Barry Michael Cooper, Screenwriter of ‘New Jack City’ and ‘Above the Rim,’ Passes Away at 66

Barry Michael Cooper, the acclaimed journalist and screenwriter whose work defined an era of storytelling in the 1990s, passed away on January 22, 2025, at the age of 66.
Barry Michael Cooper

Barry Michael Cooper, the acclaimed journalist and screenwriter whose work defined an era of storytelling in the 1990s, passed away on January 22, 2025, at the age of 66. The news was shared by writer Nelson George.

Cooper’s screenplays include films like New Jack City, Above the Rim, and Sugar Hill. He used his pen as a tool to shed light on the complexities of street culture and its impact on Black communities. Before making his mark in Hollywood, he wrote for outlets like The Village Voice and Spin Magazine. His first piece of literary work was a thought-provoking exposé titled New Jack City Eats Its Young in The Village Voice.

Born in Harlem, New York, and raised in the rough, dynamic streets of East Harlem, Cooper had a unique perspective on the challenges faced by Black communities in America. This foundation shaped much of his work, allowing him to authentically capture the struggles, triumphs, and heartbreaks of inner-city life. He went to City College of New York, helping to further nurture his storytelling abilities.

Cooper’s screenplay for the 1991 film New Jack City was iconic. It gave audiences a vivid portrayal of the crack epidemic and its devastating toll on inner-city neighborhoods. Starring Wesley Snipes as the menacing Nino Brown, the film has become a cultural classic. Alongside Snipes, the film introduced audiences to Chris Rock, Ice-T, and a host of other unforgettable characters.

His work extended beyond New Jack City. Sugar Hill (1994) delved into the world of crime and vengeance, while Above the Rim (1994), starring Tupac Shakur, became a classic sports drama.

In addition to his film work, Cooper also dabbled in television, serving as the producer for the 2017-2019 series She’s Gotta Have It, based on Spike Lee’s classic film.

Cooper’s last Instagram post celebrated Martin Luther King Jr.‘s birthday on January 15. His passing is a great loss to the creative world, but his work will live on, inspiring future generations to tell their own stories with the same courage, authenticity, and depth that he brought to his craft.

Rest in peace, Barry.

Photo Credit: Instagram – @bmcharlemworld

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