Next month, Roots frontman Black Thought will star in actor Mark Webber’s anticipated independent film Explicit Ills.
The drama revolves around characters in four interconnected stories trying to succeed in Philadelphia amid struggles with love, drugs, and poverty.
Black Thought (Tariq Trotter) plays the role of Kaleef, a fledgling entrepreneur who labors to get his health store off the ground while finding romance with a single mom (Naomie Harris).
Per early festival screenings of the film last year, the project has already generated positive buzz throughout the industry.
“Mark Webber has crafted a wonderfully rich, original and moving tale,” stated Mark Balsam, U.S. Distribution for Peach Arch. “We’re excited about bringing this film to audiences nationwide.”
Explicit Ills also stars Rosario Dawson, Paul Dano, Lou Taylor Pucci, Frankie Shaw, and 7-year old Francisco Burgos in his film debut.
Executive producer Jim Jarmusch anticipates moviegoers will be impressed by the exceptional work from the diverse ensemble cast.
“We’re thrilled to have Peach Arch on board to release the film,” Jarmusch explained. “This project has such personal resonance for me, and it also represents the hard work of a lot of very talented people.”
The movie debuts in New York City on March 6, Philadelphia on March 13, and Los Angeles theaters on March 20.
At press time, Black Thought and the Roots are working on their eleventh album, tentatively titled How I Got Over.