Lifetime's new "Surviving Compton" title for the bio movie about R&B singer Michel'le – filmed here in July – more accurately indicates the " darker side of Compton hip-hop" dramatized in the movie.
Michel'le --who dated rapper Dr. Dre, married music executive Suge Knight, and had children with both – will narrate the film formerly called "Girl From The Hood," which premieres as "Surviving Compton: Dre, Suge & Michel'le" Saturday, Oct. 15 (8 p.m., Lifetime).
The "Suviving Compton" title refers to Michel'le overcoming domestic violence, drugs, alcohol, betrayal and corruption. And it also could be interpreted as Michel'le's comment on not being portrayed in "Straight Outta Compton," the Oscar-nominated film about Dr. Dre, gansta rappers NWA and the hip-hop explosion in the late 1980s.
Lifetime's teaser for the film says: "Behind the men who changed hip-hop is the woman who knows the truth," says the Lifetime teaser campaign for the movie.
"The first lady of Ruthless Records, who triumphed over a life riddled with abuse and adversity, is ready to share her story with the world," says the Lifetime announcement.
The movie synopsis:
"Discovered at a young age, the shy, squeaky-voiced Michel’le (Rhyon Nicole Brown) was plucked straight from South Central, Los Angeles, and catapulted into the spotlight while riding N.W.A.’s rocket ride of early success.
"Surrounded by industry visionaries from Eazy-E to Tupac Shakur, Michel’le quickly climbed the charts; but her musical successes were soon overshadowed by betrayal and corruption.
"A nearly decade-long romance with the infamous Dr. Dre (Curtis Hamilton) pushed her into a life tarnished by alcohol, drugs and violence until her savior came in the unlikely form of Suge Knight (R. Marcos Taylor), co-founder of Death Row Records and Dre’s business partner.
"Friendship would turn into a courtly romance, but the union Michel’le thought they had did not end happily-ever-after. With children from both men and a career to protect, Michel’le’s voice became silenced by Compton’s biggest power players. Until now."
Parts of the movie were filmed in Hyde Park and Middletown in July.
