*Q-Tip will serve as the music producer and co-lyricist for an upcoming musical about Muhammad Ali.
“Ali” will debut at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts in Ali’s Hometown, Louisville, in fall 2024, with plans for a Broadway debut in 2025, Variety reports.
“His childhood in Louisville, Kentucky, along with love and unconditional support from his mother (and later from his wife Lonnie), set the stage for him to become the greatest boxer of all time. Ali was a formidable fighter. But the toughest battles he faced were often out of the ring,” reads a statement on the production’s official website.
“Muhammad Ali has been an inspiration for me my entire life,” rapper/producer Q-Tip said, Variety reports. “I look forward to working with Teddy, Clint, Casey, Sean and the entire creative team in telling the great man’s story in this form.”
Q-Tip joins the production led by producer Richard Willis, composer Teddy Abrams, director and author Clint Dyer, associate music producer Casey Benjamin, and music supervisor Sean Mayes, per Variety.
“We are beyond delighted and grateful to have the living legend, Q-Tip, join this extraordinary creative team on ‘Ali,’” said Willis. “Q-Tip’s artistry, knowledge and experience is unmatched. If that wasn’t enough, to also have the incredible Casey Benjamin and brilliant Sean Mayes joining the team makes this all feel a bit surreal yet fitting for The Greatest.”
The official “Ali” website describes the famed heavyweight boxing champion as “an outspoken advocate for social justice and equality.”
“His combination of courage, swagger, compassion, wit, and charisma galvanized people during The American Civil Rights Movement. His vision for a world without hate has inspired generations of activists who continue to fight for social change today,” the statement continues.
“I am thrilled to be working with Q-Tip, who is one of my music heroes and the perfect person to join us in telling Muhammad Ali’s story, as well as the uber-talented Casey and Sean,” said Dyer. “Q-Tip is most definitely one of hip-hop’s biggest artists and a great collaborator/producer. Co-writing the lyrics for ‘Ali’ with him will be an honor.”
“We are incredibly fortunate to have Q-Tip, Casey, and Sean join the music team,” added Adams. “They are all world-class talents with tremendous musical vision and knowledge; they are already bringing exceptional energy and inspiration to the musical.”
READ MORE: Michael B. Jordan Announces Muhammad Ali TV Series with Amazon Prime
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