You’re Nobody ‘Til Somebody Kills You

By Kim Webster

LONG BEACH CA – Director, producer and CEO of Black Noise Media Michael A. Pinckney has always been a fan of hip-hop and slasher films like Halloween, Scream and classic Alfred Hitchcock episodes. That’s the inspiration behind his latest film “You’re Nobody ‘Til Somebody Kills You.” “Some rappers rap about death and the interesting thing is that they are more famous dead than alive,” said Pinckney. This first installment in a trilogy of films presents a serial killer who targets rappers. An all-star cast includes Michael Kenneth Williams (The Wire), Michael Mosley (Pan Am), Chance Kelly (Body of Proof), Suzette Gunn (Cadillac Records), Ed Lover, Doug E. Fresh, and Big Daddy Kane. Pinckney recently showed a “teaser” of the film at the 757 Café and Bakery in Long Beach CA. The brief viewing had the audience definitely wanting more! All the elements of a thriller are there: blood, mystery, wit, and thriller entertainment.

Pinckney hails from Brooklyn, NY and worked with Spike Lee for twelve years on several films including “Inside Man,” “Summer of Sam,” and “25th Hour.” He credits Spike as his mentor, saying that “he gave me a shot and I feel it is my obligation to give other young people a shot.” Through his Black Noise Media Foundation, he mentors young people. “It’s great to have young people get hands-on experience. They have to see it getting done by someone who looks like them,” said Pinckney.