‘Popstar’ Cashes in on the Hip Hop Experience

Andy Samberg as Conner4Real and admiring fan in 'Popstar.'
Andy Samberg as Conner4Real and admiring fan in ‘Popstar.’

*Hip Hop continues to be a mainstay in the U.S. culture, whether it’s music, film, TV or ads. In the latest inclusion, singer/rapper Conner4Real (Andy Samberg) faces a popularity crisis in “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping.” Conner4Real started out with the Hip Hop band Style Boyz and became the group’s breakout success story.

After leaving the group, Conner hits rock bottom when his sophomore album flops. In the interim there has been bad blood between Conner and one band member in particular. As we watch that relationship disintegrate, a lot is said about friendship.

With that in mind, I asked Samberg, co-stars Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone, collectively known as The Lonely Island in real life, what’s the key to a good and lasting friendship?

JORMA TACCONE: We’re gonna let Kiv handle this one.

AKIVA SCHAFFER: Honesty, Communication. [In unison with the other two] Keep it interesting in the bedroom.

ANDY SAMBERG: Put on a wig, put on a little teddy.

JT: Whatever works.

AK: So to speak.

What did you just say under your breath, Jorma?

 JT: [Laughs] And safe words are very important.

(L-R) Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone, and Akiva Schaffer at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in NYC. (MMoore Photo)
(L-R) Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone, and Akiva Schaffer at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in NYC. (MMoore Photo)

Why did social media also play a part in this picture?

AS: The thing that was at the forefront of what we felt was fun to play around with here was how much social media, the media and the number of outlets that exist nowadays has changed the landscape.

It goes from what is expected of an artist, what they give up of their personal lives to how real that is. This sort of relationship that musicians in the pop world have with their fans now and how genuine—or for the sake of their career—that is, and how that affects their relationships and their lives.

Also starring in the film are Tim Meadows, Maya Rudolph, Sarah Silverman, Chris Redd, Edgar Blackmon, James Buckley, and Joan Cusak. The many, many cameos listed go from Will Arnett to Jay Z.

YouTube video

Syndicated Entertainment journalist Marie Moore reports on film and TV from her New York City base. Contact her at [email protected]

Facebook.com/TheFilmStripTM      Twitter: @thefilmstrip

Instagram.com/thefilmstriptm

 

We Publish News 24/7. Don’t Miss A Story. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now!

Kim Kardashian/AI-generated
Johnny Devenanzio and Taylor Hale
Whoopi Goldberg and Serena Williams
Raising Kanan Fourth Season
Serena Williams - via screenshot
Kendrick Lamar - Depositphotos
Kendrick Lamar accepts Grammy - screenshot
Irv Gotti - Getty
blood pressure
D'Mile - screenshot
Cherelle Parker - screenshot
Read More
Kanye West and Bianca Censori on Grammy Red Carpet - screenshot
Read More
Damon Wayans
Read More
Denzel Washington - Gladiator II
Read More
Learjet after crashing - via Grok AI
Read More
Rymir Satterthwaite - screenshot
Read More
Beyond the Gates
Read More
Sunny Hostin
Read More
Amtrak
Read More
Will Smith (AI character from 'I Am Legend 2'
Read More

POPULAR

Kim Kardashian/AI-generated
Kim Kardashian Launches New Skims Shapewear Line for a 'Bigger, Rounder' Butt | Video
Johnny Devenanzio and Taylor Hale
Reality TV Star Under Fire for Controversial Gorilla Emoji at 'Big Brother' Winner Taylor Hale
Whoopi Goldberg and Serena Williams
Whoopi Goldberg Shuts Down Stephen A. Smith Over Serena Williams–Drake Super Bowl Debate
Raising Kanan Fourth Season
New Trailer for 'Power Book III: Raising Kanan' Hints at Intense Season 4 | Watch
Serena Williams - via screenshot
Serena Williams Reveals Kendrick Lamar Requested Her Crip Walk Performance - That's it. No 'Git Back' at Drake
Kendrick Lamar - Depositphotos
Kendrick Lamar's Middle School Teacher Recalls His Passion for Storytelling
Kendrick Lamar accepts Grammy - screenshot
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show Breaks Records
Irv Gotti - Getty
Irv Gotti's Family Expects a Packed Church for His Funeral at Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral
blood pressure
Research Finds Isometric Exercises Most Effective for Lowering Blood Pressure Levels
1 2 3 8,553