Introduction:
When Boyz N The Hood came out in 1991, it was hailed for its stunning depiction of life in South Central LA. The film received many accolades and sold out theatres across the country. However, there are still several lesser-known facts about the film that fans may not know. In this blog post, we'll explore 7 fascinating things you didn't know about Boyz 'N The Hood.
1. Will Smith was initially offered the role of Tre Styles.
Will Smith was originally considered for the role of Tre. However, due to his commitment to his TV sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," he turned down the offer and the role ultimately went to Cuba Gooding Jr.
2. The film is largely autobiographical.
John Singleton was only 21 years old when he wrote the script for Boyz N The Hood, drawing inspiration from his own life experiences as a child. In the film, for instance, Tre is sent to live with his dad in a different part of town while his mom works and goes to school – something that Singleton experienced growing up in LA. He went a step farther and even dramatized the moment when his dad shot at a burglar!
3. The opening and closing scenes are inspired by the 1986 film “Stand By Me.”
According to producer Steve Nicolaides, John Singleton enlisted him to work on the film because of his prior involvement in "Stand By Me," a Singleton fave. To pay homage to the classic movie, Singleton included several references in his own film. The film opens with Tre inviting his friends to see a dead body, a scene that draws inspiration from “Stand by me.” Boyz N The Hood also ends with a fade out effect of Doughboy, another inspired effect from “Stand By Me"
4. There’s an Eazy-E diss in the film.
It’s no secret that Ice Cube and members of NWA were having issues. By the time he was cast in the film, Ice Cube had already left the group. Singleton included a subtle diss in the film, when he asked Cube to bring Eazy-E shirts on set. There’s a scene where a crack addict attempts to steal Doughboy’s chain; Dooky immediately chases down the assailant and throws a few punches in there as well.
5. There was real-life tension when the film opened in theatres.
The film depicts conflict between the infamous Bloods and Crips, two notorious gangs in South Central LA. When the film opened in movie theatres across the country, there were reports of riots and gang violence with 21 theatres eventually pulling the movie. On opening night, a riot in a theatre left 2 moviegoers dead with over 30 reported injuries. Some cited the film as being responsible for the violence.
6. When Ice Cube poured out his alcohol at the film’s end…
Ice Cube was a spokesperson for the malt liquor brand, St. Ides. However, when the company came under fire for controversial advertisements in the early '90s, Cube opted to discontinue his association with the brand. In the final scenes of the film, Doughboy is depicted pouring out a bottle of alcohol as an act of respect towards the deceased, but the gesture also symbolizes Cube's termination of his sponsorship with the brand.
7. Singleton made history as the first Black and youngest director nominated for an Academy Award.
At the 64th Academy Awards, the film was nominated for both Best Director and Best Original Screenplay, catapulting Singleton into history as the youngest individual ever to be nominated for Best Director and the first African American to receive such recognition. Although it didn't win an Oscar, the film was a significant milestone in Black cinema.
Conclusion:
Boyz N the Hood told the often underrepresented story of violence, gang warfare, friendship, and family in Black neighbourhoods and households. It's been catapulted into history as a symbol of exceptional Black cinematography, and Black storytelling.