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Barry Michael Cooper, Screenwriter of ‘New Jack City’ and More and Journalist Who Coined ‘New Jack Swing,’ Dies at 66

Barry Michael Cooper, the groundbreaking screenwriter who brought New Jack City, Sugar Hill, and Above the Rim to life, has passed away at the age of 66. His death was confirmed on Tuesday in Baltimore, Maryland, by close collaborators, including writer and filmmaker Nelson George. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.

Born and raised in Harlem, Cooper drew inspiration from the vibrant cultural and social complexities of his neighborhood. Before becoming a screenwriter, he made a name for himself as an investigative journalist, crafting deeply impactful stories for The Village Voice and Spin Magazine. His 1987 article “Teddy Riley’s New Jack Swing: Harlem Gangsters Raise a Genius” not only profiled the famed producer but also coined the term “New Jack Swing,” defining an era of music that blended R&B with hip-hop.

Cooper’s journalistic work also delved into the harrowing realities of the crack epidemic, most notably with “New Jack City Eats Its Young,” a 1987 Village Voice piece that examined the rise of drug dealers in Detroit. Similarly, his Spin Magazine story, “Crack, a Tiffany Drug at Woolworth Prices,” highlighted the devastation caused by crack cocaine in urban communities. These stories reflected his unflinching ability to capture the struggles and resilience of Black communities.

His transition to screenwriting began with New Jack City (1991), a film co-written with Thomas Lee Wright that became a cultural phenomenon. Directed by Mario Van Peebles and starring Wesley Snipes, Ice-T, and Chris Rock, the film tackled the rise of crack cocaine in Harlem and the crime it fueled. Made on a modest $8 million budget, New Jack City grossed nearly $50 million and left an enduring mark on Black cinema. It also opened doors for films like Boyz n the Hood and Menace II Society by proving that stories about urban Black life could resonate with broad audiences.

Cooper followed up with Sugar Hill and Above the Rim in 1994. Sugar Hill, starring Wesley Snipes, explored the moral complexities of two brothers entrenched in the drug trade. Above the Rim, featuring Tupac Shakur, Leon, and Marlon Wayans, offered a gripping mix of basketball and street life in Harlem. While these films didn’t achieve the same acclaim as New Jack City, they remain integral parts of Cooper’s cinematic legacy, showcasing his skill at blending intense drama with cultural authenticity.

In 2005, Cooper expanded his creative portfolio by directing Blood on the Wall$, an indie web series chronicling the tumultuous life of a TV producer. He also contributed to the third season of American Gangster, producing an episode about Larry Davis. More recently, he worked alongside Spike Lee as a producer and writer on Netflix’s adaptation of She’s Gotta Have It, further solidifying his status as a creative force in film and television.

Cooper’s impact extended beyond film and journalism to influence the broader cultural landscape. His work not only documented the struggles of Black communities but also celebrated their resilience and creativity. “Harlem is split into two periods: BC and AC—Before Crack and After Crack,” he said in a 2007 interview. “There was a profound change when that drug hit Harlem.”

Barry Michael Cooper is survived by his son, Matthew. His enduring legacy will be remembered through the stories he told, the culture he shaped, and the inspiration he provided to countless artists and storytellers.

 

 

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