judas and the black messiah

based on a true story

Judas and the Black Messiah is based on the real-life events surrounding the assassination of Fred Hampton, chairman of the Illinois Black Panther Party in 1969. The film explores the complex relationship between Hampton and William O'Neal, the FBI informant who betrayed him.

The movie delves into the FBI's COINTELPRO program, which aimed to disrupt and discredit political organizations deemed subversive, including the Black Panthers. It highlights the systemic racism and government overreach that led to Hampton's death.

Working on Judas and the Black Messiah wasn’t just another job—it was an experience that shifted something in me. This was my second major motion picture as a producer’s assistant, and when I found out I’d be in Cleveland for the rest of the shoot, it was bittersweet. I was hyped to be part of something this important, but man, that Midwest winter hits a bit different. Cold as sh*t! But beyond the weather, this film pressed me in ways I didn’t expect.

I worked alongside the original Proximity Media family, day in and day out, on a project that was more than just a movie. This was a moment. A tribute to Chairman Fred Hampton and the Chicago chapter of the Black Panther Party. From the jump, it felt like we were being watched, like someone was waiting for us to slip up so this story wouldn’t make it to the screen. But we pushed through, grinding for 40+ days in the freezing Cleveland air, knowing the weight of what we were creating.

One of the most pivotal parts of my role was working directly with Chairman Fred Hampton Jr., going over the script scene by scene. Every night after wrap, we’d post up in the hotel lobby, breaking it all down, making sure the film wasn’t just cinematic but authentic. We would then take these notes to the Prox team and share them with the director, Shaka King, who ultimately had the final say on what to implement while ensuring the story’s integrity remained intact.

It wasn’t easy. There were moments when it felt like we were hitting a brick wall, trying to balance truth with storytelling. But that’s what Proximity is built on—telling real stories the right way. We weren’t just visitors in these communities; Shaka and the producing team made it a point to engage, standing shoulder to shoulder with Chairman Fred’s family to ensure their voices were honored. This wasn’t just about making a movie, it was about making sure the movement and the message lived on.

Chairman Fred Jr. once told me, “No one comes in contact with the politics and leaves unaffected.” And he was right. I’ve always prided myself on being a solid dude, but being around that energy? It reassured me. It gave me a deeper sense of pride in where I come from, and what I stand for. Judas and the Black Messiah was the project that made me realize that I wasn’t doing just any job. I was helping to build something that would stand the test of time, making sure these stories weren’t just told, but told as legit as can be. Authentic, impactful, and undeniable.

D’Angelo “D’Lo” Louis
Assistant to Ryan Coogler on the set of Judas and the Black Messiah

Grammy Award-winning Judas and the Black Messiah: The Inspired Album is a star-studded collaborative album that supports the feature film, Judas and the Black Messiah. Executive produced by Hit-Boy and with appearances from Jay-Z, Nipsey Hussle, A$AP Rocky, Rakim, H.E.R., Nardo Wick, and Polo G, the soundtrack gives an exemplary nod to legendary, current, and rising artists. Based in Chicago highlighting the story of Fred Hampton it also masterfully incorporates some of Chicago’s most prominent stars such as G Herbo, BJ The Chicago Kid, and Lil Durk, to name a few.

Judas and the Black Messiah: The Inspired Album peaked at number 1 on Billboard’s U.S. Soundtrack Albums and number 12 on the Billboard 200 chart. It also earned nominations from Black Reel Awards, Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Grammy Awards, Hollywood Music in Media Awards, and NAACP Awards. Individual tracks that captured critical acclaim are “What It Feels Like” by Nipsey Hussle and Jay-Z, which won the Impact Track and the Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse categories at the BET Hip Hop Awards. While “Fight For You” by H.E.R. won an Academy Award for Best Original Song and a Grammy for Best Traditional R&B Performance.