After debuting the Streets is Watching short film at a private event Tuesday night (Aug. 21), Neek Bucks is unleashing the highly anticipated remake for public consumption exclusively via Billboard today (Aug. 22).
The 20-minute clip pays homage to the 20-year anniversary of JAY-Z releasing his Streets is Watching compilation back in 1998.
As an avid movie buff, the Harlem native brought his vision to life over the course of the year, working alongside a number of friends and gifted individuals to turn the inspiring flick into his own remake two decades later. “I’m very interested in film and Streets is Watching is one of my favorite hip-hop classics, so I figured I’d combine the two,” Neek tells Billboard.
Bucks brings fans on a cinematic journey through a fatal armed robbery against a rival gang. Comic relief is peppered throughout the project, making light during the most serious of moments. Various scenes turn into creative music videos for previously released tracks such as the Vino World-assisted “Ain’t No Fun” to mixing in bars from Hova’s “Streets is Watching.”
Neek wanted to properly salute JAY-Z and bring a fresh twist to a classic. “To celebrate the [film’s] 20th anniversary and pay homage to JAY-Z, I decided to team up with Trackmasters, Tone, Poke, and give the streets something fresh,” he explains. “Mix the old and legendary with something new.”
Watch Neek Bucks’ Streets is Watching remake below.
Neek Bucks – “Streets is Watching” remake from Neek Bucks on Vimeo.