Fredro Starr’s The Tunnel: A Hip-Hop Legacy on the Big Screen

Directorial Debut

Fredro Starr—renowned rapper and actor from the iconic group Onyx—is stepping into new territory with his first directorial project, The Tunnel. The film is a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of New York City’s legendary hip-hop nightclub scene of the 1990s.

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One Night, Life-Changing Choices

The story takes place over the course of a single night inside the famed Tunnel nightclub, following a college athlete as he faces pivotal decisions about love, loyalty, and his future. It’s a night that challenges his identity and leaves a lasting mark.

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Honoring a Cultural Institution

The real Tunnel nightclub, located in the historic Terminal Warehouse, thrived from 1986 to 2001. More than just a venue, it became a beating heart of hip-hop culture—hosting unforgettable nights that continue to live on in music history and urban folklore.

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Rooted in Personal Experience

The Tunnel draws inspiration from Starr’s own life and even references his memoir, BACDAFUCUP: The Story of Onyx. The film doubles as both a personal reflection and a tribute to the explosion of Black and brown creativity that defined the era.

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Script and Casting

Written by Starr and Jason Latief Anderson, the film stars rising talent Deyshaun Tucker in the lead role. Production kicked off in June 2025 in New York City, promising an authentic, ground-level retelling of a cultural moment.

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Why The Tunnel Matters

• Marks a major milestone for Fredro Starr, as he transitions from music and acting into directing.
• Revives the spirit of a legendary venue that shaped hip-hop’s golden years.
• Represents a deeply personal, passion-driven project that fuses memory, culture, and storytelling into one cinematic vision.