Barry Michael Cooper, the visionary journalist and screenwriter behind iconic films like Above the Rim, New Jack City, and Sugar Hill, has passed away at the age of 66. His death was confirmed by the Maryland Chief Medical Examiner’s Office on January 22 in Baltimore. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Barry Michael Cooper: A Trailblazer in Black Cinema
Born and raised in Harlem, Cooper drew inspiration from the vibrant culture and harsh realities of his community. He once described Harlem as “split into two periods: BC and AC, Before Crack and After Crack,” capturing the profound impact of the crack epidemic. This perspective fueled his investigative journalism for The Village Voice and Spin Magazine, where he penned groundbreaking pieces like “Crack, a Tiffany Drug at Woolworth Prices” and “New Jack City Eats Its Young.”
Cooper’s transition from journalism to screenwriting solidified his legacy. His debut screenplay, New Jack City (1991), chronicled the rise of a ruthless crack empire. The film, starring Wesley Snipes, Ice-T, and Chris Rock, became a cultural phenomenon. “New Jack City opened the doors for films like Boyz n the Hood and Menace II Society,” Cooper reflected in a 2007 interview.
His follow-up projects, Sugar Hill (1994) and Above the Rim (1994), cemented his place in what became known as “New Jack Cinema.” Above the Rim, featuring Tupac Shakur, explored the intersection of basketball and Harlem’s drug underworld.
A Lasting Legacy
Beyond film, Cooper contributed to television, producing for Spike Lee’s She’s Gotta Have It on Netflix and BET’s American Gangster. He also coined the term “New Jack Swing” in a 1987 article about music producer Teddy Riley, influencing an entire musical genre.
Cooper’s final social media post, made on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, reflected his enduring commitment to community and justice. He wrote, “Am I My Brother’s Keeper? – Baltimore, Md.”
Barry Michael Cooper’s storytelling changed the cultural landscape, shining a light on the struggles and triumphs of Black communities. His words and films will inspire generations to come.