” honors “Bishop” and everything that the character as well as the film represents. Tupac’s iconic portrayal of the character a troubled teen in Harlem, NY who turns to violence, has resonated with fans long after his passing and continues to be considered a highlight in his film career. Thanks to the release of the 25th Anniversary DVD release, fans are able to experience an alternate ending of the film that shows a more defiant Bishop, reminiscent of Tupac’s legendary rap persona. Ernest Dickerson, the film’s director, says that, “It was just an attitude that showed that Bishop wasn’t a punk. He was a force that really had to be reckoned with in the right way.”
Watch the alternate ending to Juice below. You can learn more about Enstrumental’s “The Juice Project” by visiting www.enstru-mental.com. Thank you to Dwamina Drew of inviting us!
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