Starring: Wesley Snipes, Ice-T, Judd Nelson, Mario Van Peebles, Allen Payne, Chris Rock

From its controversial release to its current status as a classic crime thriller and hip-hop film, New Jack City is a gritty look at NYC’s crack epidemic, centered on drug kingpin Nino Brown and streetwise cop Scotty Appleton. Director Mario Van Peebles’ low-budget smash created a widespread influence on film, music and American vernacular, bolstered by breakthrough performances from young stars Wesley Snipes, Ice-T and Chris Rock.

Ben Apatoff is the author of the Bloomsbury 33 1/3 series book Body Count (33 1/3), the first-ever book about Ice-T’s hardcore band famous for revolutionary songs like “There Goes the Neighborhood” and “Cop Killer.” He will introduce the film with a brief discussion of Ice-T’s acting career, and books will be available for sale before and after the screening.