On November 13, Harlem rapper Jim Jones performed in what will be his last performance of the Damon Dash and J. Kyle Manzay produced “Hip Hop Monologues: Inside The Life And Mind Of Jim Jones”, an Off-Broadway musical that revolves around the life and music of Jim Jones. The two-day only play pulled in a packed audience of fans, media, and celebrities such as Juelz Santana, Busta Rhymes, and Malik Yoba.
A bold venture by Jones, “Hip Hop Monologues” proved to be an interesting mix of music, off-beat acting, and humorous wisecracks.
Jimmy’s journey begins when he is bombarded by groupies, media, and his homeboys in his native Harlem. The festivities are cut short when a game of dice is interrupted by gunfire. The crooked cops have it in for our Hip Hop protagonist and an innocent Jones is linked to the shooting and placed in jail.
Jones is given a second chance by a generous judge, played by Dr. Benjamin Chavis, but in order to receive his second chance he must complete three important tasks which include: attending a sex addicts anonymous meeting, talking to the children, and last but not least apologizing to women.
The rest of the play begins to unfold as Jones attempts to take on the three tasks handed to him by the judge while also dealing with fake friends, relationship problems, and more.
“Hip Hop Monologues” has several questionable moments. For example, a sex scene with Jim and one of his side chick’s is almost immediately followed by a tribute to Stack Bundles creating a bizarre segue. And a heartfelt apology from Jim Jones to the women who are offended by his music is followed by a song with a chorus that proclaims, “This is for my bitches”.
With the birth of Jones’ son we have our happy ending and Jones is soon joined onstage by fellow rapper Juelz Santana for a musical finale that is a little too reminiscent of Saturday night at the club, champagne and all.
No matter how people may perceive Jim Jones’ theatrical debut, the celebrity reporter in the “Hip Hop Monologues” said it best, no matter what Jim Jones will continue to, “Speak his mind and defy the odds”.