The success of Straight Outta Compton has attracted interest from studios in finding more stories from late 80s L.A. rap scene. KDAY DJ Greg Mack is the latest to benefit, as Goddard Film Group has optioned the rights to his autobiography, according to Deadline.
Mack’s station, KDAY-AM was the first radio station in the country to adopt a 24-hour rap format. He became the station’s Assistant Program Director/Music Director in 1983 and was one of the main supporters of the station adopting the format. He also kept his eye out for new talent, playing MC Hammer, LL Cool J, Big Daddy Kane, Queen Latifah, and of course, N.W.A, before they broke out to a national audience.
The Mack character made a brief appearance in Straight Outta Compton, played in a cameo by director F. Gary Gray. The film will likely highlight his role in growing the rap fan base in L.A., which grew the national fanbase. Mack and his manager, Bruce Johnson, will produce the film along with a number of producers from Goddard Film Group.
Radio DJ biopics have been few and far between. Talk to Me starring Don Cheadle (Miles Ahead) as talk show DJ and activist Petey Greene was released in 2007. It will be interesting to see if Mack’s story will spark an interest in films surrounding radio stations and DJs.
Mack’s autobiography is set to hit store shelves at the end of the year. The book’s success will likely play a role in how quickly production of the movie starts.
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