John Singleton: Interviews

John Singleton (1968-2019) rocketed from obscurity to the top ranks of Hollywood directors in 1991, when he released his debut film Boyz N the Hood. The poignant coming-of-age story, set in the streets of south central Los Angeles, where Singleton grew up amid gang violence and hip-hop music, earned him Oscar nominations for best original screenplay and best directing. Only twenty-three at the time, he was hailed as a wunderkind and compared to the young Orson Welles. Some have credited him with the mainstreaming of hip-hop music and style in cinema.

John Singleton: Interviews spans his transformation from USC film school sensation to seasoned director and producer. The collection includes lengthy interviews, in-depth profiles, and up-close glimpses of Singleton filming on location.

Since his auspicious debut, Singleton has continued to make gritty, character-driven "hood movies" that still speak to a mainstream audience. He has made films in a variety of genres, including romance (Poetic Justice), satire (Baby Boy), action (Shaft, 2 Fast 2 Furious), revenge drama (Four Brothers), and historical drama (Rosewood).