#ICYMI: Bio Pic Drama Recap: Aaliyah, Whitney Houston, N.W.A

There has been a ton of drama unfolding around the many music related bio pics getting set for release, We’re gonna do our best to summarize everything we know about them just in case you missed it.

First up, many of you have probably already learned that 17 year old Disney channel star Zendaya Coleman has dropped out of playing the lead role in Lifetime’s intended bio pic about the late Hip Hop/R&B singer Aaliyah. Well, apparently Coleman’s decision came as the result of what reps for the project describe to TMZ  as “a bunch of factors” that followed a mix of audience reactions about her casting and the film in general. Aaliyah’s uncle, Barry Hankerson of Blackground Records, told TMZ that her family vowed to stop the film’s production. It seems that they weren’t satisfied with the choices being made about the film’s direction, and most certainly would not ok the use of any music. Aaliyah’s family echoed the bio related sentiments that were first expressed by Whitney Houston’s family when the news of her Lifetime flick was first announced. Hankerson made it clear that although they were completely against the Lifetime production, feeling that the network  was too small for a star as big as Aaliyah, they would be opened to a theatrical release. The Aaliyah project is currently on hold. For the record, we were interested in watching Zendya in the role.

Lifetime’s small stature is only one of the problems that Whitney Houston’s family seems to have with the network’s planned Whitney bio. The singer’s daughter Bobbi Kristina recently took to Twitter and blasted first time director, actress Angela Bassett, for admitting in an interview with Entertainment Weekly’s  Nina Terrero that Bobbi wasn’t even considered to play the title role. Bobbi has expressed her aspirations to play her mother many times. When she learned of Bassett’s remarks, Bobbi unleashed an uncensored rant, saying;

“Ha MsAng ‘bassketcase’ has such a damn nerve my lord, at least the world doesn’t mistake me for the wrong sex…she has some #XtraEquipment.”

She added, “When I win my first Grammy or Oscar, *Shrugs* hmm whichever comes 1st, I’ll be sure 2shout URname out b-tch! Hah UrTestResults = Male. Lmao.”

In an interview with theGrio, Terrero says that Bassett made her remarks about Bobbi Kristina “without a hint of malice.” Model/actress, Yaya DaCasta is cast to play Whitney Houston.

Unlike the Whitney and Aaliyah films, NWA’s highly anticipated bio pic is getting the big screen treatment, but unfortunately, one of group member’s sons has feelings that are similar to Bobbi’s. TMZ has recently reported that Lil Easy-E.(he actually goes by that name), son of NWA’s actual Easy-E, is disappointed that he won’t be playing his father.  “I am my father. I look like him. I sound like him.”

Unlike Bobbi, Lil Easy seems to be taking the disappointment in stride. He says he will promote the film in honor of his father’s memory. Easy-E died of complications related to AIDS in 1995. We feel it is important to note that O’Shea Jackson Jr., son of former NWA member, rapper/actor Ice Cube, will play his famous father. Cube is credited as a producer on the film.  N.W.A: Straight Outta Compton is set for re;ease by Universal Pictures in 2015.