Hip Hop Mourns the Loss of Barry Michael Cooper, Writer of Iconic Films

January 23, 2025 8

The Hip Hop community is mourning the loss of Barry Michael Cooper, the legendary screenwriter behind iconic films like New Jack City and Above the Rim. Cooper passed away on Tuesday, January 22, at the age of 66. While the cause of death has not yet been disclosed, his impact on music, film, and culture remains undeniable.

Celebrating a Storied Career

Barry Michael Cooper’s career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on Hip Hop and film. In addition to his work on New Jack City and Above the Rim, he also wrote the Wesley Snipes-led Sugar Hill and contributed to Netflix’s adaptation of She’s Gotta Have It. Cooper’s influence extended beyond the screen; he coined the term “New Jack Swing” in the 1980s, defining a transformative R&B subgenre led by artists like Teddy Riley.

Veteran record executive Dante Ross highlighted the writer’s enduring legacy:

“His Harlem trilogy of flicks, New Jack City, Sugar Hill, and Above The Rim were beyond influential in terms of Hip Hop cinema. They literally changed the game.”

New Jack City’s cultural significance is undeniable, inspiring references in music by artists like Nas, The Notorious B.I.G., Lil Wayne, and Kanye West. For more insights into its Hip Hop connections, visit HipHopDX.

Tributes from the Hip Hop Community

Cooper’s passing was announced by writer Nelson George on Substack. Reflecting on their shared history, George wrote:

“Barry Michael Cooper died today in Baltimore, according to his son Mathew. It’ll take me a minute to gather all my thoughts, but just wanted to thank him for recommending me to Robert Christgau at The Village Voice back in 1981. It was a key moment in my career and life.”

Fellow writer Cheo Hodari Coker honored Cooper on social media, saying:

“DAMMIT! One of my heroes and a good friend. RIP @BarryMichaelC. I hope George Jackson and Gary Harris were right at the gates waiting for you.”

Miss Info shared an image of Cooper’s Village Voice article that popularized “New Jack Swing,” a style blending R&B and Hip Hop influences. Learn more about this groundbreaking movement on The Village Voice Archives.

Lasting Impact on Hip Hop

Barry Michael Cooper’s films didn’t just resonate with audiences—they redefined what Hip Hop cinema could be. New Jack City, for example, featured rap icons like Ice-T and Flavor Flav, while Above the Rim starred 2Pac. These movies weren’t merely entertainment; they became cultural artifacts shaping the narratives of the 1990s and beyond.

Jeff Sledge, a veteran A&R, wrote on Instagram:

“Lost a Harlem legend today. Barry Michael Cooper @bmcharlemworld wrote New Jack City, Sugar Hill, and Above The Rim. He also created the term ‘New Jack Swing’. We became friendly via DMs and had some great conversations. Very sad to hear this news.”

For fans of Barry Michael Cooper’s work, his legacy serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling in shaping cultural history. As KLC from No Limit Records put it:

“All of those movies are still ICONIC. Rest well, STRENGTH & PRAYERS!!!!!”

The Hip Hop community has lost a visionary, but Barry Michael Cooper’s contributions to music and film will live on. Explore the history of his impact further on platforms like AllHipHop.

Written by: Power Radio

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