Now I know you read the title and probably have a few questions but just walk with me here. Something people don’t know about me is my obsession with biopics, namely biopics about musicians. Something about the chronicling of one’s life story has always been so fascinating to me.  Some of the best biopics of all time (and you can quote me) are The Temptations and The New Edition Story. I have rewatched these multiple times and I’m trying to give it some more time before my next rewatch so I can enjoy it all over again. These historic groups had an intriguing story that had to be told but it’s also how it was told that leaves viewers like myself feeling rapturous. Both biopics being done as miniseries instead of crammed into a 90-minute movie contributes to the magic. I had goosebumps when I watched both for the first time and each time I watch I’m overcome with emotions. You are truly immersed in their stories and because you watched them grow up, it feels like you actually watched them grow up. 

Something I think about now as I observe the celebrities in the media is “Who are our icons?” Icons are not made overnight. Many people are extremely talented and hungry but that doesn’t mean they are an icon. You are not necessarily born an icon, you become one. Micheal Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Beyonce are examples of icons, they transcend generations. I loved hearing stories of my mom enjoying these artists as a young woman and now I relate to her experiences decades later. Each time I think about all of our “greats,” I wonder who else will still be standing and whose work will continue to capture the attention of generations 20+ years from now.  I’d say the last real provocative era of pop culture was probably up until 2018 with 2016 being the peak. The “twenty-teens” were so interesting when it came to art, fashion, music, social media, and tea on a regular basis. I used to say “I wonder if this was what it was like growing up in the 90s and early 2000s.” I felt as if I had my chance to witness another pop renaissance. 

Who will be next in line for the title of an icon? Some names on the ballot for potentials that show promise have been Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, Doechii, Chloe Bailey, etc…. Now the real reason I want to know is because I’m thinking of future biopics 20-30 years from now. Some artists that I grew up with whose life stories would make for interesting biopics include Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Justin Bieber, Lauryn Hill, Kanye West, Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Miley Cyrus, Migos, etc. Aside from being talented, what these people also have in common is that they are provocative and coveted. They have been poked, prodded, critiqued, and idolized throughout their careers. People want to know all about them so when some tea about them hits the net, it’s a wildfire. Some major moments include Mariah vs Eminem, Miley vs Black culture, Nicki vs female rappers (honestly too many to list, no shade), Kanye vs the World, Migos vs Joe Budden, and also Migos vs Migos. There are quite a few moments of celebrities’ lives that I (respectfully) have acknowledged would be so good in their biopics. (Is it weird or very real that I also consider moments in my life that would make for a good scene in a biopic? The answer may be yes and I’m okay with that.)

You may wonder what New Edition and Migos have in common and I’d say they have more in common than you think. Both are iconic male groups with unsuspecting breakout stars. I specifically see a few parallels in Bobby Brown and Offset, so let’s go through some of them! Both were married to coveted female artists who are extremely successful which contributed to them being in the spotlight even more (Note: Cardi B has filed for divorce and the two are separated). Both men’s marriages and families were complimentary to their careers and image. Both have been in the blogs for promiscuous behavior and infidelity. Both were in tumultuous marriages that led them to receive criticism. Both were not the lead artist in their music groups but left their groups and went on to have some success in their solo careers. Both also experienced tragic deaths of loved ones that were sensationalized by the media  (R.I.P. Whitney Houston, Bobbi Christina, and Takeoff). What makes this even more trippy is that Offset was a backup dancer in Whitney Houston’s music video for the single “Whatchulookinat.” I was reminded of this fact while researching…the Invisible String Theory y’all!

Remember when I said The New Edition Story is one of the best biopics of all time? Well, its spinoff miniseries, The Bobby Brown Story was also top-tier! Now that is also something I enjoy watching again and again. The juxtaposition of Bobby Brown’s life and his life in connection to New Edition and Whitney Houston really embodied the phrase “There are three sides to every story, your side, their side, and the truth which is a combination of the two.” This is why I believe Offset’s story could make for an interesting biopic because of his life and connection to the Migos and Cardi B. Bobby Brown played a part in his biopic, as well as Whitney Houston’s and New Edition’s biopics. Hypothetically, I see the same parallel for Offset (especially if his career rises) playing a part in Cardi’s, the Migos’, and his own biopic. Again, I’m speaking hypothetically, but since Cardi B and Offset are only in their early 30s, they still have a lot of life to live so maybe 20 or 30 years from now, my hypothetical will become an actual thing. If so, I’ll be looking forward to an invite to the red carpet premiere screening and telling random people how I wrote about this moment happening in my 20s (I have a lovely imagination, don’t hateee).

There’s something that I imagine is very gratifying and vindicating yet humbling about finally telling your story after having the media tell parts of what they think is your story for years. Most of us aren’t celebrities but we all have our own stories and are a part of other people’s stories. Diaries, journals, scrapbooks, vlogs or whatever else may not be for you but I believe it is important to document parts of your life story however you see fit. I see more people trying to get back in touch with developing pictures for example, which I love because not everything has to be digital (shout out to tangible records). Make more special moments and document them however you see fit!