Way Back: King of New York (1990)

On September 28th, 1990, King of New York made its debut in US theaters. The Abel Ferrara directed film brought neo-noir to the 90’s, and would set the standard for the rest of the decade.

The story is centered around drug lord, Frank White (Christopher Walken). Fresh off of his release from prison, he looks to re-establish his dominance in New York, using only the most vicious of methods after his attempts at changing are dismissed. Frank always keeps his cool, but he and his crew strike total fear in the hearts of rival gangs and the increasingly vigilant police force.

While some critics panned the script and the violence, the movie saw career-making performances from a few actors. Wesley Snipes used this detective role to build on what he did in the “Bad” music video and Mo’ Better Blues to land the lead in New Jack City. Laurence Fishburne’s energy as Frank White’s left hand man made him a regular starring actor for the duration of his career. Giancarlo Esposito and Steve Buscemi, who played bit roles as Frank’s henchmen went on to have some of Hollywood’s best filmographies, with some notable hits.

While it wasn’t a major box office success, it’s impact on hip-hop was undeniable. It’s one of the first films to feature a soundtrack that put rap at the forefront. For the first time, rap was the theme music to a major motion picture. Several hard Schooly D tracks played appropriately over the scenes in the gritty New York that Frank White inhabited.

Biggie shouted Frank White on a regular basis. Common and Q-Tip used a clip from the film on “Stolen Moments”. A reference to King of New York can be found on Big Pun’s first album. Jadakiss used Frank’s hotel recruitment line on “We Gon’ Make It”. Maybe this movie isn’t exactly a household name, but it more than earned its place within hip hop culture. Rappers and producers both recognized the authenticity in Ferrara’s story and have kept the cult classic alive for over three decades.