Russell Simmons, Omarion, Safaree and More Attend “Snowfall” Los Angeles Screening with John Singleton [Photos]

Last night (June 27), FX Networks hosted an advance screening of the new drama series “Snowfall” in Los Angeles. Over 300 people gathered at The Landmark in Westwood for a sneak peek of the highly-anticipated show.

After the screening, Emmy Award-winning TV host Rocsi Diaz moderated a Q&A with “Snowfall” co-creators John Singleton and Dave Andron along with cast members Damson Idris, Carter Hudson, Michael Hyatt, Isaiah John, Angela Lewis, Amin Joseph, Juan Javier Cardenas and Filipe Valle Costa.

Special guests included hip hop mogul Russell Simmons, recording artist Omarion, actor/comedian Affion Crockett, recording artist/tv personality Safaree Samuels, Judge Lauren Lake, actor Dorien Wilson, actress Angell Conwell, tv personality Masika Kalysha, “American Idol” finalist Trenyce, actress Bresha Webb and many more.

Snowfall is the new FX drama series about the start of the crack epidemic in Los Angeles is s a one-hour drama set against the infancy of the crack cocaine epidemic and its ultimate radical impact on the culture as we know it. The story follows numerous characters on a violent collision course, including Franklin Saint (Damson Idris), young street entrepreneur on a quest for power; Gustavo “El Oso” Zapata (Sergio Peris-Mencheta), a Mexican wrestler caught up in a power struggle within a crime family; Teddy McDonald (Carter Hudson), a CIA operative running from a dark past who begins an off-book operation to fund the Nicaraguan Contras and Lucia Villanueva (Emily Rios), the self-possessed daughter of a Mexican crime lord.

Snowfall is spread across three spheres: the CIA, South Central and East L.A starting during the summer of 1983 and ending in 1984. And by 1984 –essentially the opening of Straight Outta Compton — urban Los Angles is a war zone. “People described the period like a bomb being dropped,” said showrunner and Executive Producer Dave Andron at TCA in January.

“If you went to South Central [before the crack epidemic], there weren’t any bars on windows,” John Singleton added. “There were fewer fences. This happens and Snowfall prevails on neighborhoods, changing alliances and families.”

“Snowfall” premieres Wednesday, July 5^th at 10/9c on @FXNetworks.

Check the photos below and the trailer.